Wedding Planners Are Common. Where Are All the Funeral Planners?

Q. My daughter is getting married in the fall, but she isn’t much of a planner and would much rather just attend her big day and have it all planned for her. I am the same way, and to be honest, the details stress me out. To our … [Read more...]

Critter Corner:  Important Things to Keep in Mind if You Are Planning Your Own Funeral 

Dear Hayek,  A wedding celebrates a beginning, and a funeral acknowledges an ending. During both occasions, friends and family gather together to share an important event in someone’s life. I planned my wedding 40 years ago, … [Read more...]

What if I Don’t Want a Funeral?

Q. When a family friend died last year, his family made it clear there wouldn’t be a traditional funeral service for him. At first I thought this was because of the pandemic, but now I’m not so sure. Instead, they held a … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Why Would Someone Want to Preplan Their Funeral?

Dear Angel, My father told me yesterday that he is preplanning and prepaying for his funeral. I just listened as he spoke, but didn’t ask any questions. It was such a serious topic that I didn’t want to look disrespectful by … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: FEMA will Offer Funeral Assistance for People Who Have Died of COVID-19

Dear Oakley, My friend’s dad recently died of COVID-19. Funerals are so expensive. Does the government provide any relief to help pay for them? Burr Yinghim --- Dear Burr, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your … [Read more...]

Has the Pandemic Changed Funerals Forever?

Q. The pandemic has caused me to refocus my energy on planning for my future and for my family when I’m gone. I have seen people I know die of COVID and their families stressed about their funerals during a time of grief. I … [Read more...]

How to Attend Your Own Funeral

In Diana Gabaldon’s book, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes,” one of the character’s mothers awoke at her own wake. She took notice of her uncomfortable coffin, lack of brooch that she hoped to wear when she was buried, and lack of food … [Read more...]

Your Last Wishes Can be as Unique as You Are

Katie was born on July 4th. She got married on that day also and gave birth to her son on July 6th (he was due on the 4th). She was in the military and is a proud American. For her, Independence Day and fireworks have special … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Preparing for Death on Social Media

Dear Commander Bun Bun, I was recently on Facebook and noticed a friend who had passed away a few years ago still has an active account. Isn’t there anything family members and friends can do to memorialize a loved one on … [Read more...]

A Different Type of Funeral

Q.I am the kind of person who likes to plan ahead for everything. I started planning my wedding before I was even engaged, and named my children long before I was pregnant. Now that I am getting older, I am beginning to think … [Read more...]

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