The Power of a Good Attitude

While it may sound a bit cliché, having a positive outlook on life does seem to contribute to better health and longevity. A study posted by John’s Hopkins Medicine suggests that people with a family history of heart disease who maintain a positive attitude were significantly less likely to have a cardiovascular event over those with an overall negative outlook.

The article goes on to suggest simple ways to keep your mindset positive. Suggestions including adding humor to your day, reframing seemingly negative situations to remind yourself there’s no use stressing over things outside your control, and working to be resilient by accepting change and acting on problems.

Another view on this topic is to have a generally good attitude about the inevitable. One fifth-generation funeral director discusses just that, saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. When there’s something worth sweating you will know.”

In a similar vein, the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2024-2025 study on changing funeral preferences shows younger generations view funeral directors as experts and trusted professionals. And a whopping 91% of respondents believe that, while it may be uncomfortable, having an open dialog about death is healthy.

Sunrise at the Park.

So, what’s the takeaway on this? Ideally, it’s that going into each day with a good attitude and making an effort to find the bright side can make a difference in your life. The above also shows us that having a positive outlook on what is inevitable and out of your control can help you live a happier and more peaceful life.

How can the Park help? Our gentle staff is available to talk with you and to help you plan for your own future. This can ease your mind and the minds of your loved ones. Simply knowing plans are made can be a huge stress reliever. The Park is also a welcoming and open space to unwind and take a walk. Let your mind wander and take in the natural beauty right here in our own Sylvania back yard. We hope to see you soon.

A Look at How the 2020 Pandemic Impacted the Funeral and Death Care Industry

As of this past spring, it’s been five years since the initial U.S. shutdown for the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on the death care field was widespread in that the shutdown forced providers to find new ways to perform memorials and funerals, while the pandemic itself caused an unprecedented influx of deaths, overwhelming funeral service providers across the country.

With the surge in deaths, many funeral providers found themselves handling a number of cases far exceeding their capacity. Because of this, providers had to find new ways to work. These included using portable refrigeration units, implementing very strict safety protocols for storage and incorporating technology in new ways.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), more than half of its members began offering live-streamed services to accommodate families. The onset of social distancing and the shutdown made it very difficult for people to gather in large groups, especially indoors. Funeral service providers learned to utilize platforms like Zoom and Skype to hold online ceremonies. While this was initially used as a solution to a problem, it turned out to be a big added service, making attendance possible for people who are unable to travel for any reason.

Another outcome from the pandemic was a shift in consumer perspective toward preplanning. The pandemic had many people facing their mortality, leading people to ask more questions about preparing for their own end-of-life services. As we’ve discussed before, this benefits family members by alleviating a future financial burden and it also makes sure the wishes and needs of the deceased are met in a meaningful way.

The swift adaptations made by providers have created a funeral service industry that has higher standards, increased flexibility, better-prepared families and a new reputation for use of technology. While the pandemic was a difficult time for everyone in so many ways, it’s good to be able to look back and see how our industry has improved and evolved.

Upcoming Events at Toledo Memorial Park

It’s not a secret that we love to see our community at the Park. As the weather warms, you are always invited to visit. Be it to visit loved ones who reside in the calm serenity of the Park or simply to enjoy nature on a walk, you are always welcome.

In addition to the open invitation to casually visit, we have some events upcoming for you to note.

Volunteers Needed May 20, 21, 22 and 23, each day starting at 8:30 a.m.:
We need volunteers to help honor those who have served by placing American flags throughout the Park in preparation for our annual Memorial Day Celebration. If interested, please reach out to Mel Harbaugh at 46elapid@gmail.com.

Memorial Day Celebration:
Monday, May 26, 9 a.m. at the Park
We invite you to join us for speakers, a marching band and an honor guard presentation before heading out to the Sylvania Memorial Day parade.

Annual Car Show:
Date TBD in August 2025 at the Park
Always a favorite event, watch for a date for our annual Car Show. The event supports our Wreaths Across America efforts. Join us in August to see a variety of fun and interesting classic cars and more. This free event is fun for the whole family.

