When Mary’s father passed away unexpectedly, her grief was compounded by the overwhelming task of making funeral arrangements on short notice.
She had no idea what kind of service he would have wanted, or how much it would all cost. “I was drowning in decisions,” she says. “I didn’t want my kids to go through that with me.”
That’s when Mary decided to pre-plan her own final arrangements, with help from the team at Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel.
As funeral costs continue to rise, more people are seeing the value in making plans early – not only does pre-planning lock in today’s rates, it lifts a significant burden off loved ones during one of life’s most difficult moments, explains Licensed Funeral Director Erick Scheiderman.
A guide through the process
At Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel, Scheiderman and his experienced team offer compassionate, step-by-step support for individuals considering their options. Whether you’re exploring traditional burial, cremation or even body donation, their goal is to help you make informed decisions that reflect your wishes and values.
“Every family and every person is unique,” Scheiderman says. “Our job is to guide, educate and support.”
Understanding your options
Traditional burials remain a meaningful choice for many families. They often include body preparation, a viewing or visitation, a religious or secular service, and a graveside farewell. At Sequim Valley, traditional burial packages range from $1,995 for immediate burial to around $4,000, depending on service elements selected.
While burial can seem costly, Sequim Valley offers unparalleled support and service. With an on-site chapel, live-streaming capabilities for distant loved ones, and three licensed funeral professionals with over two decades of experience, families are in caring hands every step of the way.
Cremation offers a more affordable alternative, costing roughly one-third the price of a traditional burial. It involves using high heat to reduce the body to cremated remains, which can then be placed in an urn and interred, scattered or kept by family.
An increasingly popular option is “water cremation,” or alkaline hydrolysis. This eco-friendly process uses water, alkali and heat to gently return the body to its basic elements. Like traditional cremation, the remains are then processed and returned to the family or scattered.
Another option includes body donation to medical institutions like the University of Washington, allowing individuals to contribute to science and education. Once research is complete, families receive the cremated remains at no cost – a meaningful way to give back and reduce funeral expenses.
More than a service – it’s peace of mind
No matter which path you choose, Scheiderman and his team are committed to ensuring every decision is made with care, dignity and compassion. “Planning ahead is the greatest gift you can leave your family,” he says.
To learn more or begin your own pre-planning journey, call Sequim Valley Funeral Chapel at 360-683-5242 or visit sequimvalleychapel.com
