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“I never thought about that...” There are many details to consider following the death of a loved one. This brochure is a handy reference for you, whether you are pre-planning a funeral or want a checklist to put with your important papers for when the time comes. A death has occurred, what now? The checklist below will help you through the process of what to do and what you will need when a death occurs. Vital statistics required by funeral home • Full name, address, telephone number • Social Insurance Number • Alberta Health Care Number • Birthplace and birthdates • Marital status (full name of spouse including wife’s maiden name if married, divorced or widowed) • If a veteran, service number • Father’s and mother’s full (and maiden) names and birthplaces • Photo Identification (Driver’s license or Passport) • Whether contributions were made to Canada Pension to ensure forms are completed for death benefit Assisting the family • Arrange for people to answer the door or phone (keep a record of calls) • Check that child care is available • Cancel mail, newspaper if deceased lived alone Arranging the Funeral • Decide on time, place and location of service • Make list of family and friends to be notified • Prepare obituary and think about gifts or memorial donations • Select and notify pallbearers and/or urn bearer Taking care of business • Acknowledge cards, messages, flowers, donations, gifts, including food deliveries • Contact lawyer and personal representative (executor) • Check on insurance, death benefit, debts |
Why Have a Funeral?
Answering questions to alleviate any anxieties about the arrangement process. Learning your family’s wishes and understanding your intentions to help make decisions that are good for you. Why we have had funerals since the beginning of time?
Why have a funeral?
For thousands of years, funerals have been a means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about death. When we experience the death of a loved one, the funeral fills several important needs. First, it provides for the dignified and respectful care of the deceased and a special tribute to their life. It encourages us to share memories and activates support during this naturally difficult time.
Equally important, the funeral service helps survivors face the reality of death. This is the first big step in taking grief from the inside and allowing us to express it outwardly through mourning. The funeral provides a safe place to affirm the worth of our relationship with the person who died and express our feelings of loss. Often, just seeing how much others care can be a tremendous help to a family in adjusting to their loss.
Why do I need to plan a funeral for my loved one?The remembering, reflecting and choices that take place in the planning and carrying out of the funeral service are often an important part of the process of grief and mourning. And ultimately, this process of contemplation and discovery creates a memorable and moving funeral experience for all who attend
Answering questions to alleviate any anxieties about the arrangement process. Learning your family’s wishes and understanding your intentions to help make decisions that are good for you. Why we have had funerals since the beginning of time?
Why have a funeral?
For thousands of years, funerals have been a means of expressing our beliefs, thoughts and feelings about death. When we experience the death of a loved one, the funeral fills several important needs. First, it provides for the dignified and respectful care of the deceased and a special tribute to their life. It encourages us to share memories and activates support during this naturally difficult time.
Equally important, the funeral service helps survivors face the reality of death. This is the first big step in taking grief from the inside and allowing us to express it outwardly through mourning. The funeral provides a safe place to affirm the worth of our relationship with the person who died and express our feelings of loss. Often, just seeing how much others care can be a tremendous help to a family in adjusting to their loss.
Why do I need to plan a funeral for my loved one?The remembering, reflecting and choices that take place in the planning and carrying out of the funeral service are often an important part of the process of grief and mourning. And ultimately, this process of contemplation and discovery creates a memorable and moving funeral experience for all who attend
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Visit MeaningfulFunerals.com for a video highlighting Don’s personal story and the importance of having a funeral.
THE FUNERAL CEREMONY: • Helps us acknowledge that someone we love has died • Allows us to say goodbye • Provides a support system for us, friends, family members and our community • Allows us to reflect on the meaning of life and death • Offers continuity and hope for the living |
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Additional Resources
The Mourner’s Bill of Rights
10 Freedoms For Making A Meaningful Funeral
www.McInnisandHolloway.com
www.MeaningfulFuneral.com
www.centerforloss.com
Grief Resources
The Mourner’s Bill of Rights
10 Freedoms For Making A Meaningful Funeral
www.McInnisandHolloway.com
www.MeaningfulFuneral.com
www.centerforloss.com
Grief Resources
