Lost loved ones remembered at festive memorial services
Family-run funeral director, Jennifer Ashe & Son, has held three of its most-attended memorial services for those who have lost loved ones this week across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
The expanding business, which was established in 2016, has arranged festive memorial services over the last eight years, and found that because of how popular the initial event was, they needed to offer further services.
The families of those who have lost loved ones and had funerals arranged with Jennifer Ashe & Son were invited to attend, allowing them to come together to share poignant memories during the first holiday season without their family member.
The services took place at Cannock Chase Crematorium, in Norton Canes, on Tuesday, 10 December, with two options evening services. The second, on Wednesday, 11 December was held at Willenhall’s St Giles Church of England.
Managing Director, John Ashe, said: “Our memorial services are always well attended and appreciated, so it was fantastic to see so many of the families we have looked after in attendance.
“Christmas can be such a difficult time, whether you have just lost a loved one or if the loss occurred a long time ago, so we make sure we do all we can to offer support to the bereaved during this season.
“A simple act of coming together with others who’ve experienced grief, in a calm, peaceful and accepting environment, can be very restorative. Our memorial services allow us all to take a moment to reflect and share in happy memories, as well as to offer a caring setting of support to those who need it.”
For John, the memorial services are a critical part of the after-care service that Jennifer Ashe & Son provides: “When we take calls or visits from families, they are often at their hour of greatest need.
“They require advice and immediate help from us to assist them with funeral arrangements. We ensure they have access to every available option during the planning process, and we also check in on the wider family and their well-being throughout.
“Our bereavement groups across the region bring together people who are grieving to allow them to express their emotions in a safe and supportive setting. But ultimately, whether through a visit to one of our branches or a phone call, we are always available, day and night, 24/7 for anyone who needs support.”
