Planning a funeral is an emotional thing and is difficult. 

 

There are many details that must be handled.  If not done before a death occurs, the time frame is very short to pull all of the information required together.  This process is more difficult if the departed has not left instructions on the services they wanted. For this reason, it can be helpful to make decisions about your own funeral during your end-of-life care planning.

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Here is a sample checklist to let your loved ones know what your desires are when that time comes.

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1.  Which, if any, of these types of services would I like to have? 

• A funeral at a church or funeral home.

• A funeral at a gravesite.

• A memorial service at an outdoor site.

• A memorial service at my own home or the home of a relative.

 

2. Which, if any, of these other events would I like to have?

• A wake.

• A viewing.

• A visitation.

• A reception.

• Particular religious events.

 

3. Would I prefer to be buried or cremated?

• If buried, what sort of casket would I like?

• If cremated, what sort of urn would I like?

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4.  Is there a particular location that I would like my services to be held at? If that location is unavailable for any reason, what is the next best option?

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5.  Who would I like to officiate my memorial? If that person is unavailable for any reason, what is the next best option?

6.  Who would I like to be my pallbearers?

 

7.  Who do I want to deliver eulogies on my behalf? Are there any religious passages or poems I would like recited?

 

8.  Are there any charitable donations that I would like people to make on my behalf? Should these be given in lieu of flowers?

 

9.  Which family members should be notified immediately in the event of my passing? How is best to reach them?

10.  Are there any organizations that I want notified of my passing?

 

Checklist for the serviceCeremony of a Loved One
In some instances, somebody will pass suddenly or without the ability to fully communicate their wishes.  In this situation, it falls upon the next of kin to manage the details.  

 

If the passing has occurred outside of a hospital or hospice, immediately notify the authorities.

 

Once the authorities have been notified, inform family and friends. If you feel comfortable divulging the information on social media, do so at this time. 

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Collect the following information which is required for a death certificate and obituary. This information includes:

• Name.

• Social security number.

• Date of birth.

• Marital status.

• Date of death.

• Remaining family.

• Insurance details (if any).​​

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Find the will, and who the executor of the will may be.

Contact family or friends necessary and perform a reading of the will.

Determine what will happen with the affairs of the person who has passed on. This includes:

• Contacting the landlord or mortgage issuer.

• Checking in on any open bank accounts.

• Cancelling any open credit cards.

• Calling utility companies to inform them that service is no longer required.

 

Using your best judgment, as well as any information your loved one has left, go through the checklist above, to being planning the funeral service.

 

Locate photos, stories, and other memorabilia for display.

Select caterers or other food options for after the ceremony (if desired).

The more prepared you are, the more easily you will be able to navigate the funeral planning process. For information or for further guidance at managing this difficult time, please contact us today.