The steps to take after the death of a loved one

When it’s up to you to take a loved one to his final resting place, it’s good to know that someone’s there to help take charge of the funeral steps for you.

Dealing with all the details of a funeral unfolds in several distinct stages. From the first administrative procedures involving the body of a loved one, right up to the burial or the cremation, the funeral director is there to accompany you.

• He or she is an experienced resource person you can rely on to get you through all the funeral steps that need to be followed.
• This is an especially valuable support, as making arrangements for a funeral is a critical step in the mourning process for the family; it is a ritual that gradually brings them toward accepting the loss of their loved one.

First, find out if the deceased had a contract for pre-planned funeral arrangements with a funeral home or if there are any indications to this effect in the will.

• If there is no pre-planned funeral arrangements contract, but the deceased had communicated to you his wishes, then you can act in the spirit of those last wishes.
• All funeral steps can be personalized to meet the needs of the family, whether the funeral is a religious one or not.

The funeral director will discuss with you the most important funeral steps, including the following:

• Applying for a death certificate, which is necessary for dealing with government and taxation matters
• Choosing the type of care to be given to the body of the deceased
• Selecting a visitation room to host those who come to remember and pay their respects
• Arranging transportation for the immediate family to the burial site
• Choosing a funeral chapel or church and arranging the logistics of the ceremony
• Deciding on burial or cremation and the subsequent interment or inurnment

• Do you have special requests or expectations?
• Have you planned for specific rituals, prayers, testimonials or readings?
• How would you like the flowers to be arranged?
• Are you leaving one or several objects in the coffin? If so, will the family recover them before burial?
• Should the procession follow a particular route? Who will ride in the family vehicle?
• Do you wish to attend the interment or inurnment?
• Will you be holding a visitation before the ceremony and a reception afterwards? If so, how would you like it to be announced? When and who will be making the announcement? Where will it be held and who do you plan to invite?

At the time of a death, loved ones are often in shock, but the procedures that need to be dealt with are real.

• And since there are typically very few days between the death and the funeral, it’s reassuring to know that you can make a simple call to a funeral home.
• The professional staff will give you their expertise and support in helping you to honour the life of your loved one.