Category Archives: Q&A

This may vary by state so check with your local funeral director. Considerations include the need to secure all permits and authorizations, notification of family and friends, preparation of cemetery site and religious considerations. Some states have limitations on the … Continue reading →

Some cultures require that the grave is filled in while the family watch or they may wish to undertake the backfilling of the grave themselves. When families want this it is essential that the cemetery is made aware of their … Continue reading →

Most Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you request immediate assistant, someone will come right away. However, if you wish to spend time with the deceased to say goodbye, they will come when … Continue reading →

Funeral directors look upon their profession as a service, but it is also a business. And like any business, funeral homes must make a profit to exist. As long as the profit is reasonable and the services rendered are necessary, … Continue reading →

Funeral directors are caring individuals who help people deal with a very stressful time. They serve the same families 80 percent of the time, and many have spent most of their lives in the same community. If they took advantage … Continue reading →

According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation was the disposition of choice in about 27 percent of all deaths in the United States in the year 2001. It is projected that the percentage will rise to about … Continue reading →

Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is even encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

In most states, family members may bury their own dead, although regulations vary. But, most people find it difficult to be solely responsible for arranging the details and legal matters surrounding a death.

Yes, A person who dies of an AIDS-related illness is entitled to the same service options as anyone else. If public viewing is consistent with local or personal customs, that option is encouraged. Touching the deceased’s face or hands is … Continue reading →

A memorial service is when there are no casketed remains, however sometimes an urn will be present. Because there is usually not a body present, a memorial service can be delayed as long as needed while waiting for family or … Continue reading →

A graveside service is a service that takes place at the site of the burial. Friends and family members of the deceased gather at the site, and the eulogy and service takes place there. When planning, it may be important … Continue reading →

The cost depends on the size, materials and number of letters. A headstone can cost as little or as much as you want depending on the style, size, material and amount of wording that you and your family chooses. The … Continue reading →

It depends on the place of death. It can take several weeks if the death took place overseas. All states require permits when a body is being moved from one state to another state. There may also be local regulations … Continue reading →

Most arrangements actually can be made online (find a local funeral home here), however there may be necessary forms that need to be filled out and signed in person. Arrangements such as choosing the appropriate flowers, in addition to choosing … Continue reading →

Yes, but you should check the law for the states involved. It is also usually easier to contact a mortuary in the state to which the body is being transported, instead of from a mortuary from the state the body … Continue reading →

Yes. It is not uncommon for persons terminally ill or incapacitated to have their funeral preplanned by a third party, such as, a next-of-kin, executor, legal representative or friend with or in many cases, without their knowledge. As difficult as … Continue reading →

Yes. There are many ways to personalize a funeral service. A friend or family member of the deceased can deliver a personal eulogy. A song that was a favorite of the deceased could be a musical selection during the service. … Continue reading →

No. However, it can be necessary in some cases, such as for a funeral with viewing. It is also sometimes the funeral home’s prerogative to require embalming if funeral plans are delayed, or if there is a long wait for … Continue reading →

Support groups can be helpful. Support groups provide an atmosphere of being among people who are going through the same thing as you. It makes some people feel less alone through the grieving process. It has also been proven that … Continue reading →

First of all, simply be being there and listening to them when they want to talk, and letting them be silent when they want to be silent. Second, let them know its OK to feel what they are feeling. Thirdly, … Continue reading →

It can. Sometimes talking to a friend or relative over and over again about the same thing can tire out, and it helps to speak to a professional who is objective. It is especially important to seek the help of … Continue reading →

Everybody is different, therefore each person grieves in a different way and at a different pace. However, in general, the more support one receives, the easier the grieving process. Being able to talk about your feelings is usually very helpful. … Continue reading →

There are several options that may help your grieving process. But remember, everyone grieves differently and at a different rate. Some people grieve longer than others. If you are seeking things that may help with your grieving process, here are … Continue reading →

There are many signs of grief. They include: disbelief, denial, shock, numbness, sadness, anger, depression, guilt, loneliness, frustration, and many others. The physical symptoms can include: chest pain, panic attacks, dizziness and trembling.

Usually funeral directors will help make these arrangements for or with the family. A death notice is a paid listing in a newspaper. An obituary is a news story. Families purchase death notices, in which they can say whatever they … Continue reading →