Dealing with the Loss of a Grandparent as a Child  The loss of a grandparent can be particularly hard for young children, especially ones that might be too young to really grasp what has happened. In addition to being a difficult time of loss for you, the whole funeral process can be both overwhelming and…

Given the events of the last two years, it has not always been possible for everyone to attend a memorial service that would have liked to. Whether for geographical, logistical, or health reasons, family members and friends haven’t always been able to be on-site to help mourn the loss of a loved one, which is…

Keeping a Proactive Mindset Funeral pre-planning is a beautiful gift of preparation and anticipation, both for yourself and for your friends and family. It means that one of the most difficult aspects of saying goodbye has already been taken care of. One of the keys to successful and impactful funeral planning is to keep a…

There are important differences to understand between pre-paid funerals and life insurance. Make no mistake.  Life insurance is important.  Should you die suddenly and unexpectedly, a life insurance policy could save your survivors from all kinds of financial hardships such as mortgage payments, car payments, living expenses, and even your funeral. So, you might think,…

Grief is often a lonely experience.  Those grieving a loss often withdraw because they do not want to impose on others.  As a friend or family member of a person stricken with grief, it is normal to have the desire to help, but also challenged about how to be helpful. Here are 5 ways you…

Have you ever thought about your carbon footprint after you are gone? Many people strive to make choices that reduce the impact their life has on the environment.  These choices include being mindful about energy use, water conservation, dietary choices, and reusable or recyclable packaging. Here are 5 ways you can make your funeral more…

After someone has lost a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to say to them. This is especially true when their loved one has died from completing suicide. Here are 9 ways to being a conversation when someone has lost their loved one. 1. Tell me a good memory you have of…

Losing someone to suicide is shocking, painful and unexpected. Part of being a survivor is to aim to adjust to life without your loved one. Grief work is often complex, intense and long term. There is healing and survivors will begin to enjoy life once again. 15 Ways to Honor Your Loved Ones 1. Plant…

Showing care and concern towards someone who is contemplating or threatening suicide could ultimately change the outcome of their decision. Many times, their threats are an outcry for help or an attempt to voice their feelings in the only way they know how. Ask if they are OK. Though this seems like a logical question…

The warning signs of suicide can sometimes go undetected. IS PATH WARM? Is a way to help remember the signs of threat. I Ideation: Threatening or talking about wanting to hurt/kill him/herself; looking for ways to kill him/herself; talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary S…

As September 10th, otherwise known as World Suicide Prevention Day approaches it is our goal to spread awareness about suicide and how to prevent it from occurring. 6 Statistics of Suicide: Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds,. 4th leading cause of death among 35-54 year olds, and  8th leading…

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through the dedicated call center number…

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. If someone you love has died of the novel coronavirus, it is likely that you are facing a number of challenging circumstances. Grief is always difficult, but it is especially difficult whenever a death is sudden, unexpected, and unfolds in ways that violate our expectations and puts up barriers to…

Dear Families of Rochester and surrounding communities, Vay-Schleich & Meeson has served this community since 1927 and we stand ready to help you now. Even prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the safety and well-being of you, your family and your friends has always been of utmost importance to us. We will remain open and our experienced,…

Sydney LePage of Spencerport, a hospice nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester, has been honored with the Caring for Caregivers Award from Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Homes. LePage was nominated by a former patient’s family who described her as dedicated and caring throughout and after their hospice experience. They said LePage is a wonderful…

  Ann Randazzo, LPN The Sunset House

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