Can I see Mum again?”
Sometimes it is asked almost immediately.
Other times, a family has already begun arranging the funeral before someone quietly says:
“I’d actually like to see her one more time.”
And then come the questions.
Will she look different?
Will it be upsetting?
Should the grandchildren come?
What if I decide I don’t want to?
What if I don’t see her and regret it later?
There isn’t one answer that is right for every person.
But there is something important to know:
You are allowed to ask.
Can families have a viewing before a funeral?
Yes. Spending time with someone before their funeral is an option many families consider.
Ross Funerals supports families across Hervey Bay, Maryborough and the wider Fraser Coast, with funeral facilities in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough. Its current funeral information specifically provides for viewings at its Hervey Bay and Maryborough facilities.
For some people, a viewing becomes an important part of saying goodbye.
For others, their final memory of the person when they were alive is the one they want to keep.
Both choices are okay.
Why do some people want to see their loved one?
Sometimes it’s difficult to comprehend that somebody has really passed away.
Your mind knows.
But another part of you still expects the phone to ring.
Seeing someone again can make what has happened feel more real.
For another person, the reason may be much simpler.
They want to say goodbye privately.
Funerals are shared occasions. There may be dozens or hundreds of people there.
A viewing can be different.
Quiet.
Personal.
There might be something you didn’t get to say.
You might want to hold their hand.
Leave a letter.
Bring a flower.
Or simply sit beside them for a while.
There doesn’t need to be a ceremony attached to it.
“I’m worried they won’t look like themselves.”
This is one of the most understandable concerns families have.
The person may have been unwell before they passed away.
They may have spent time in hospital.
Their appearance may have changed.
If you’re uncertain, speak to your funeral director before deciding.
Ross Funerals describes its role as taking care of the person who has passed away while guiding families through the arrangements that follow.
You can ask what to expect.
You can also change your mind.
Choosing to have a viewing available doesn’t mean every family member needs to attend.
Should children attend a viewing?
There isn’t a universal answer.
Children are individuals, just as adults are.
Their age matters, but so does their relationship with the person who has passed away, their understanding of what has happened and their own wishes.
What can help is explaining clearly what they are going to see before they enter.
Avoid creating a mystery around it.
Give them an opportunity to ask questions.
And don’t make seeing their loved one a test of courage.
A child who wants to attend may find the experience meaningful.
A child who doesn’t want to shouldn’t be made to feel they have failed at saying goodbye.
What could we take with us?
This is where a viewing can become beautifully personal.
Perhaps Grandma always had flowers from her garden.
Bring one.
A grandchild may want to leave a drawing.
Someone may have written a letter.
Perhaps there is a photograph you want beside them.
Or you might bring absolutely nothing.
You don’t need to create a moment worthy of a film.
Sometimes sitting quietly is enough.
What if different family members want different things?
This happens.
One person desperately wants to see Dad.
Another absolutely does not.
Neither needs to convince the other.
Grief doesn’t arrive with a family instruction manual.
People who loved the same person can need completely different things after they pass away.
The funeral director can help the family understand what options are available without requiring everyone to make the same choice.
Where does Ross Funerals assist families?
Ross Funerals has served Maryborough, Hervey Bay and surrounding Fraser Coast communities since 1955. Its facilities include Fraser Coast Crematorium & Bayside Memorial Gardens at 18 Nikenbah Dundowran Road, Hervey Bay, a funeral home at 126 Adelaide Street, Maryborough, and its Maryborough Chapel at the corner of Russell and Stafford Streets.
The team assists with both burial and cremation arrangements, along with coffins and caskets, memorial urns, flowers, venues, catering, clergy or celebrants and other elements of the funeral.
You don’t have to understand all those choices before contacting them.
That’s what guidance is for.
Will I regret seeing them?
Nobody can promise how you’ll feel.
But try not to make the decision because somebody else says you “should” or “shouldn’t”.
Ask yourself:
Do I want to see them?
If you’re unsure, talk with the funeral director about your concerns first.
Sometimes understanding what to expect makes the decision much clearer.
There is no correct way to say goodbye
Some people need that final moment.
Others know immediately that they don’t.
One person wants to sit beside Mum for half an hour.
Another wants their last memory to be Mum waving from the front door.
Neither goodbye is more loving.
When someone you love passes away, there are already enough decisions to make.
This one doesn’t need to be about what everybody else does.
It can simply be about:
What feels right for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we see our loved one before the funeral in Hervey Bay?
Yes. Ross Funerals provides for viewings at its funeral facilities, and families can discuss their wishes with the team when making arrangements.
Can we have a viewing in Maryborough?
Yes. Ross Funerals’ current information provides for viewings at its Hervey Bay and Maryborough facilities.
Do we have to have a viewing?
No. Whether to spend time with your loved one before the funeral is a personal family choice.
Can some family members attend while others don’t?
Yes. Different people may make different decisions about whether they wish to attend a viewing.
Where is Ross Funerals in Hervey Bay?
Fraser Coast Crematorium & Bayside Memorial Gardens is at 18 Nikenbah Dundowran Road, Hervey Bay QLD 4655.
Where is Ross Funerals in Maryborough?
The Maryborough funeral home is at 126 Adelaide Street, Maryborough, with the Maryborough Chapel at the corner of Russell and Stafford Streets.
Does Ross Funerals arrange both burial and cremation?
Yes. Ross Funerals provides both cremation and burial services for Fraser Coast families.
How do we arrange a funeral with Ross Funerals?
Families can contact Ross Funerals on 07 4124 7511. The team is available 24/7 and can guide families through the arrangements
