When Death Occurs

In truth, no one is ever prepared for the death of someone close to their heart. The overwhelming feelings of despair, disbelief, shock, and numbness experienced when a loved one passes cannot be conveyed by mere words. Even when a death is expected, the pain incurred by loss can still be devastating.

During your difficult time, there are decisions to be made immediately, arrangements to be coordinated, and a lot of things to consider for your loved one’s final farewell. We understand how this may seem overwhelming, especially considering the grief you’re feeling over your loss; please know that we are here to help and support you.

On this page, we’ve put together helpful information to guide you through this process.

NOTIFY THE PROPER AUTHORITIES

If your loved one passed away while under the care of a facility — such as a nursing home or a hospital — staff from the facility will contact you and they will notify appropriate authorities.

If the death occurred in the workplace or at home, you need to get in touch with the deceased's physician or emergency medical personnel, as the cause of death must be identified and indicated in legal documents.

In the event that no one was present at the time of death, you need to contact the police before moving the deceased to another location.

CALL THE FUNERAL HOME

Our caring funeral director can assist you with your funeral arrangements. We will collect information from you in order to facilitate the transfer of your loved one’s remains to our facility; you would also be asked if the deceased has made pre-arrangements and whether or not you’d like for them to be embalmed. While you can ask any questions you have during this call, please note that we will discuss the arrangements in greatest detail once you visit the funeral home.

During this call you’ll also be informed about things that you need to bring with you, like the clothes your deceased loved one will wear for burial. Please feel free to call us whenever you feel the need, and remember that we are here to listen, help, and guide you during this difficult and trying time.

MEET THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR/STAFF

On your first meeting with us, we will discuss your loved one’s final arrangements. You will be shown a list of our packages and services so you can decide what best suits your family’s preferences and budget; you will be asked whether you’d prefer burial or cremation arrangements, and optionally you may select a casket, schedule a time, date, and location for the services, draft an obituary notice, arrange for vehicle services, etc.

We would also use this opportunity to develop a better understanding of the person the services will honor. It will be extremely helpful if you could bring memorabilia — photos, videos, treasured items, letters — that would give us a clearer picture on how you envision paying tribute to your loved one.

FILE FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE

A death certificate is a legal document indicating the cause of death, and includes other vital statistics pertaining to the deceased. It must be signed by the attending physician. In case your loved one died due to an accident, a coroner or the county medical examiner may prepare the form. We can help you if you need assistance filing for this document with the state, and certified copies of the death certificate can also be purchased at the same time. These certified copies are important when gaining access to bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, claiming benefits due to the family (like the Veteran’s benefits or insurance claims), and transferring or selling ownership of properties.