Support & Resources
Guidance and Resources
Helpful information
Guidance and Resources
When you’re facing a loss, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. We’re here to provide clear answers, thoughtful guidance, and helpful resources for the moments when you need them most. Explore information about what to expect when a death occurs, funeral etiquette, frequently asked questions, and more—so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
support
When a Death Occurs
When someone you love passes away, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to provide guidance and help you take each step with care and confidence.
Begin With Care
When a death occurs, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Contact the appropriate care provider or emergency officials, then reach out to your funeral home. Your funeral director will guide you through the next steps and help you understand your options.
Gather What You Need
Your funeral director will let you know what information and documents are needed to begin arrangements, including personal information, insurance policies, beneficiary details, Social Security information, and military discharge papers when applicable.
Take Care of What Matters
Secure your loved one's home and vehicle, arrange care for pets, and take care of other immediate responsibilities as needed. If your loved one served in the military, your funeral director can also help you explore available benefits and honors.
guidance
Funeral Etiquette
It’s natural to feel uncertain about what to say or how to offer support to a grieving family. Understanding a few basic funeral etiquette guidelines can help you feel more confident and comfortable when offering condolences.
When Should I Visit?
After learning of someone’s passing, it’s appropriate to visit the family at home, though the funeral home is often the most suitable place to express your condolences and support. If you’d like to offer comfort before the services take place, simple gestures can mean a great deal, such as bringing food, helping with household needs, offering childcare, or running errands are all thoughtful ways to ease the burden on a grieving family.
What Should I Say?
This is one of the most common questions asked by those wishing to pay their respects. While no words can truly capture the depth of loss, offering a few sincere, kind words can bring comfort and let the family know you care. It's best to avoid personal grievances or phrases like "they're in a better place," as these may unintentionally cause discomfort during such a sensitive time.
Where Should I Sit?
Many people attend funeral services without being familiar with traditional seating arrangements. Generally, the first few rows at both the funeral and visitation are reserved for immediate family. If you are not a family member, it is respectful to choose a seat behind the reserved section.
What Should I Do?
Punctuality is important when attending a funeral or visitation. Enter the funeral home or venue quietly and respectfully. If attending a visitation, take a moment to offer your condolences to the family before finding your seat. Please silence your cellphone, as using it during the service is considered inappropriate. If you need to respond to a call or message, kindly step outside or into another room.
What Should I Do About Children?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a child should attend a visitation or funeral. It depends on their relationship to the deceased, their age, and their ability to behave appropriately during the service. If you choose to bring your child, it's helpful to gently explain what to expect and how they are expected to act, so they feel prepared and comfortable.
What Should I Give?
Sending flowers to the funeral home or the family’s residence is a thoughtful and appropriate way to express condolences. In some cases, the family may request donations to a specific charity in lieu of flowers. These wishes should always be respected. Providing food to the grieving family is another meaningful gesture of support. A sympathy card is also a heartfelt and affordable way to offer comfort, and there is no specific timeline. Cards are welcome whenever you're ready to reach out.
we have answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our frequently asked questions to find clear answers about services, planning, and what to expect. This helpful resource is designed to guide you through common concerns and provide straightforward information when you need it most.
What services do funeral directors perform?
A funeral director offers comprehensive support to grieving families after the loss of a loved one. Beyond coordinating cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased, they provide essential bereavement and consolation to the living. Their multifaceted role encompasses funeral arranging, directing, attending, and embalming.
Key responsibilities of a funeral director include:
- Arranging for the deceased's removal and transfer from the place of death to the funeral home.
- Providing professional care for the deceased, such as embalming, casketing, and cosmetology.
- Meeting with the family to plan the funeral service.
- Completing necessary paperwork, including certificates and permits.
- Acquiring copies of the death certificate.
- Coordinating with cemeteries, crematories, or other final disposition locations.
- Writing and publishing the obituary.
- Organizing aspects of the service like clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and specialized fraternal or military tributes.
- Overseeing the funeral service and procession.
- Aiding the family with death-related claims and resources, such as Social Security, VA benefits, and grief support.
What is the purpose of a funeral?
A funeral or memorial service offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the life of a loved one and pay tribute to the impact they had. It creates a space where family and friends can openly express their emotions, reflect on cherished memories, and find comfort in the support of others. Through shared remembrance, it allows us to grieve, connect, and begin the journey toward healing.
Can you still have a funeral if you choose cremation?
Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.
What is the difference between a funeral and memorial service?
Funerals usually involve the deceased's body and often lead to burial or cremation. In contrast, memorial services occur without the body and can be scheduled days, weeks, or months after the death.
Do I have to have a funeral service?
No, services are not required by law. However, many families find comfort and closure through a ceremony that honors the life of their loved one.
What are my options for final disposition?
Common options include burial (in-ground or above-ground), cremation, or donation to science. Each choice can be paired with a traditional or personalized service.
Can I personalize the funeral?
Absolutely. You can include specific music, readings, photographs, videos, personal items, and more to reflect your loved one’s life and wishes.
Is embalming required?
Embalming is not legally required in all cases. It may be necessary if there is a public viewing or if the body needs to be transported across state lines.