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Although Eastside Memorial Chapel can accommodate ceremonies for all faiths and cultures, this unique approach recognizes Alberta’s rich ethnic and cultural fabric, and the need for everyone – regardless of background – to mark the passing of life with affection, dignity and respect.

Although every ethnic group has many different cultural traditions surrounding the funeral service, Eastside’s design addresses ethnicity in some of the following ways:

• as part of the funeral service for some ethnic communities, offerings are burnt, so Eastside Memorial Chapel has a fireplace in it;
• some ethnic groups have traditional all-night wakes for members of their community who have died, with family and friends in attendance. To help with child care into the night, Eastside has a separate room containing couches, games and a VCR for children; and
• at night, the funeral home and parking lot are secured and families may use a private entrance for late night viewings and all-night wakes.

The unique design of Eastside Memorial Chapel is a continuation of McInnis & Holloway’s commitment to providing a variety of services for Calgary and area families. As part of this commitment, Kathy Cloutier, Manager of Chapel of the Bells, researched and wrote “Customs and Traditions in Times of Death and Bereavement” a guide which covers a variety of ethnic traditions specific to funerals and grieving.