Two hands holding each other while writing on a piece of paper.
A blue lighthouse with water in the background.

What to Do When Someone Dies

What to Do When Someone Dies

What to do when someone passes? If a person passes in the hospital, then the head nurse most likely will be the person who you will provide the Funeral Home information to. You can provide memorials information and phone number. In most cases, the hospital will move the deceased to the morgue. If the person passes at home, you can provide Haven Memorial information to law enforcement personnel. If the person was in hospice, this would be the hospice nurse. The rules are slightly different for those who live in rural areas or communities where a Justice of Peace may have to make a determination regarding death. If your loved one has to go to the Medical Examiner’s office, you can provide Haven Memorial’s information to their office so they would know to contact our office when your loved one is ready for release.

  • What is the Eulogy
  • How to Compose the Obituary
  • How to Organize the Program
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Grief & Spiritual Counseling

What is the Eulogy

What is the Eulogy

An eulogy is a speech or writing to celebrate a person’s life when the person dies. The eulogy can be provided by the minister's family member or anyone that the family requests. They should not be too long, but a narrative that can walk a person’s life journey from childhood to final moments, touching on the most memorable moments. Your objective is to take the family away from the space of death and use the moment to bring a smile or laughter. Avoid personal matters or anything that may reflect negatively – keep the message in a positive tone. The family would appreciate it. This is different from a sermon. The sermon attempts to leave a message for those left behind. The eulogy illustrates the person who has transitioned.

A fountain pen is writing on lined paper.
A memorial card with an image of a man.

How to Compose the Obituary

How to Compose the Obituary

Obituary is synonymous with funeral programs. However, within the program, the family will likely include the obituary, which is a short life history of the deceased. You can provide two versions: one for the funeral program and one for Haven Memorial’s website. For the website, you are almost unlimited in the writing. You can speak about your loved one’s hobbies, special interests, and much more. However, in the funeral program, you will be limited to the space that the printing company is providing.

Key items to include:

  • Dates and place of birth and death
  • Parents
  • Baptism if applicable
  • Church affiliation
  • Marriage, if applicable
  • Children, if applicable (all, even from other marriage(s) or outside marriage)
  • Predeceased family members
  • Family members left behind, starting with the spouse (if married), children (if applicable)
  • Close with something special or favorite of the loved one

How to Organize the Program

How to Organize the Program

Most printing companies have a template that they will use to assist the family. Programs will differ based on the type of service and religion. Catholic services and similar religions have a strict order of service. Depending on cost, families will have to determine the number of pages that they can afford.

The following is only a guide that you can use to organize a program.

Front Page:

  • Picture
  • Name
  • Dates of the deceased
  • Funeral or Memorial Service date, time and location
  • Officiant

Inside Page:

  • Obituary
  • Pictures (deceased and immediate family)

Next Page:

  • Order of the Service (depends on religion – check with the minister or church, if applicable) (example of Protestant or Baptist Service)
  • Procession
  • Scripture (both Old and New Testament)
  • Song
  • Obituary Reading (silent)
  • Expressions (select family members and speakers) (usually 2 minutes)
  • Solo
  • Sermon or Eulogy
  • Funeral Directors in charge

Back Page:

  • Active Pallbearers
  • Honorary Pallbearers
  • Family Acknowledgment
  • Interment (if applicable)
  • Funeral Home Information (Services Entrusted To)
  • Repast Information (if applicable)
A purple floral funeral program with a photo of the deceased.
A funeral program with pink flowers and a picture of the deceased.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits

Please see one of our funeral directors to review the veteran's benefits that your loved one is entitled to. One of the most significant benefits is burial in the nearby Veterans Administration National Cemetery. At no cost to the veteran, the family can do either a traditional burial or inurn cremated remains. If the family prefers burial in a non-VA Cemetery, the veteran is entitled to a headstone or a grave allowance. There may be more benefits for the veteran. Please stop by and see us, and we can assist before death occurs or at the time of arrangements.

A person in blue and white holding an american flag.
A person is holding a urn in front of candles.

Grief & Spiritual Counseling

Grief & Spiritual Counseling

A Day At A Time (ADAAT) Media Group, LLC

Contact: [email protected]

Your journey matters to us. Let us help you take the next step.
Aftercare comes in many forms and stages. Your aftercare experience has a direct impact on your healing and well-being. Knowing how to recognize, embrace, and accept help from others after the loss of a loved one may feel daunting. Let us help you take your next step a day at a time.

Our sincere mission is to:

  • Help you process your loss.
  • Help you compartmentalize your thoughts.
  • Help you understand your grief.
  • Traumatic
  • Long Suffering
  • Suddenly
  • Help you identify your next steps:
  • Decision Making
  • Time of Rest
  • Financial Advisors
  • Legal Aid and Support
  • Counseling and Support Groups
  • Logistical Changes

Resources:
Inspiration: MsBelindapayne.com https://www.msbelindapayne.com/
Counseling: CMS Counseling https://csmcounseling.com/counseling-support/