September 11th Remembrance:
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, time TBD at the Park
Pay tribute to the first responders who gave their lives on September 11, 2001, with a touching ceremony.

Wreaths Across America:
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at noon
Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom. At this event, we place remembrance wreaths on the graves of those who have served our country. Sponsor a wreath for the Park.  

We hope to see you at each of these free community events.

Funeral Processions: Show Respect by Yielding and Following the Local Laws

We’ve all seen and likely been a part of a funeral procession at some point in our lives. This sacred procession is to transport the deceased from funeral home to place of worship to cemetery, or some variation of end-of-life facilities. In this blog we’ll explore important things to know for when you next encounter a funeral procession.

Most people know the basics. The procession will be easy to spot because the vehicles are adorned with a small, recognizable flag and we must yield right-of-way. But to make sure everyone learns something here, let’s dig into the specifics of the law for the state of Ohio.

In Ohio, funeral procession laws fall under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 4511.451. You can click the link for the complete breakdown.

Here are the main points:

• Funeral processions have the right-of-way at intersections, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

• The lead vehicle must obey traffic signals, but once the procession has started through an intersection, the rest of the group may follow regardless of changes to the traffic signal.

• Vehicles in the procession must have their headlights on and clearly display a purple and white or orange and white funeral flag.

• Other cars are not allowed to drive between vehicles in the procession or otherwise interfere.

• Emergency and public safety vehicles are the only exception to these rules.

• Violating any of these points can result in a traffic citation.

Rest assured, your funeral director will know all the ins and outs and will manage the details for you. As always, the staff at your Park is ready and available to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to get in touch.

Left Behind: Why Thousands of Cremated Remains Go Unclaimed Each Year

At the surface level, it seems unfathomable that cremated remains could go unclaimed, but it does happen. It’s a difficult topic for the obvious reason that unclaimed remains is a sad set of circumstances, but also quite challenging because there are no set rules on reporting or mitigating the matter.

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) estimates that about 1% of all cremations go unclaimed. Based on the rate of cremation in the United States, this means approximately 15,000 sets of remains could go unclaimed each year.

This story from The War Horse tells us the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) estimates around 21,000 veteran remains are currently unclaimed. It goes on to explain that the Missing in America Project believes the number to be significantly higher and expands on what the Project is doing to help.

This issue is not limited to the United States, the BBC reports that as many as 300,000 sets of ashes are currently unclaimed across the United Kingdom. One funeral director suggests that beyond the situation of no next of kin, some people simply don’t have a plan for their loved ones’ ashes and as time passes, they decide to leave them with the funeral home.

Funeral industry associations like the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) offer training courses and advice on how to reduce the number of unclaimed ashes, but there is more work to be done on the topic.

One of the best solutions to this problem is permanent placement of cremains. Toledo Memorial Park can help with this. The Park offers many options for cremated remains from a mausoleum niche to cremation ground burial to scattering in the prairie, there’s an option to suit everyone. Reach out today for more information.  

A Guide to Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming as you’re faced with making several decisions during a time of grief. Having a grasp of the key steps involved as well as important terms to understand can help make the process smoother. The team at Toledo Memorial Park is here to help, feel free to reach out any time with questions.

Determine the Type of Service

• Traditional Funeral Service: A formal service with a viewing, a religious or secular ceremony and burial or cremation.

• Memorial Service: A gathering to honor the deceased without the body present.

• Graveside Service: A simple ceremony held at the burial site.

• Direct Cremation/Burial: No formal service, just the cremation or burial itself.

• Celebration of Life: A less formal, personalized service focusing on the deceased’s life rather than mourning. 

Choose Burial or Cremation

• Burial: In-ground at a cemetery, in a mausoleum or in a family plot.

• Cremation: Ashes can be kept in an urn, scattered, placed in a columbarium, or buried.

Important Terms:

• Interment: The act of placing the body or ashes in a final resting place.

• Casket: A box used to hold the deceased’s body.

• Columbarium: A structure that houses cremation urns.

