When Death Occurs
Funeral Planning
When Death Occurs
The loss of a loved one, whether sudden or anticipated, is an emotional experience that is difficult to put into words. In the midst of such intense emotions, even the simplest decisions can feel overwhelming. This section aims to guide you through the immediate steps following a death.
When death occurs at home or a place of business:
If the deceased was not under hospice care, the first step is to notify the police. They will come to the location and contact the coroner or medical examiner. After assessing the situation, the coroner or medical examiner will remove the body and determine if any further actions are required. The body must be released by the coroner or medical examiner before any funeral home services can be arranged. If the person was under hospice care, contact the hospice representative, who will provide guidance on the appropriate next steps.
When a death occurs at a hospital/nursing home/hospice facility:
At a hospital or nursing home, the staff will promptly notify you and the relevant authorities after a death. If a funeral home has been selected, they will be informed immediately. If you are present when the funeral director arrives, they will ask you about the deceased’s preferences and schedule a time to make arrangements. If you are not there at the time of passing, a funeral director will contact you by phone to discuss the necessary arrangements.
Inform a Funeral Home
Once you have worked with the proper authorities, the next call should be to a licensed funeral director. They will assist with obtaining the death certificate, transporting the body, and, if no pre-planning has been done, selecting a casket or urn and organizing the funeral or memorial service. Additionally, the funeral director will help you notify the deceased’s employer and insurance company. Funeral directors are there to offer support, guidance, and advice throughout this difficult time.
Meet with a Funeral Director
It’s important to meet with a funeral director within 24 hours of the death to begin making the final arrangements for your loved one. Although this can feel like an overwhelming task, especially in your emotional state, rest assured that the funeral home staff has years of experience in guiding families through the process, ensuring everything is handled as smoothly as possible.
Make Arrangements
Information required for the death certificate:
- Full Name and Address
- Marital Status
- Race/Ethnicity
- Date and City of Birth
- Highest Level of Education
- Father’s Name, Mother’s Name (including maiden name)
- Name of Spouse (if married or widowed)
- Occupation and Employer
Pertinent documents required for legal paperwork:
- Account Statements
- Beneficiary Designations
- Life Insurance Policies
- Real Estate Deeds
- Car and Boat Deeds
- Stock and Bond Certificates
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Loans and Leases
- Copies of Bills (Hydro, Cable, Phone etc.)
- Last Will
- Tax Returns
If pre-planning has not been done, there are several important arrangements that need to be made for the funeral service, including:
- Scheduling the location, date, and time for both the visitation and funeral service
- Choosing between burial or cremation
- Selecting funeral products
- Arranging a cemetery plot
- Preparing and placing an obituary notice
- Organizing transportation arrangements
A funeral director will assist you through each of these steps, tailoring the arrangements to reflect your loved one’s wishes, preferences, and legacy. From there, the funeral services can be further personalized to honor your loved one’s unique life. Was there a favorite sports team they followed? A specific genre of music they loved? A particular activity they were known for? By incorporating these personal details into the service, you can create a meaningful tribute that reflects their passions, allowing the memories to shine through during the grieving process.