Anora Cremation Burial and Events

ANORA is a locally owned and operated provider of Professional Funeral Services and End of Life Events serving the Vancouver Lower Mainland.

End of Life Events. Every life is unique and all services that we provide are reflective of that life. We serve with care, empathy, patience and creativity.
We are Funeral Directors and Embalmers licensed by the province of B.C. We are also Event Coordinators and companions to the bereaved. Our goal is to launch grief in a healthy way. We must acknowledge that none of us are well at that difficult time and ensure that everyone is getting the support and assistance that they need. Passion for serving our community well is what drives us.

ANORA is not just in the business of providing funerals. Funeral Service is our vocation. We are called to serve the bereaved, deceased and those who are willing to accept the reality that each of our days are numbered, regardless of our age. We empower people to reflect on what they want for their end of life care and create a safe environment for end of life discussion. This may include conversations with End of Life Doulas, Notaries, Estate Planners, Grief Recovery Specialists or Pre-arrangement Specialists.

Coming together to commemorate a life lost is important for everyone’s health and well being. Many people tell their family to not have a funeral or event for them when they die. Perhaps they want to shield their loved ones from the pain that their death will cause. What they don’t realize is that the pain and loss will still be felt.

By not having a Funeral, Honouring Event or obituary, the family, friends and colleagues are not given the opportunity to come together and acknowledge the loss and how each of their lives will be affected without this special person. Many people who have not been given an opportunity to truly grieve have found that eventually and for various reasons they are overwhelmed with grief, sometimes years later.

They may run into an old friend who asks about the deceased because they have no idea that they had even died. They are then back to square one; explaining the death and how long it has been. Maybe they associated funerals with religion and they were not religious.

Maybe the deceased asked for “No Service by request” because they were unaware of the varying options that there are now. We provide funerals and Honouring Events that are tailored and unique as the individual. Honouring Events can be formal or casual, religious or secular, public or private. The choice is up to you.

We are passionate about Events. What that gathering looks like is different for every individual. It all starts with a conversation, with many questions and a lot of listening. We have relationships with fabulous venues, caterers, florists, artisans and musicians. We connect you with the ideal choices for you, based on number of guests, style and budget.

ANORA believes strongly in sustainable options and supporting local artisans whenever possible. This affects the offerings of caskets, urns, mementos, right down to our stationary supplier. Most of our caskets are made in Chilliwack, B.C. or Quebec. Our list of B.C. artisans who create urns and jewelry is currently at eight and growing. You won’t find plastic water bottles or disposable plates at our receptions, as we have invested in glasses, plates, tables and linens to make it easier and cost affective for you to choose to be green.

We recognise that trusting us with your loved one is a big deal. ANORA treats your loved one as if they were our own. We are honoured to care for yours with respect and kindness. For anyone who ever said “I wouldn’t be caught dead- fill in the blank”, we have your back. Whether it means colouring someone’s roots, ensuring the perfect lip colour or ensuring a special item accompanies the deceased, we take care of the fine details.

However, we also recognise that there are clients who want to care for their loved one themselves. We can assist you in taking on as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Some families prefer for us to prepare their loved one and then return them for a homecoming prior to the honouring event, while others choose to keep their loved one at home and we take care of coordinating the rest of the details. We will help you find the right fit for your family.

ANORA is experienced with a variety of religious denominations and cultural traditions given the mosaic of community that we share. Our Funeral Directors are English speaking, however we are connected to Clergy of varying languages. We also offer language translations to accompany Clergy or Funeral Celebrants.

We understand that some clients have traditions and religious rites that are important. We can facilitate. We also recognise that there are clients with varying belief systems or secular lifestyle within a family. Life is complicated. Creating the ideal funeral or honouring event doesn’t have to be. We are dedicated to serving people the way they need to be served. ANORA honours tradition, yet advocates for change.

Convenient Location

ANORA serves the Vancouver Lower Mainland. We meet you where it is most comfortable and convenient for you. This is usually your home, but can be our office in Coquitlam, BC or anywhere in between.

Venues

Our clients are not limited to a funeral chapel. We hold events at countless venues, such as community halls, churches, private clubs, restaurants, pubs, private residence or any place that has meaning for you and your family. We can help you choose the right venue, depending on region, number of guests, budget & personal preferences.

Sheltering

When safely in our care, your loved one is sheltered at licensed facilities in Port Coquitlam, BC. However, you do have the option of caring for them at your home. We can assist you with whichever decision is right for you.

We respectfully acknowledge that we are serving communities on the traditional territories within the Lower Mainland, and work on the unceded territory of the Kwikwetlem, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Qayqayt, and Stz'uminus, the nations who cared for these lands that currently host our office.