• Crypt: An above-ground burial site, often in a mausoleum.

• Mausoleum: A building on the grounds of a cemetery that functions as an above-ground burial plot.

• Niche: A recess in the wall of the columbarium where the urn is placed.

• Urn: A container for cremated remains.

• Vault: A container into which the casket is placed before burial, made of concrete or metal. 

Select a Funeral Home and/or Cemetery

A funeral director or the staff at a full-service cemetery can help you coordinate all aspects of the services. They can assist with paperwork, transportation and legal requirements.

Cemeteries like Toledo Memorial Park have buildings on site that are available for ceremonies.

Important Terms:

• Death Certificate: An official document stating the cause and details of death.

• Embalming: Preserving the body for a number of days allowing time for viewing and funeral services.

Plan the Ceremony and Personalization

Decide on details including:

• Officiant: Someone to run the ceremony. Usually a religious leader, a celebrant or family member.

• Music & Readings: Songs, poems or religious texts.

• Eulogies: Speeches honoring the deceased.

• Flowers & Decorations: Beautify the ceremony’s setting.

Arrange Transportation

The funeral director will be able to assist with transportation needs, if necessary.

• Hearse: A vehicle that transports the casket.

• Procession: A group of vehicles traveling together to the burial site.

• Pallbearers: Individuals who carry the casket.

Notify Family and Friends

Things to consider:

• Obituary: A written acknowledgment of the deceased’s life published in a local newspaper and online. Often invites readers to attend the funeral.

• Invitations: Email or mail notices with the funeral details.

Final Thoughts

As with any topic, being armed with information helps. Funeral planning can be emotional, and knowing what needs to be done can ease the stress. Whether you’re planning or pre-planning, let the team at your Park assist and provide helpful guidance and support.

Prepare for Your Future by Pre-planning Funeral Arrangements

A topic that is on repeat for us here at the Park is pre-planning funeral arrangements. It’s on repeat because it’s important. There are big benefits to taking this preparatory step for you and for your family. Pre-planning is a practical decision that will alleviate future emotional and financial burdens during a time of grief.

Financial Security

Plain and simple, the most obvious benefit of pre-planning is the ability to lock in current service prices, protecting against future inflation and cost increases. This approach makes sure your family won't face unexpected expenses and eases a potential financial burden.

Personalized Arrangements

As we’ve talked about before, pre-planning allows you to have input into your own arrangements. From selecting the type of service to choosing specific readings or music, you can be a part of planning your farewell helping to make sure the event is a true representation of your life. This really does offer comfort to those left behind. Making decisions while grieving can be very challenging.

Reducing Emotional Stress

Funerals are overwhelming for loved ones. They’ve just lost a special person and things move fast. By having your plans in place; you relieve your family from making difficult choices, allowing them to focus on healing and celebrating your life without added stress.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored

This goes along with personalizing your arrangements, but pre-planning provides clear documentation of your preferences. This clarity can prevent potential disagreements among family members and provides peace of mind, knowing that the arrangements will be carried out according to your wishes.

Pre-planning is a thoughtful gesture that offers emotional and financial benefits to your loved ones. Get in touch with us at the Park today. We can help.

The Evolution of the Obituary

Obituaries are a simple way to honor and remember lost loved ones. Historically, these documents were concise announcements detailing basic information such as the deceased's name, age, immediate family names and funeral arrangements. Over time, like so many things, obituaries have evolved, reflecting broader societal changes and technological advancements.

A Shift Toward Personalization

A desire has emerged to use the obituary to truly celebrate an individual’s unique life and personality. Today, obituaries include personal anecdotes, achievements and insights into the deceased's personality, providing a more comprehensive picture of a life lived. This trend reflects the societal value of individual stories and legacies.

The Impact of Digital Media

Digital media has further transformed the obituary. Online platforms allow for interactive memorials where friends and family can share memories, photos and condolences. This digital shift broadens the reach of obituaries and allows for even more personalization.

Obituaries can serve as rich narratives that capture the essence of the individual. They may highlight personal passions, unique experiences and even humor. For many families, these additions provide added comfort and a lasting tribute to share.

