Celebrations of Life

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries

By Roxy Orr

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Carolyn Reynolds is the family service counselor at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries in Omaha. For the last 24 years, her job has been to support and guide families and individuals through the process of pre-planning a funeral, which she describes as the celebration of one’s life. “It is a gift,” Carolyn notes. “I feel like what I do is helping others.”

Carolyn has worked in a “helping” career all her life, working with the elderly in nursing homes and at senior centers. It was her husband who encouraged her to apply for her current position. “You would be great,” he told her. “You truly care about people.” Soon after that, she began her mission at Heafey. She joins a team that has been proudly serving the people of Omaha across generations, for more than 130 years. 

Carolyn’s role is to educate individuals on the requirements needed for funeral and burial services. She guides them through the process, so they don’t end up making rash decisions out of stress. “I try to serve our clients,” Carolyn says. “I take cues during our conversation that help me to understand what they want and how I can best advise them.” 

Pre-planning can alleviate a lot of emotional exhaustion for grieving family members. Carolyn works with many people in their 60s and 70s who want to plan their own services while they are still capable, to keep the burden from falling on family members or children. “It is a priceless legacy,” Carolyn states. “This is what moms and dads do. They take care of arrangements so their children don’t have to.” In Carolyn’s experience, pre-planning services can even become a family event, and she thinks it is great when everyone is involved. 

There is no cost to visit with Carolyn and fill out a personalized funeral profile. “Usually, when people first sit down with me, they are not sure what to do,” Carolyn says. “This is what my job is all about.” Pre-planning involves making a complete record of the information needed for a certified death certificate, including vital statistics like names, birth date, and addresses. A personal history is also prepared, including occupation, military history, and a general biography for the obituary and funeral service folders. Carolyn notes that “immediate family” means different things to different people and can also include beloved friends and caregivers. 

The funeral profile also notes the desired specifications for the funeral service, including everything from the burial location at the cemetery to the Bible verses read at the service to the way the hair and makeup are done. Life celebrations are becoming more and more individualized, Carolyn explains, and she encourages people to personalize the service to truly encompass their life. “Do not be afraid to say, ‘this is what we want,’” Carolyn adds. “You can share whatever is in your heart.” 

Offering an accurate reflection of one’s life at a funeral is important, especially so children can recall good memories. For example, honoring those with a military career can be a wonderful tribute for the family. Services can include any number of personal memorabilia, songs, poems, sayings, or quotes, along with professionally designed items provided by Heafey, like a memorial booklet or scrapbook video of family photos. These beautiful keepsakes are produced by Heafey’s on-staff graphic artists.

At Heafey, great care is taken to provide a beautiful service with direction for the family and perfect synchronization between all aspects of the funeral. “Presentation is so important,” Carolyn notes. A funeral can create a lasting memory, so it is imperative that every detail is correct.

Many people avoid pre-planning a funeral in an effort to avoid the finality of death. “It’s okay to grieve because it shows love,” Carolyn says. “A funeral creates an environment for grieving to begin.” She goes on to say that pre-planning is often a way for people to come together. Carolyn finds beauty in meeting with a couple when each partner does not know what the other wants because they have never discussed it. “If you ask, they will have an answer,” Carolyn states. She says you always have the option of reviewing your profile and making changes over time. 

Carolyn shares how people appreciate what she does; often, they become good friends. She loves the diversity of her job and believes that she is opening the door to a new adventure every day. “Everyone is different,” Carolyn adds. “I welcome that.”

Carolyn suggests making a New Year’s resolution to get your pre-planning arrangements set up this year. Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries is located at 7805 West Center Road, in Omaha. For more information, call 402-391-3900 or visit them online at www.heafeyheafey.com. 

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