LEARN HOW:
A Living Legacy
The National World War II Memorial in Washington DC stands as a testament to the tens of millions of Americans who contributed to the war effort. But did you know it took almost 15 years from concept to creation? During this interactive presentation we will talk about American culture during and after the war, the architectural symbolism of the memorial itself, and help you learn how to submit names to the memorial’s registry for all those involved in the war effort abroad or at home.
Honoring Our Heroes: Information on Veterans Benefits
Did you know that Arlington National Cemetery was once Civil War General Robert E. Lee’s front yard? Did you know there are more than 125 national cemeteries in the United States and that the Department of Veteran Affairs provides a number of memorialization benefits to veterans and their spouses that can save thousands of dollars? Come learn about our national cemetery system and these Veterans benefits in an informative and interesting presentation.
“I Wish We Would’ve Talked About This”
This presentation focuses on the importance of having sometimes difficult but very meaningful conversations with your loved ones about funeral arrangements. Knowing ahead-of-time allows the family to honor their loved one with confidence.
KNOW WHY:
Breathing Under Water: The Value of Grief
Because grief is painful and foreign, many people try to avoid the emotional pain of a death. Ceremonies and times of memory can be powerful tools for opening grief up in a healthy and safe way. This presentation focuses on the power of ceremony and significance of the grief experience.
Cremation & Ceremony
Many families are unaware that when they want their loved one cremated they can still have a visitation, a small ceremony or a full-fledged funeral service. We strive to provide all of our families with healing and meaningful services and believe that as the cremation experts we need to better educate the public about the many options cremation makes possible.
Faith Traditions: Diversity in Funeral Customs
Many faith traditions have unique rituals and customs specific to the funerary honors. This presentation outlines specific customs of the Buddhist, Hindu, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, LDS & Muslim faiths.
Get in the Bucket: Helping Friends Grieve
This interactive presentation offers suggestions on how to come alongside a bereaved person and offer meaningful support. Learn about what to say to a grieving person and other ways that you can be of real help at this time of crisis.
Grief and Contemporary Theories
Grief is a normal and natural response to the loss of someone important to you. This presentation explores the current research on grief and looks at how we can apply this knowledge to best help and support the bereaved.
WHAT TO DO:
Handling the Holidays: Making Sense of Grief
Holidays are hard under the best of circumstances. But when you’re grieving, what is normally manageable can become overwhelming. This presentation offers helpful coping strategies on how to approach the holidays with intentionality and direction.
Telling the Story: The Value of Personalizing Ceremony
We find many families are moving away from traditional funeral models and opting for a more story-focused approach that is tailored to their loved one’s life. At O’Connor, we specialize in telling life stories with a unique touch to give families a service unlike any other. This presentation focuses on personalization options, Funeral Celebrants and The Memory Keeper.
Unmasking the Mysteries: The Mortuary Tour
Go behind-the-scenes in this exclusive, guided tour with one of the O’Connor Mortuary owners. On this tour you will see our Care Center and state-of-the-art Crematorium. All of your questions about mortuaries can be answered at this unique event. 2.0 hours of CEU credit are available free of charge.
What You Need to do When Someone Dies
Many of us have wondered what the steps are after someone dies. We need to take care of ourselves, our loved ones and many other details. This presentation will tell you what you need to know, give you tips on how to prepare in advance, and explain the role of the funeral home in helping you through your loss.
PLAN AHEAD:
Peace of Mind: The Value of Preparation
Losing a loved one is a difficult experience for anyone to go through, but the weight of the loss can be lightened knowing we provided them with their final wishes exactly as desired. We invite you to a special presentation on the importance of arranging your final wishes so your loved ones feel confident that you were given what you wanted. In this easy conversation we will outline the steps in the planning process and answer any questions you may have.
Never Forgotten: Commemorating the Korean War Era
The Korean War had a lasting impact on the shape of the modern world and inspired one of our nation’s most beautiful monuments. We invite you to take a trip back to early 1950s America and discover the memorial that started a long-awaited movement of appreciation for those who braved so much to defend freedom in a foreign land. You’ll relive the sights and sounds that made the Korean War Era memorable and get an in-depth look at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Welcome Home: A Salute to Our Beloved Vietnam Memorial
The impact of the Vietnam War was felt throughout American society and continues to resonate today. While the Vietnam Era was marked by national debate, the creation of a unique monument in the 1980s brought the country together in a spirit of healing and appreciation for those who served, and died. You’ll relive some of the sights and sounds that made this era so memorable and get an in-depth look at the design and history of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Becky Lomaka, MA, CT
Director of Grief Support & Community Education
After the loss of a loved one we are there to walk with you every step of the way. As part of our complete care for families we have created the Perspectives on Grief brochures. If you would like to learn more about our grief classes or community outreach events please call me anytime or visit our event calendar.