Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming—especially during a time of grief. Whether you're arranging services for a loved one or pre-planning your farewell, it's helpful to know what steps to take. If you’re in Union County or near Summit, NJ, Saint Stephens Funeral Home offers a respectful and faith-based environment for end-of-life planning.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of organizing a funeral at or near Saint Stephens Funeral Home in Summit NJ, including details about burial options, chapel services, and key considerations.
Step 1: Understand the Role of Saint Stephens Funeral Home
While many refer to it as a funeral home, Saint Stephens is closely associated with Saint Stephen’s Cemetery & the Chapel at Short Hills, located in Millburn, NJ, just a short drive from Summit. It provides families with burial options, including traditional gravesites, a beautiful mausoleum, and a serene on-site chapel for services.
Though it’s not a full-service funeral home with embalming or transport, it works in tandem with local funeral directors to provide burial and memorial services in a sacred setting.
Step 2: Decide on the Type of Service
You’ll want to choose between a traditional funeral, a memorial service, or a simple burial. Saint Stephens supports:
- Catholic Funeral Masses (if you're part of the parish)
- Non-denominational ceremonies
- Graveside-only services
If you’re coordinating with a separate funeral home in Summit or nearby towns (like Springfield, Millburn, or Union), the chapel and cemetery at Saint Stephens can host the final arrangements.
Step 3: Choose Burial or Mausoleum Placement
At Saint Stephen's Cemetery, you have multiple burial options:
- In-ground burial in a peaceful, landscaped setting
- Above-ground entombment in their community mausoleum
- Family plots for multi-generational interments
If you're unsure which option to choose, it's helpful to visit the grounds and discuss your options with the cemetery staff. The mausoleum, in particular, is temperature-controlled and ideal for those seeking year-round comfort during visits.
Step 4: Coordinate with a Funeral Director
Because Saint Stephens Cemetery doesn't handle complete funeral preparations (like embalming, obituary writing, or transportation), you’ll need to work with a licensed funeral director. Your funeral director will help:
- Transport the deceased
- Prepare the body
- Handle paperwork and permits
- Arrange times with Saint Stephens staff
Step 5: Schedule a Chapel or Graveside Service
Once you’ve chosen your burial site and coordinated with a funeral home, the next step is to schedule the service. If you wish to use The Chapel at Short Hills, please get in touch with the cemetery office in advance to reserve the space. You may also need to coordinate with clergy, musicians, and other family members.
Tip: If your family is traveling from out of town, look into nearby accommodations in Summit, Millburn, or Short Hills.
Step 6: Prepare Memorial Elements
Here are a few things to consider adding to the service:
- A printed program
- A photo collage or slideshow
- Eulogies or memory readings
- Music, either live or recorded
- Flower arrangements (check cemetery rules)
Saint Stephens Cemetery maintains a respectful and modest atmosphere, so keep decorations and displays within guidelines.
Step 7: Handle Final Paperwork & Memorial Options
After the burial, you'll want to:
- Order a headstone or plaque (ask the cemetery about size and material rules)
- Please request several certified copies of the death certificate.
- Follow up with any outstanding legal or estate matters
You can also consider donating to a cause in the loved one’s name or setting up an online memorial page.
Final Thoughts
Planning a funeral at Saint Stephens Funeral Home near Summit NJ, doesn’t have to be stressful. By breaking it into steps—selecting the service type, choosing burial arrangements, coordinating with a funeral director, and honoring your loved one with care—you can ensure a meaningful farewell in a sacred space.
Whether you're planning or facing a recent loss, take comfort in knowing there are resources nearby to support you.
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