It’s important to properly honor your loved ones in their final days and when they pass away. Learn about the various hospice centers, funeral homes and related services that can help you make the necessary expected and unexpected decisions.
Is anything as heartbreaking as the death of a loved one? When it happens, the bereaved are left with the difficult task of resuming “normal” lives that feel anything but normal.
Before that, during the end-of-life journey, families sometimes place their loved ones in hospice care, which strives to make life better for people before their time on Earth ends. Hospice workers also follow up with grief care, as needed, for family members coping with loss.
A funeral or memorial service is a time-honored way to honor a life that has ended. It’s a time to cherish special aspects and moments of a loved one’s life; It also helps loved ones to cope with confusing and often overwhelming emotions of loss.
Good funeral directors know the importance and delicate nature of this final service. They can guide families through a planning process that may be emotionally difficult. They answer questions, help with decision-making, listen and respond to concerns, offering much-needed peace of mind.
The Northwest Quarterly “End of Life” Guide lists hospice centers, funeral homes and related services from our area that can help you to make difficult but necessary decisions.
Fortunately, there are experts right here in our region who can guide you through what may be a daunting time in your life. Here, many of those experts tell you in their own words what they offer.
HOSPICE
Northern Illinois Hospice
4215 Newburg Road, Rockford
(815) 398-0500, northernillinoishospice.org
Mission Statement: Northern Illinois Hospice has been providing expert care for patients in the final months of life – and support for their families – longer than anyone else in the community. In fact, we were one of the first hospices in the United States. As the region’s leading advocate of quality hospice care for more than 35 years, we have provided quality end-of-life care for thousands of families. Always putting the needs of our patients and their families first… that is our commitment to you.
FUNERAL HOMES
Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services
218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere
(815) 544-2616, andersonfcs.com
Mission Statement: Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. At Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, we believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing.
Delehanty Funeral Home
401 River Lane, Loves Park, Ill.
(815) 633-6010, delehantyfh.com
Mission Statement: As a family-owned and -operated funeral home, we have been dedicated to serving our region for 67 years. We believe during times of loss and hardship that a sense of community and fellowship can provide strength and comfort. Our philosophy is to provide support and strength through compassionate care, community involvement and charitable work.
Grace Funeral & Cremation Services
1340 S. Alpine Road, Rockford,
(815) 395-0559, gracefh.com
Mission Statement: Grace Funeral & Cremation Services was founded on the principle of providing truly personalized service for all of our client families. We provide a complete range of affordable services and products; including cremation jewelry and keepsake memorials. Our expert staff and on-site funeral celebrant will listen to you with compassion, offer suggestions and design a fitting, memorable and affordable celebration of life service.
Honquest Family Funeral Home
4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, Ill
(815) 636-5100 • honquestfh.com
11342 Main St., Roscoe, Ill.,
(815) 623-7553 • honquestfh.com
Mission Statement: We pride ourselves on our first-class facilities, first-class service, and personal commitment to the details that make your loved one’s service unique and a true reflection of who they were in a way that fits your needs, values and budget. Our success is dependent upon our ability to provide families with a positive and meaningful experience while under our care and guidance. It would be our honor to guide you on this journey.
Sundberg Funeral Home Ltd.
215 N. Sixth St., Rockford,
(815) 962-7743, sundvergfh.com
Mission Statement: It is the mission of our staff at Sundberg Funeral Home to provide personal service to the families in our community with the highest level of care and compassion. We are committed to being professional, ethical and respectful of the families we serve.
RELATED SERVICES
Enders Flowers
1631 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, (815) 229-1290 • endersflowers.com
Mission Statement: Enders Flowers is a locally owned florist specializing in elegant, garden-style arrangements for every occasion, including weddings and funerals. With seasonal and indoor plants and naturally inspired home accents, Enders Flowers offers many unique gift ideas.
Event Floral
8181 Starwood Drive, Loves Park, Ill.,
(815) 885-3900 • event-floral.com
Mission Statement: Event Floral is a full-service florist specializing in custom-designed flowers and artistic decor for weddings, corporate events and funeral arrangements in the greater Rockford area. We believe every event should capture the beauty of your story by reflecting your personality, style and uniqueness. Event Floral’s ability to seamlessly coordinate floral, linens and accent decor into a stunning, individually inspired design will make your special moments truly memorable.
O’Fallon’s Fine Flowers
1605 N. Bell School Road, Rockford,
(815) 395-8320 • ofallonsflowers.com
Mission Statement: Our flowers are fresh daily and our creative staff mixes it up daily, never making the same bouquet twice. O’Fallon’s also offers custom silk arrangements, unique gifts and a selection of plants.
Muraski Monument Company
2711 Highcrest Road, Rockford,
(815) 218-2720 • muraskimonumentco.com
Mission Statement: Muraski Monument Co. is a locally owned and operated family business. Our inspiration is to provide grave markers and monuments that tell the story of a life lived. Whether it’s subtle or expressive, we can help to create a lasting memorial for you or your loved one.
Scandinavian Cemetery Association
1700 Rural St., Rockford, (815) 965-6625
Mission Statement: The caring staff provides peaceful and well-maintained grounds designed to meet the needs of each family and to commemorate the lives of those buried on the grounds. Memorial counselors at Scandinavian Cemetery Association may also offer information on purchasing cemetery plots or cremation niches for your pre-planning needs.