The sun was setting on the beautiful Autumn evening as we stood in the private courtyard, out from the crematorium Chapel’s large glass sliding doors. We stood amongst the courtyard garden over the low wall down the Awa Tapu Valley out to the coast and the setting sun.
“I had never thought of having a private farewell like this” mentioned one of the close friends, as we talked about and told stories of the person we were fare-welling. “She loved the Sunset and this is absolutely perfect. Andrew, your idea of a farewell at
7 pm to capture her love of sunsets was a great idea” I was told. The question was raised, “what if the sunset had not been a good one” and my reply “Well, we would have just changed it to tomorrow night”!
The beauty of us, Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, being the owners of our own designed Kapiti crematorium chapel means that we can be very flexible especially for an ‘informal farewell’ when people choose a more relaxed farewell.
The chapel is set on the park-like grounds of Awa Tapu Cemetery, 131 Valley Road, Paraparaumu. It is situated on the crest of the hill looking down over Kapiti with the island to the left and the ocean in view.
Informal Farewells like this are common now, especially for those dying older with fewer friends left behind, but still, a lovely way to honour someone’s life and say farewell. Even with a smaller group, taking the time to say farewell in always important for those grieving. Often less formally, surrounded by music and stories, flowers and memories, close friends and family is a great help. Without all the bells and whistles the cost is often less without taking away any dignity or making it feel ‘cheap’, rather it is a lovely way to honour and remember with those closest while feeling more relaxed and comfortable.
If you have any questions about this sort of ‘Informal Farewell’ feel free to contact our office for a brochure either in person or via email at office@kapitifuneral.co.nz or talk to us, at Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, on 298 5168.
