Care For Your Loved One

Once you have entrusted us with the care of your loved one we will ensure the appropriate respect and professionalism will be shown towards them.

Your loved one will be taken from their place of death to our specialist modern mortuary facilities. We take enormous pride in the quality of our facilities and employ a team of professional, qualified embalmers who work alongside our team of dedicated funeral operatives, who will ensure the right level of care is given.

You might wish to consider providing us with items of clothing for your loved one to be dressed in, maybe a favourite outfit or something chosen by family and friends. Alternatively, we can provide a traditional shroud, although this has become less common as providing own clothing can help when visiting the chapels of rest.

Where will my loved one rest?

Following necessary preparations your loved one will be taken to one of our private chapels of rest and will remain so until the day of the funeral, unless there are unforeseen circumstances.

We can also make arrangements to bring your loved one home prior to the funeral service or if permitted to another location. We do however advise Hygienic Treatment/Embalming in this circumstance.

You may also wish for your loved one to rest in a church overnight prior to the funeral service. We will liaise with the particular church for you and make all the necessary arrangements.

Can I Help?

Our staff will carry out your wishes carefully and respectfully but, if you would like to help us look after your loved one, please let us know.

If you feel strongly about letting strangers take care of your loved one and that it’s your duty to care for them and spend time with them in death as in life, then we can arrange for you to assist with the necessary preparations before visiting the chapels of rest. If you feel that as a family you would like to do this, we have the space and facilities available to enable you to do so. Members of our team will be on hand should you require any assistance.

Please consider this with serious thought as it takes a great deal of emotional and physical strength, however we will be happy to help enable you to carry out such wishes.

Visiting the Chapel of Rest

In most cases it will be possible to visit the person who has passed away in our private chapel of rest before the funeral and say your last goodbyes. Some people find this helps them come to terms with the death, especially if it was unexpected.

It is entirely your decision if you wish to visit or not; at the time of arrangement, your funeral arranger will discuss this with you to help you make the right decision for you.

Once the coffin or casket has been decided upon, you will be asked to choose what you would like the person who has died to be dressed in. This could be their own clothes or one of our range of gowns which complement the style of coffin or casket. If you choose own clothes, we would need a full complement, (including underwear). Shoes may also be worn for viewing but may need to be removed at the final stage before cremation depending upon the material – your arranger will advise you.

Once all of the legal documentation has been completed by the doctors or coroner we will begin our preparation for the chapel of rest. Your funeral arranger will contact you to advise when visiting the chapels of rest is possible.

We strongly believe everyone entrusted into our care should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We always endeavour to make visiting your loved one as peaceful as possible, however if you require any further care or assistance please ask a member of staff.

Visiting Times for the Chapels of Rest Are: 

St. Pauls Private Chapels of Rest, Southville Lodge* 
Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 7.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 12noon

All branch offices
Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 4.30pm

Arrangements can be made if you require to visit the chapels of rest outside of the usual opening hours, please note this may incur an additional fee

*St. Pauls Private Chapels of Rest, Southville Lodge will be used for funerals arranged by South Bristol Funeral Services & Heaven on Earth Bespoke Funeral Services.

<< BACK