INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
SPONSORED CONTENT
A
phrase heard quite often in funeral homes when visitors are speaking to the family of a deceased person is , “ If you ever need anything , please let me know .” In most cases , at the time this phrase is received , it is in a gathering space surrounded by other friends , neighbors , and of course family members . The action of gathering together after a loss brings a warm feeling to the immediate family .
When the funeral concludes and the family heads back home , it is often a more quiet and solemn setting . This is where we feel it is most important to let each family know we are still here for their aid . There are many programs offered by our funeral home for families we have served in the past to let them know we are dedicated to ensuring they receive the proper care , even long after the funeral concludes .
Holiday Service of Remembrance
Every year since 1995 , our funeral home has sponsored a Holiday Service of Remembrance . It usually takes place the first week of December at Olympia Hall in East Pittsburgh . Each family that we have served is invited to attend this evening of support , which features a religious service by a local clergy . Our professional counselor , Jill Henkel Kazour , gives a presentation entitled “ Grief and the Holidays .” Appropriate Christmas music is played and a personalized ornament is presented to each family with the name of their loved one . The general public is also welcome and invited to attend .
Widow Valentine ’ s Day Luncheon Holidays , birthdays , anniversaries , and other family times can be difficult to celebrate when one is a recent surviving spouse . Another day that most family members and supporters don ’ t realize can be terribly difficult is Valentine ’ s Day . It is not a day that is easy to celebrate .
For this reason , we invite to a luncheon all of the women we have served who have become surviving spouses in the previous 12 months . The luncheon provides some socializing on a day that could have been special in the past as we honor them and offer thanks . In hosting this event , we have received great feedback that the lunch provided a wonderful sense of camaraderie in being able to share stories with other women who are in a similar situation .
Widowers Day Luncheon
As with the recently widowed , we also have a luncheon for men who have become surviving spouses . Typically , it is held during the early fall at Grand View Golf Club . This luncheon is also an outreach program to provide socializing and support to these men . It also provides us an opportunity to honor them and give thanks . In recent years , we have been pleased to be joined by Elroy Face ,
former Pirates relief pitcher who lost his wife in 2012 . Elroy is always good for a few classic stories of playing for his home team , the Pittsburgh Pirates .
Bereavement Support Program Our funeral home sponsors a Bereavement Support Group that meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p . m .— January through November — at St . Maurice Parish Center in Forest Hills . Jill Henkel Kazour provides this support to area folks . It is free and open to anyone who feels the need for even a little help during a difficult time of grieving the death of a loved person . Call our funeral home at 412.824.8800 for more information .
Gentle Yoga for Those in Grief
This program is designed to help those experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one to heal through the gentle movements and mindfulness of chair-support yoga . Yoga sessions are held at the Forest Hills Westinghouse Lodge , 799 Barclay Ave ., Pittsburgh , PA 15221 . There are two morning sessions on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 10-11 a . m ., and two evening sessions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 6:30-7:30 p . m .
The sessions are free and all are welcome . Yoga instructor Connie Tinsley can be reached at 412.443.4837 regarding questions or concerns about the program . You can also call Patrick T . Lanigan Funeral Home at 412.824.8800 .
Pre-Arrangements • Traditional Funerals On-Site Crematory • Green Funerals
Patrick T . Lanigan
Supervisor
Paul J . Borgony Funeral Director
Joseph N . Strednak Funeral Director
Stephanie L . Doriguzzi
Supervisor
Nicholas A . Ricci Funeral Director
Jessica D . Cespedes
Funeral Director
Patrick T . Lanigan , Funeral Director / Owner . Pat is a 1972 graduate of Indiana University of PA and a 1973 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science . He became a licensed funeral director in 1975 and has owned and operated the Lanigan Funeral Home since 1975 . He has served as president of both the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association and the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association . He was a member of the Executive Board of the National Funeral Directors Association from 2005 – 2007 . Pat has also served as president of the Forest Hills Lions Club and the Westinghouse Valley Chamber of Commerce . He is a member and volunteer of St . Maurice Church in Forest Hills , as well as a member of the board of the Caring Foundation of Western Pennsylvania , which sponsors the Caring Place , a center for grieving children .
WOODLAND HILLS ❘ SUMMER 2023 27