Join to see when we post new obituaries

Your email will not be used for any other purpose and will not be shared. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Please wait

Verifying your email address

Please wait

Unsubscribing your email address

You have been unsubscribed

You will no longer receive messages from our email mailing list.

You have been subscribed

Your email address has successfully been added to our mailing list.

Something went wrong

There was an error verifying your email address. Please try again later, or re-subscribe.

How to Prepare for a Funeral? Contacting Loved Ones

August 26, 2022

The death of a loved one is often the most challenging thing one will face in one’s life. It’s overwhelming, disheartening, and saddening for you personally, but also for those around you. As you prepare for the funeral, you’ll need to start contacting loved ones. How do you determine who to tell first and how?

Call those closest first

Immediate and extended family members along with close friends are who you should be contacting first. They are the ones who were most important to the deceased, and it is imperative they be made aware first before funeral arrangements are made. As you make your rounds, it will be a good idea to ask for up-to-date information including email addresses so details can be shared as the funeral approaches.

Consider sending out an email

An email chain can be started with those within the deceased’s communities, religious groups, and workplace. Keeping the email short will allow easy circulation and sharing. Keep funeral details short and omit any sensitive information that the family would want to keep private.

Social Media and Obituary

Writing an obituary can be really challenging for a few reasons, but chief among them is grappling with summarizing the life of your loved one in just a few paragraphs. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; the main purpose of an obituary is to inform the surrounding community of the death and memorial. You’ll have the chance to tell your loved one’s full story at the service. Be sure to have another set of eyes on the obituary as it’s written; this could spare any potential headaches arising from spelling errors or incorrect details.

And lastly, social media will reach the rest of the deceased’s circle of connections. Be careful to inform the immediate family and inner circle before sending out any social media post. It really should fall to the very bottom of the priority list in terms of spreading the news and is best for minimizing any hurt or shocked feelings. Keep the post brief, and consider linking the published obituary and service details. A good post will generate condolences, the sharing of memories, and support.

www.billowfuneralhomes.com

Since 1875, The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory has been providing world-class care to the families of northeastern Ohio. Family-owned and operated, Billow’s has two full-service facilities in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls as well as a privately owned crematory. The team at Billow’s is passionate about providing unmatched care for both families and their loved ones. For more information, visit billowfuneralhomes.com.

Understanding Funeral Costs: A Guide to Planning with Care

January 8, 2025
When the time comes to think about funeral arrangements, one of the first questions many of us have is, "How much will it cost?" It’s natural to look for a straightforward answer during such an emotionally charged time. However, much like finding the perfect car, the cost of a funeral varies widely depending on personal choices and specific needs.

What Is the Purpose of Embalming?

January 8, 2025
Embalming can be a controversial topic. Some people are opposed to it, whether due to personal or religious reasons, but for others, embalming is an important part of starting their grief journey and getting a chance to say goodbye to the person they love.

Dressing for a Funeral: Comfort, Respect, and What to Wear

January 8, 2025
Attending a funeral is one of those things that makes everyone pause, not just because of the emotional weight, but also the big question: "What do I wear?" Let’s discuss.

Embracing Family in Funeral Planning

January 8, 2025
When it comes time to say goodbye to a loved one, the focus of the funeral often naturally falls on the family. It's the people who loved and knew the deceased best—spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and even coworkers—who come together to remember and honor their life.

When Someone Dies, Someone Else Feels Lonely

December 3, 2024
The loneliness that accompanies the death of someone we care about is complex and individual. For those who, for many years, woke every morning alongside a husband or wife, it is strange to open your eyes and realize you’re alone. In the early days of grief, the void that is left when a life partner dies can feel like a black hole with no way out.

I’m Lonely: When is Too Soon to Start Dating?

November 12, 2024
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Queen Victoria famously mourned Prince Albert by wearing black for the remainder of her life, forty years. The fictional character Scarlet O’Hara in the novel Gone With the Wind scandalized her peers by dancing with a bachelor at a charity event while “still in black.”

After the Death of a Spouse: 10 Things to Do BEFORE You Start Dating

November 12, 2024
Slow down and commit to investing some time in getting ready to date. A little preparation work will help you protect your safety, have a more pleasurable dating experience, and possibly avoid heartbreak.

Make Sure the Tough Days Are Covered

November 12, 2024
Supporting a friend who is grieving requires staying power. In the first few weeks and days following the funeral, our thoughts are full of our friend. But often, as the weeks become months, our friend’s need is less acute, and our own routine calls us. We forget.

What Happens if Funeral Costs Increase After I Pay for My Funeral Plan

November 12, 2024
Often you will hear or read that you cannot transfer your plan to another funeral provider or change your plan if your needs change. That is just not true. Ask your funeral provider before you purchase a funeral plan. Get all of your questions answered. Your local funeral home has someone on staff who will be pleased to answer all of your questions and help you find the solution that best fits your wants, your family’s needs, and your budget.

What Happens at a Visitation?

October 31, 2024
Human beings are social. We crave the company of others. During times of stress our friends comfort us, they listen to us, and share our troubles. When someone we love dies, we need our people.
More Posts
Share by: