Inside Fillatre Funeral Home’s Obituary Library: What Families Find
When a loved one passes, the need for a respectful, well‑organized record of their life becomes immediate. Fillatre Funeral Home has responded to that need with an obituary library that lives both online and behind its front desk. In the first few days after a service, families often wonder where they can locate the printed tribute, how to share it with relatives, and whether the home keeps a permanent archive. The Fillatre Funeral Home obituary library answers those questions while also offering a quiet space for remembrance.
What Is the Fillatre Funeral Home Obituary Library?
The obituary library is a curated collection of all obituaries the home has prepared for its clients over the years. Think of it as a small, searchable museum of life stories, each one carefully typed, proofed, and stored for future reference. The library includes traditional print copies, digital PDFs, and, more recently, video tributes that families can embed on social media. By keeping these records together, Fillatre helps relatives locate a loved one’s obituary long after the funeral service has ended.
How the Library Is Organized
Every entry is filed by date of service and the surname of the deceased. An index card system sits on a polished oak table, while a searchable spreadsheet runs behind the scenes. For online visitors, a simple drop‑down menu lets you filter by year, giving you a quick view of all the obituaries posted in that period. The dual approach—physical and digital—means you’re not forced to navigate a clunky website if you prefer a tangible copy.
Types of Content You’ll Find
- Printed obituaries – the classic newspaper‑style write‑up, complete with photos and a list of survivors.
- Digital PDFs – high‑resolution versions that can be emailed or printed at home.
- Video tributes – short montages compiled from family‑provided photos and music.
- Memory books – bound collections that combine the obituary with guest‑book entries and photos from the service.
Because the library is continuously updated, new formats are added as they become popular, ensuring that the record‑keeping stays relevant for younger families accustomed to digital media.
How Families Can Access the Library
Getting a copy is straightforward. First‑time visitors can walk into the main office and ask the staff to retrieve the relevant file. If you prefer to handle things from home, the process is just a few clicks away:
- Visit Fillatre Funeral Home’s website and click the “Obituary Library” link at the bottom of the homepage.
- Select the year of the service and type the surname into the search bar.
- Choose the desired format—PDF for printing, video for sharing, or a combined memory book request.
- Enter your contact details; the staff will email the file within 24 hours or arrange a pick‑up if you need a hard copy.
For families who have already worked with Fillatre, a dedicated account manager can pull the file without any extra steps. The home also offers a “legacy service,” where the obituary is stored indefinitely, and a link is provided for future generations to retrieve it as needed.
Privacy and Permission
Obituaries contain personal details, so Fillatre takes privacy seriously. Before any obituary is added to the public portion of the library, the family signs a release form granting permission for the record to be archived and, optionally, displayed online. If a family opts for a private archive, the obituary remains accessible only through a secure, password‑protected portal. This flexibility respects both the desire to share a life story and the need to keep certain information confidential.
Why an Obituary Library Matters
Beyond the convenience of finding a printed tribute, the library serves several deeper purposes. It becomes a communal memory bank, helping future relatives trace family histories and understand how past generations were honored. Genealogists often turn to such archives to confirm dates, locations, and familial connections. Moreover, having an organized record reduces the stress families feel when they need to recreate a memorial for an anniversary or a reunion.
In small towns, funeral homes frequently act as custodians of local history. Fillatre’s library, with its decade‑spanning collection, captures the evolving cultural fabric of the community—from traditional church‑yard ceremonies to modern, multicultural celebrations. Each entry is a snapshot of the values, language, and aesthetics of its time, offering researchers a unique window into social change.
Common Questions About the Obituary Library
Many people ask how long an obituary stays in the library, whether there’s a cost associated with copies, and if the library can help create a new obituary from scratch. Below are concise answers to those queries.
How long are obituaries kept?
Obituaries are retained indefinitely, unless a family specifically requests removal. The “legacy service” guarantees permanent storage at no additional charge.
Is there a fee for obtaining a copy?
Standard PDF copies are free for families who used Fillatre’s services. Printed copies and memory books carry a modest production cost, typically ranging from $15 to $30 depending on page count and binding.
Can the staff help write an obituary if none exists?
Yes. Fillatre’s bereavement team includes experienced writers who can draft a respectful obituary based on information you provide. The service is included in most funeral packages, and the draft can be edited until it feels just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find my loved one’s obituary online?
If the obituary isn’t showing up, it may be stored in the private archive. Contact the office with the deceased’s full name and date of service; the staff will verify the file and provide a secure link.
Do I need to create an account to request a copy?
No account is required for a one‑time request. However, creating an account allows you to track multiple requests and store preferred formats for future use.
Can I share the digital obituary on social media?
Absolutely. Once you receive the PDF or video link, you can share it freely. If the family requested a private archive, you’ll need their permission before posting publicly.
Is there assistance for families unfamiliar with technology?
Fillatre offers a brief phone walkthrough for anyone who prefers guidance. The staff can walk you through the website steps or arrange a mailed copy.
