When a Death Occurs: What to do First

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to be unsure of what to do next. The first step is to contact the funeral home as soon as possible. We are here to walk with you through every detail so that you never have to face this alone.

Our Services

Who to Call First

Whether you were present or received the news from a distance, those first moments can be filled with shock and confusion. If the death occurred in a hospital or care facility, staff will often assist by contacting the funeral home directly.

You may also want to notify a few close family members or friends, asking them to help share the news. If you’re alone, consider inviting someone you trust to be with you during these first hours.

Understanding Your Role

The person who makes the first call is not always the one legally responsible for final arrangements. If no instructions were left, the responsibility generally follows this order:

Legal spouse/partner
Surviving adult children
Surviving parents
Surviving adult siblings
Ex-spouse
Parent of a minor child

If you’re uncertain about your role, please reach out to us or to the family attorney for guidance.

Meeting with a Funeral Director

It is helpful to arrange a meeting with one of our funeral directors within 24 hours of a passing. We can meet with you at our funeral home or, if needed, in the comfort of your own home. Though it may feel overwhelming, our experienced team will guide you step by step to ensure everything is handled with care.

What to Expect During the Arrangement Meeting

During your meeting, the funeral director will collect essential information for the death certificate, such as:

Full name and address
Marital status
Date and city of birth
Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name) and birthplaces
Spouse’s name (if married or widowed)
Occupation

If pre-planning has not been completed, the funeral director will guide you through the necessary arrangements for the funeral, including:

Choosing between burial, cremation, or green burial services
Scheduling the date, time, and location of the service and visitation
Selecting a cemetery plot, if needed
Preparing and publishing an obituary
Coordinating transportation and other service details

Next Steps

We are here to provide clarity, comfort, and compassionate support. When you’re ready, please contact us to begin making arrangements with one of our caring funeral directors.

What Comes After the Funeral?

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