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FAMILY
SERVICE
Since 1923 when the Berschler family began in funeral service, the warmth and the feeling of being at a friend's home have been carried on for four generations. From the early days of Benjamin and Jennie Berschler and his brother Joseph and Sarah Berschler to their children, David and Beatrice, Leonard and Berte and Albert and Joan, the third generation, Howard Shenberg and Wendy Berschler Shenberg, daughter and son-in-law of Albert and Joan Berschler, and now their daughter Kimberly and her husband Scott, the fourth generation now continues this tradition. Over the years the family acquired the Asher firm as well as the Charles I. Kahn firm. And today, over 85 years later, that same feeling of warmth comes through at every service conducted by the family from our Philadelphia Area and Southern New Jersey locations.
OUR
PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is to pay careful attention to the wishes of each family
member and to make every funeral arrangement meaningful to those involved.
We serve only one family at a time. Every family has different ideas about
what a funeral should be. This is why we believe it is necessary to offer
alternatives. Together with the family, we can create a service of remembrance
as unique as the individual being remembered. We are dedicated to alleviating
the stress associated with the funeral process. This is best accomplished
through our diligence in planning and in the execution of every detail
the family desires. In addition, we know cost is an important factor for
most families. This is why we promise to provide the finest service at
competitive prices. We offer a wide choice of services and merchandise
so that each family may have a funeral that is truly a reflection of their
love and good taste.
OUR SERVICES
Having had the opportunity to meet and serve so many families over the
years, we have learned how important it is for each family to preserve
their individuality. We offer a large assortment of services from each
of our facilities. Families may select funeral services and merchandise
for at-need or pre-need services from one source. We also offer assistance
with veterans, lodge and social security benefits. We can assist with
the purchase or inscription of a monument or marker as well as supply
information about the unveiling ceremony and its procedures. If a death
takes place out of town or out of the country, we can assist by engaging
a local funeral director to handle the transfer and clear all government
requirements. We will book the necessary flights for the deceased and
the family, if desired.
OUR
FACILITIES
All of the conveniences necessary for the comfort of the immediate family, as well as their relatives and friends attending the services are here within an esthetically pleasing atmosphere. We have both large and small chapels available incorporating many special features for your comfort and convenience. We have added additional chapel locations in Broomall, Huntingdon Valley, Northeast Philadelphia and Willow Grove, PA for your convenience. All service locations are specially designed to allow for ease of entrance and exit no matter how large the attendance. Air conditioning and custom amplification are available throughout each building. Each facility is easily accessible by public transportation or major roads. Ample parking areas are available at each location.
ADVANCE
PLANNING
There is a growing trend toward planning funeral services in advance of
need, just as the thoughtful person secures life insurance to protect
his family. For those who wish this service, our family staff offers their
services. Competent, friendly experts will gladly offer advice or explain
any information about modern funeral service. This service incurs no obligation
and is offered so that you may avoid costly errors in the pre - planning
process.
We
sincerely hope that you will feel free to consult with us concerning any
questions you may have. There is never any cost or obligation to discuss
any of these matters by telephone or in person.
Isn't funeral planning just for older people?
No, we believe enrollment in the pre-planning program is a smart decision for anyone. Younger people often carry ordinary life and health insurance to protect their families in the event something happens, and that's wise. It's equally wise for them to take the next steps to arrange and fund their own funerals. By doing so, they relieve their loved ones of emotional and financial burdens when the need arises and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all their affairs in order.
May I enroll in a funeral planning program at any funeral home I choose?
The funeral pre-planning program is offered only by some funeral homes. Although the program is available to all funeral homes throughout the United States, not all choose to participate. We offer a funeral-planning program because we feel it helps us serve you and your family in the best possible way.
What will my children think if I make my own funeral arrangements?
Naturally, attitudes vary from one family to another, but most people who have enrolled in our program feel that making their own funeral arrangements is a responsible, loving thing to do. In fact, people tell us that one of the primary reasons they enroll in the program is the peace of mind they have in knowing their children or other loved ones will be relieved of the emotional and financial burdens associated with making arrangements for them when the need arises.
What if I don't know what I want?
One of the advantages of our program is that a trained funeral service professional explains all the services and options available, right down to the smallest detail, before you're asked to make a single decision. During this counseling session, many people discover services and options they never knew existed. With full information, made available in a relaxed, unhurried manner, you'll probably find you're able to get a better sense of your true likes and dislikes. Then making decisions will be easier for you and your informed decisions will be more satisfying.
What if I change my mind?
The pre-planning program offers you 30 days to sign and return your contract with your check. This allows you time to be sure you're comfortable with your decision. Should you wish to change some aspect of your funeral arrangements at a later date you are, of course, free to do so. Our goal is to satisfy the needs and desires of our families, so we're not satisfied until you are.
Should I discuss this with my family before deciding?
Many people find that a family discussion helps to ensure that everyone involved is comfortable with the arrangements being made. Certainly, family members can form a closer bond through discussions of this type. And, often, people are better able to determine what their real feelings and personal preferences are after they've shared this information with loved ones.
What if I move to another town or state?
In a mobile society such as ours, it's common for people to relocate. Our program takes this into consideration by making funeral arrangements fully revocable if this is a consideration. We also belong to a group of funeral homes all over the country and Canada if death occurs away from home and you need to be shipped back home.
Wouldn't I be better off to invest the money myself?
Invested money earns dividends or interest upon which income taxes must be paid. And there's no guarantee that the investment would keep pace increasing with funeral cost. With our funeral-planning program, you have the assurance that there will be enough money to cover future costs, whenever the need arises. Plus, you have the benefit of knowing all your plans are made so that your loved ones need make only one phone call at the time of death to fulfill your funeral arrangements.
May I make the arrangements now and delay payment?
Certainly, you may make funeral arrangements at any time and have our funeral home keep your records on file until you determine how you wish to fund the services. Once you decide to proceed you can contact the funeral home and we will re-calculate the costs so that you can send in your payment to complete the arrangements.
Won't my veteran's benefits take care of my funeral costs?
Most likely they will not. Most government programs depend on funding, and the veterans' funeral benefits program can fluctuate based on the availability of these government funds. And, even if the benefits remained the same, they wouldn't keep pace with rising funeral costs. Most veterans who join our program stipulate that the government funeral allowance be sent directly to their survivors to do with as they wish. The important thing to remember is that the survivors must apply to the Veteran's Administration for the funeral allowance. It will not be sent automatically to the survivors. We can help with this process.
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