Funeral Planning

by Sheryll Bonilla, esq.

For some of us, 2024 was a year when we said goodbye to someone we loved.

The passing could have been expected if the loved one was in poor health or it happened suddenly.

Family members left behind are often grieving while trying to take care of this final care of the person’s earthly frame.

If you did any preparation for your own passing, it might help to leave information for your family when the time comes.

Here are some items to help with those plans.

Organ and Body Donation
Organ and body donation is only done if indicated on your driver’s license or state ID, or if you registered with Legacy of Life. Marking a direction on your advance healthcare directive does not authorize a donation.

If you want to do this, please make sure you register with Legacy of Life or update your driver’s license or state ID.

Pre-Paid Plans or Burial Benefits
If you paid for a plan, let your family know which mortuary and leave them a copy of the plan documents.

Do you have a burial plot already purchased or a cremation plan? If you are a veteran and are eligible for VA benefits, give your family the documents they need to show you qualify for burial benefits.

Do you have funds saved up to pay for your funeral?  Let your family know which account is available for these expenses, as they can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.

Cremation
Do you want to be cremated or buried?    

If you want to be cremated, do you want to be placed in an urn that’s kept with a family member or friend? Who do you want to keep your urn?

Do you want your urn to be placed in a family burial plot or other location? Do you want your urn to be placed in a certain columbarium? Did you already pay for a niche somewhere?

Let your family know which columbarium. If you want your ashes scattered, where?

Burial
Do you already have a family burial plot? Where? Did you already pay for a casket or funeral plan? With what mortuary? Do you have preferences as to the cemetery your casket is placed in?

Memorial Services
Do you want to have a private memorial service with only family and close friends? Do you want to have a memorial service open to everyone who knew you and wants to say their last goodbyes? Remember, there may be more costs for feeding more people.

Do you prefer a non-religious service? Do you want a religious service? What religion? Do you want your pastor or priest to perform the funeral services or do you have preferences about who does this?

People
Are there friends who you want to be notified of your passing? What is their contact information – phone number, address, email?

Eulogy
Is there anything you want to be said in your eulogy? Leave your notes with your family. Do you have any preferences for who reads at your memorial service?

When your family has lost you, they will be grieving and dealing with notifying your pension plan, the Social Security office, and creditors, that you passed.

Discussing these matters with your family can help with the tasks of closing out your life.

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