Finney Funeral Services

09/04/2026

🌹Our wicker coffins made from sustainably grown willow are a beautiful choice for those exploring eco-friendly memorial options.

Why many Tasmanians choose wicker:
- Each basket is hand-woven using traditional methods, free from glues, plastics, or metals.
- Willow is a rapidly renewable resource, making it one of the most earth-conscious sustainable options available.
- They are more aesthetically pleasing than some other eco-friendly options. Families often choose to tuck wildflowers or handwritten notes into the weave as a final, personal touch.

If you'd like more information about options for an eco memorial, please visit our website: https://www.finneyfunerals.com.au/environmentally-friendly-green-funerals

05/04/2026

"The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends, and love never dies." — Kate McGahan 🕯

As the Tasmanian landscape settles into the quiet beauty of autumn, we are reminded that love is a constant, unchanging light through every season.

Easter is a time for hope, reflection, and gathering with those who matter most. Our thoughts are with the families who are holding a special place in their hearts for someone missing from the table this year.

May the warmth of shared memories bring you a deep sense of peace today.

From our family to yours, we wish you a hopeful and safe Easter Sunday 🤍

30/03/2026

A view of Launceston in 1929 ✨

We love seeing these glimpses into our city's past. This incredible shot of Percy Stevenson working on St John’s Church was taken in August 1929. Even back then, the Finney family was busy serving the Tasmanian community.

This photograph is a great reminder of the craftsmanship and courage that built the place we all call home. If anyone has any images of Northern Tasmania's past, we'd love to see them.

Memory from Launceston Library.

It’s not quite working on the high steel, but what a view!
In August of 1929 Percy Stevenson was one of the crew working on the extensions to St John’s Church. Towards the end of the 19th century it became apparent that the church was no longer big enough.
Construction began in 1902 with a separate building that was finally connected to the original church in the 1930s.
Some brave photograph would have had to cart his gear quite a way up to capture this shot. Percy is totally unphased.

Library file caption: Photograph - St. John's Anglican Church - Launceston. Examiner 24/08/1929 p. 11. Constuction of Alexander North's additions to St. John's Church. Builder shown is Percy Stevenson of Thistle Street, Launceston.

LPIC147-2-220

29/03/2026

Traditional Funeral or Memorial Service: Understanding the difference 🕊️

When it comes to saying goodbye, there is no "one size fits all". At Finney Funeral Services, we help you choose the path that best honours your loved one’s legacy.

The Traditional Funeral
- Timing: Held typically within 1–2 weeks of passing.
- Presence: The coffin or casket is present, serving as a focal point for the farewell.
- Feel: A structured ceremony with readings, music, and a formal committal.

The Memorial Service
- Timing: Can be held weeks or even months later, allowing more time for travel.
- Presence: Usually held after a private cremation or burial; often with an urn or a framed photo as the centerpiece.
- Presence: Usually held after a private cremation or burial; often with an urn or a framed photo as the centrepiece.

Both options provide a vital space for grieving and connection. Whether you prefer the comfort of tradition or the flexibility of a modern memorial, we are here to help bring the details together. When it comes to saying goodbye, there is no "one size fits all". Our team can help you choose the path that best honours your loved one’s legacy.

26/03/2026

A gentle reminder: You have permission to feel 🤍

Grief has its own pace... it doesn’t follow a calendar. While life around you moves quickly, your heart may need more time. Whatever you are feeling—sadness, nostalgia, or even a sense of relief—know that it is completely valid.

Today, give yourself permission to:
- Say “no” to social events if you need rest.
- Share a memory of your loved one, or simply sit in quiet reflection.
- Take things one moment at a time.

You are not “doing it wrong.” You are navigating a difficult path, and we are holding you in our thoughts.

22/03/2026

✖ Myth: "A funeral must take place within three days."

✅ Truth: In Tasmania, there is no legal requirement to hold a funeral immediately. While many services are arranged within a week, we support families who need more time... for relatives to travel from interstate or overseas, or simply to plan at a pace that feels right.

At Finney Funeral Services, we have the facilities to care for your loved one for as long as necessary. This ensures you can gather everyone who matters, make considered decisions, and focus on remembering your loved one without feeling rushed 🤍

19/03/2026

Pre-planning a funeral provides peace of mind for the people you love 🤍

By taking the time to record your wishes in advance, you help guide your family through what can be a very difficult time. It means they won’t need to make important decisions without knowing what you would have wanted.

Instead, they can focus on supporting one another, sharing memories, and celebrating a life well lived.

Pre-planning is simply a thoughtful step that can make things a little easier for those you care about most.

If you would like to discuss options for prepaid funeral expenses, call one of our offices, and a prepaid specialist will help you through all the decisions needed to plan the funeral you wish to have. Ph: (03) 6343 2266

15/03/2026

Do funeral services have to be religious? ⛪

Many people wonder whether a funeral service needs to follow a particular religious tradition. The truth is that every farewell can be shaped to reflect the life, beliefs, and wishes of the person being remembered.

While we are honoured to work with ministers and faith leaders from many traditions, some families choose a service led by a civil celebrant. This allows the focus to be on personal stories, memories, music, and the unique life that is being celebrated.

Whether a service is guided by faith, tradition, or personal reflection, our role is simply to help create a farewell that feels meaningful and right for your family 💜

08/03/2026

"I want to help, but I don’t know what to say." 🤝

We hear this often. When a friend or neighbour in our Tasmanian community loses someone, we naturally want to offer comfort...but it can be hard to find the right words or actions.

Grief Australia have put together an incredible help sheet that takes the guesswork out of being a supportive presence.

Key takeaways from their guide:
- Just be there: Your presence and a listening ear are more powerful than "perfect" words.
- Practical is powerful: Don't ask "what can I do?" Instead, offer specific help like dropping off a meal, hanging out the washing, or running an errand.
- Say their name: Hearing a loved one's name is often a comfort, not a burden. It shows they are remembered.
- Avoid platitudes: Skip the "everything happens for a reason" and stick to "I’m here for you."

Supporting a friend through loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a moment to read the full guide for more gentle, practical advice.

Download/Read the Information Sheet here:
https://www.grief.org.au/ga/ga/Content/Information-Sheets/Support-Someone-Who-Is-Grieving.aspx

06/03/2026

One of the first decisions many families face when planning a funeral is whether to choose burial or cremation. It can feel like a significant choice, but there is no right or wrong option...only what feels most meaningful for you and your family.

🌿 Burial
For some families, burial offers comfort in having a permanent place to visit and remember their loved one. Finney Funeral Services is conveniently located next door to Carr Villa Cemetery, Launceston’s oldest and most established cemetery. Our team can also assist with arrangements for interment in cemeteries throughout Tasmania, depending on your family’s wishes.

🌼 Cremation
Cremation can offer flexibility in how a life is remembered. Some families choose a special urn for the home or a memorial space, while others may scatter ashes in a place that held personal meaning.

Finney Funeral Services operates a private crematorium at Franklin Grove in Youngtown, allowing your loved one to remain in our care throughout the process.

Whatever path you choose, our role is to gently guide you through the options and support you in creating a farewell that feels right for your family.

14/01/2026

Our intimate chapel offers a quiet, comforting space for smaller services. Designed for families seeking a more private farewell, it provides a peaceful setting where loved ones can gather, reflect, and remember together 💜

13/01/2026

From a favourite song to a meaningful flower, it’s often the small, personal touches that make a farewell truly special. We’re here to help bring those moments together 💜