The modern obituary has transformed from a simple death announcement to a personalized narrative that celebrates the unique journey of each individual. This evolution underscores the enduring human desire to remember and honor our loved ones in meaningful ways.

For more on changes and evolution in obituary writing, check out this story. It gets into the details about how newspapers used to treat obituaries and how it works in many cases today. The author also explains how funeral homes can often assist with obituary writing.

Grief is Complicated: Tips on supporting grieving employees

Grief comes and goes. It’s tricky that way. An employee who has recently lost a loved one doesn’t just end their grief period upon returning to the workplace. This article draws on expertise and insight from the funeral profession to offer valuable and useful lessons on helping staff deal with grief in the workplace.

Funerals and memorials are open spaces where emotions can be freely expressed, and people can seek out support without any fear of stigmas or pushback. When the topic of grief and loss isn’t treated as taboo, it enables people to function better during challenging times.

Creating a supportive environment can look a lot of different ways. Some options to consider include:

Establishing a clear bereavement policy. Take the time to create a bereavement policy that offers flexibility. For instance, some businesses provide a set number of paid bereavement days that the employee can utilize during a set period of time, such as six months, allowing them the time they need even if it hits months after the loved one is actually lost.

Promote open communication. Build a workplace culture where discussing difficult topics like grief is normalized. Having an open environment helps employees feel supported.

Provide access to resources. Consider offering grief counseling options or connection to local support groups and mental health services.

Train managers and leaders. Provide managers with skills and training to be able to support grieving employees. Training might include recognizing the signs of grief and knowing how to offer the appropriate support options.

Research does indicate that the workplace can function as a place of refuge for a grieving person. This shows the importance of fostering a supportive workplace that allows flexibility and provides resources.

Supporting employees dealing with grief is very important. It requires empathy, the ability to pivot and proactiveness on the part of the company. Acknowledging and accommodating the grieving process will create emotionally healthy employees and a sought-after work environment. Reach out to the team at the Park any time for more information or assistance with this topic.

What to Expect at a Funeral, Plus Helpful Tips

Funeral etiquette and expectations is a topic that comes up often in our neck of the woods. Attending a funeral is an emotional experience regardless of how close you were to the deceased. You might simply be there to provide support to someone during their time of grief and that’s an equally important reason. We’ve compiled this guide to help you through the process of navigating a funeral to help you feel prepared and respectful.

The Basics:

Funerals tend to have a typical structure and often include:

Arrival: Guests arrive, sign a guestbook and mingle.

Service or Ceremony: This, traditionally, includes readings, eulogy, preferred religion of the family and music. Today, families might include more personalized elements like videos and slideshows, etc…

Viewing or Visitation: Some funerals include an opportunity to pay respects to an open casket.

Procession and Burial/Interment: This may include a drive to the cemetery where the deceased will be buried or have cremains interred.

Reception: Many families choose to have a gathering with food and a celebration of life.

Tips for Handling Crying and Grief:

As we said above, funerals are emotional for many reasons. Here are some ways to handle the emotions with grace:

Be Prepared: Go into the event understanding that you might cry and others will cry. It’s totally normal. Bring tissues for yourself and to share.

Practice Mindfulness: Some people find it helpful to focus on breathing to help regulate emotions.

Lean on People for Support: Find friends and family who you can be vulnerable with in this emotional setting. And be that support for others if needed.

General Etiquette:

Arrive on time.

Dress appropriately.

Be respectful of the program as well as family customs and religion.

Turn off your electronics.

Exiting the Event:

Choose a quiet moment, a pause between program sections, or between speakers.

Use a rear exit or the most discreet exit, if you need to leave during the event.

Express condolences if the opportunity to do so is timely. If you are leaving before the event is over, express condolences at a later date with a card or message.

Hopefully, these tips and explanations are helpful to you. Attending a funeral can be daunting, but it is a sign of respect and support that goes a very long way for the people you love.

For more on grief and loss, this article from Psychology Today may be helpful.