Millions of everyday families find comfort in having a place of remembrance to visit on special days like birthdays and anniversaries.

To remember and be remembered are basic human needs. Since the beginning of time, memorials have been based on the belief that no one truly dies until their memory has faded from the hearts and minds of the people who knew and loved them.

The pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal are two famous memorials, but memorials needn’t be extravagant to be meaningful. Millions of everyday families find comfort in having a place of remembrance to visit on special days like birthdays and anniversaries.

While the value of permanent memorials hasn’t changed, memorials themselves are taking a new direction. Unique, highly personalized memorials are replacing the standard headstones of yesteryear. Today’s memorial formats range from upright monuments featuring photographic images to garden benches, from flat bronze markers, to glass-front niches. Custom built monuments are also available.

“A good memorial professional will take the time to get to know your preferences and guide you to options that reflect the life and personality of the individual being honored, within your budget,” says Rich Snider, Sales Manager at Mountain View Memorial Park in Tacoma.

We asked Snider how they create personalized memorials at Mountain View. He said, “We start by asking about what was important to the individual. What made them smile? What were they passionate about? When we talk to various family members and get their thoughts, the perfect theme always rises to the surface. Then we show them some options with that theme.”

The needs and comfort of visitors is another consideration in selecting a memorial. Some families choose memorial benches to provide a place for guests to sit and reflect, while others choose an indoor mausoleum to protect visitors from the elements. Still others select an outdoor space near the roadway to allow easy access for family members who may find a long walk difficult.

When planning a memorial, it’s important to consider both present and future visitors. One of the reasons most people prefer cemeteries for their permanent memorials is the assurance that their memorial will be preserved indefinitely. That means your great-great granddaughter can come to pay her respects and connect with her ancestry whenever she wants. This may not be possible if you opt for scattering in the ocean or a memorial tree in your backyard.

Simple or elaborate, a customized memorial will be a comforting reminder of your loved one and the legacy he or she left behind.

Article Provided by:
Mountain View Funeral Home,
Memorial Park & Crematory
253-448-3994
www.MountainViewTacoma.com

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