When Death Occurs
Immediately following the death of a loved one, there are many decisions that must be made. At this time, you may find your emotions are heightened, and for that reason it is a good idea to ask for help in making all the decisions and arrangements. Additionally, the funeral home’s staff is prepared to assist you and the family in making the best decisions possible. This information can help guide you and your family through the process.
Within Hours
When a loved one dies at home or in a healthcare facility, all you need to do is contact us at
814-724-2345. We will set up a day and time to meet with you. This meeting can take
place at your home, at either of our funeral home locations, or at any other location you
find convenient.
What to Expect When We Meet
From the time of this initial meeting and on, we will guide you through every step and gain
an understanding of the person that the services will honor. If your loved one has not
made prearrangements, you will decide what type of service you would like.
We will discuss ideas and preferences as to share your loved one’s story through
personalization and a meaningful tribute. This process will include:
- Drafting an obituary
- Scheduling the services and events, including clergy, cemetery, ordering of flowers, etc.
- Discussing any special display items, music or scripture requests
- Selecting merchandise such as casket, vault, urn, keepsake items, etc.
- Gathering information for filing a certified death certificate
Information That Will Be Needed
We’d like to make this process as easy and stress free as possible. Some of the information
that will be helpful includes your loved one’s
- Social security number
- Date of birth
- City and state of birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214) if applicable
- Information pertaining to burial or cemetery
- Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses
You will also want to consider what picture you may want to use for the newspaper obituary as well as what clothing and/or accessories that will be worn by your loved one.
Taking Care Of Personal Property
Following the death of your loved one, there are few things you need to attend to involving the deceased’s personal life. First, secure your loved one’s property. Make sure their home and vehicle are properly secure. If your loved one has a pet, make the necessary arrangements for the pet to be taken care of by family or friends. Any mail that comes to your loved one should be forwarded to a family member that plans to handle the deceased’s estate. Any mail that piles up at a vacant home only alarms potential intruders that a home is empty. Make sure to contact the deceased’s boss and inform them of the death. If your loved one had any upcoming appointments, make contact to notify them about the death and to cancel the appointment.
