Going beyond the physical appearance of memorial monuments, what makes them so important is the comfort they bring and their instrumental role in the grieving process. The one you choose is a very personal decision that should be made carefully.
Learn more about the different types of memorial monuments and markers to make an informed decision.
Interested in discovering a cemetery with a more environmentally friendly approach? Discover our natural cemetery and our beautiful grounds. We accept all types of funeral urns.
A memorial monument is the most visible part of a burial space. It can be used as a gravemarker or headstone to mark the final resting place of the deceased, or as a memorial stone paying tribute to the deceased.
Memorial monuments can be custom-made according to the wishes of the deceased or their loved ones. Various shapes, sizes, colours and ornaments are available, including plaques, religious symbols, quotes, and other custom features. Some such monuments are nothing short of works of art.
Memorial monuments mark the final resting place of the deceased.
In practical terms, they are used to identify the grave while protecting it from the weather and preserving the memory of the deceased. They usually feature an engraving with the name of the deceased person as well as their date of birth and date of death.
They represent a physical portrayal of respect toward the deceased and their loved ones, a place where those left behind can gather, experience a deeper connexion with the deceased, and find comfort in honouring the life of a lost loved one.
Gravestones are undoubtedly the most common type of memorial monument used in western countries. However, many other options are available, including columbariums, memorial plaques, chapels, etc., each in various sizes and models.
A gravestone is a granite, marble or stone slab which, traditionally, was placed over the entire grave. Nowadays, many gravestones only include a stele, which stands upright and forms the most visible part of the monument.
Steles feature engravings with the name of the deceased as well as their date of birth and date of death. They come in a variety of shapes and colours, for a final result that truly represents the deceased.
A memorial plaque (or funeral plaque) is an ornament used to identify the deceased and embellish the monument or marker. While they are most often set on gravestones or steles, they can also be used as memorial tributes in other settings.
Memorial plaques are a popular choice at Les Sentiers, where family and friends are welcome to experience a connexion with their lost loved one in a peaceful environment, no matter the type or actual location of the remains.
Similarly to other memorial monuments, memorial plaques can be customized using engravings with short messages or quotes, and materials such as porcelain, acrylic glass and enamel finishing.
A mausoleum (or tomb) is a large funeral monument which holds the body or ashes of one or many deceased persons. That said, several regions in Quebec now forbid the construction of mausoleums.
They were mostly used in ancient times and were a sign of wealth. In fact, two of the Seven Wonders of the World happen to be mausoleums: the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Pyramid of Khufu.
In Quebec, memorial monuments used to be important social status indicators. Wealthy families would bury their loved ones in family chapels.
These monuments were built to model a small house, with a roof and three walls, and an open facade with an iron door. Chapels are very seldom built nowadays in Quebec. Most of those that exist, often beautiful works of art, have unfortunately fallen into disrepair.
A columbarium is an above-ground structure containing niches which hold the urns and ashes of deceased persons. The niches, usually made of granite, are sealed using a plaque with the name, date of birth and date of death of the deceased.
While these monuments are usually found in communal cemeteries or funeral homes, other possibilities do exist if you are not interested in the more traditional options.
For instance, Les Sentiers offers a different approach that helps ease the heavy emotional burden of traditional cemeteries. Their outdoor and indoor columbariums are uplifting spaces where visitors can find serenity and peacefulness. Read Everything there is to know about columbariums to learn more about our unique approach.
Many people do not put much thought into choosing a gravestone. For many, it is just another step in the process. That said, there are several options to pay tribute to deceased loved ones.
Gravestones, traditional cemeteries, and related procedures and traditions can actually have a significant negative impact on the environment. Wooden caskets and embalming procedures, for instance, release chemicals into the ground and atmosphere. Also, the actual layout of traditional cemeteries has environmental implications.
In contrast, natural cemeteries, such as Les Sentiers, embrace an entirely different approach where nature is an asset rather than an inconvenience. Memorial monuments are locally sourced and chosen in such a way as to blend seamlessly with nature, without chemicals. If the idea of a natural, peaceful cemetery sounds appealing to you, read Let’s demystify the concept of a natural cemetery to learn more.
Please note that Les Sentiers accepts all types of urns. You will not be turned away if your urn is not ecological and/or biodegradable.
Many factors come into play when choosing a memorial monument.
Your budget, for one, is a key factor. Granite gravestones cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000. Ground plaques are often less costly, but are less resistant and can be damaged by snow removal and mowing.
The material will determine the colours and finishes available, as well as any possible customizations. Keep in mind that certain standards and regulations may apply depending on the location.
In the end, what matters is to make a choice based on the wishes of the deceased, while ensuring the setting will enable family and friends to find peace of mind.
Un weekend rempli d’émotions. Merci Les Sentiers qui est tellement un bel endroit….la vue, le personnel, l’ambiance, et j’en passe et que dire de la célébrante Suzie Prénovost une personne merveilleuse et humaine. Merci ma belle-famille d’amour Bon voyage papa, pour toujours dans nos pensées et nos coeurs.
Elisabeth
Je veux vous remercier, vous d’abord Monsieur Tittel, pour votre belle écoute et votre disponibilité lors du décès de mon mari Aurélien Boisvert. Votre approche est humaine et réconfortante. Également, je veux souligner le travail impeccable accompli par le directeur qui a officialisé ou plutôt dirigé la cérémonie à l’église et au cimetière. Il avait toujours le souci et la délicatesse d’aller selon le désir de la famille. Et à la toute fin il a adressé la parole comme si c’était le défunt qui énonçait ses dernières volontés.
Tous étaient unanimes, c’était spécial, unique et touchant. Il est vraiment dans sa profession. Merci de lui transmettre notre gratitude et notre satisfaction.
Émilienne B. Boisvert
Merci pour tout, ce fut une journée vraiment formidable. Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre rigueur!
Chantale Veilleux
Un très gros merci à toute l’équipe! En particulier pour celles qui nous ont accompagnés toute la journée. Tout s’est déroulé à merveille grâce à leur aide. Les invités ont absolument adoré l’endroit. Ce fut une très belle journée dans les circonstances. Ma mère aurait été très contente de la cérémonie et de cette journée.
Félix Morency-Lavoie
Merci pour absolument tout. Nous sommes tous très reconnaissants de ce que vous avez fait pour notre famille.
Karine et Nicole