When Death Occurs

The intense feelings of despair, disbelief, shock, and numbness that accompany the loss of a loved one are often beyond words. Even when a death is anticipated, the pain of that loss can be profoundly overwhelming, leaving no one truly prepared for the passing of someone so dear. In the midst of this heartache, there are urgent decisions to make, arrangements to coordinate, and many considerations for your loved one’s final farewell. We recognize how daunting this can be, especially when you’re grappling with your grief, and we want you to know that we are here to provide support and guidance. On this page, you will find valuable information to help you navigate this difficult process.

NOTIFY PROPER AUTHORITIES

When a loved one passes away in a facility such as a nursing home or hospital, the staff will handle notifying you and the relevant authorities, ensuring that the necessary procedures are followed. However, if the death occurs at home or in the workplace, it’s essential to reach out to their physician or emergency medical personnel to determine the cause of death, which must be documented legally for official records. If no one is present at the time of passing, you will need to contact the police before moving the deceased to another location, as this is a necessary protocol in such situations to ensure that everything is handled appropriately.

CALL THE FUNERAL HOME

Our compassionate funeral director is here to assist you with all your arrangements during this challenging time. We will gather necessary information to facilitate the transfer of your loved one’s remains to our facility, and we’ll inquire if any pre-arrangements have been made, as well as your preferences regarding cremation. While you’re welcome to ask any questions during this initial call, we encourage you to visit our office, where we can discuss the details of the arrangements more thoroughly. Additionally, we will inform you about what to bring, such as the clothing for the burial, ensuring you are prepared for your visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need support; we are here to listen, help, and guide you through this difficult journey.

MEET THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR/STAFF

During your initial meeting with us, we will go over the arrangements for your loved one’s final disposition. You’ll be presented with a comprehensive list of our packages and services, allowing you to choose options that align with your family’s preferences and budget. We will discuss whether you would like to proceed with burial or cremation and, if applicable, help you select a casket, schedule a service time and date, determine the burial location, draft an obituary, and arrange for transportation services.

FILE FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE

A death certificate is an essential legal document that records the cause of death along with other vital statistics about the deceased, typically signed by the attending physician. If your loved one passed away due to an accident, a coroner or county medical examiner may be responsible for preparing the document. Should you require assistance in filing for this legal certificate with the state, we are here to help. Additionally, you can obtain certified copies of the death certificate at the same time, which are crucial for accessing bank accounts, safety deposit boxes, claiming benefits such as Veteran’s benefits or insurance claims, and facilitating the transfer or sale of property ownership.