My grandmother died this morning. I'm going home to help out the family, but I would like to make a list of things I might not remember before I leave so that we don't forget anything. [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Aug 12, 2009 - 23 answers

I've recently learned that someone I used to know from when we were both much younger, has died. I knew him only in the context of church and we'd pal around on those Sundays, but we hadn't spoken in years. It's been suggested to me, by my parents, who still attend the church (I don't), that I might play some music at the wake, since I'm a violinist. But it seems to me this might be inappropriate for a few reasons. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 22, 2009 - 10 answers

A friend's father just died, and I will be attending the viewing on Sunday. I don't know what to do about the body. [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty on Jun 26, 2009 - 24 answers

Should my 18-month old niece attend my grandmother's funeral? [more inside]
posted by Lleyam on Jun 4, 2009 - 28 answers

What do I need to know to become a coffin builder? Are there regulations I have to follow? How should I sell them? How much should they cost? [more inside]
posted by davey_darling on May 7, 2009 - 20 answers

In the past few months, both parents of my Japanese-American (by way of Hawaii) coworker have passed away. What gift/donation might be appropriate and have special significance to her? [more inside]
posted by acorn1515 on Mar 24, 2009 - 7 answers

What, if anything, do you bring to a funeral? [more inside]
posted by Laen on Feb 18, 2009 - 13 answers

Should I notify my employer about a possible (but not certain) funeral leave? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco on Feb 15, 2009 - 12 answers

Cousin Zach is a sweetheart, but I don't have the time or inclincation to attend everything he invites us to. How to say no tactfully? Guilt is involved. [more inside]
posted by frosty_hut on Jan 27, 2009 - 21 answers

What are the least wasteful and/or most productive (preferably legal) things that can be done with my body after I'm dead? [more inside]
posted by Arasithil on Nov 12, 2008 - 15 answers

I just found out within the last hour that my father has passed away. I am in California and he lived in Missouri. Now what? [more inside]
posted by jvilter on Oct 1, 2008 - 20 answers

In the next month an important anniversary of a loved one's suicide will be coming up. I have never until this year dealt with the feelings involved with the death and the emotions involved in the loss. I have very little memories of the actual funeral involved (I was 13) but it has been suggested to me (by therapist) that maybe I may like to do some sort of memorial or ritual signifying it. I like this idea. I just have no idea how. [more inside]
posted by beautifulcheese on Apr 13, 2008 - 10 answers

Suggestions for putting together a very small memorial ceremony. [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain on Mar 9, 2008 - 7 answers

I've reached my late 20s without ever facing death. How do I deal with death when I know I will face it sooner or later? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 10, 2007 - 25 answers

Questions about the practical aspects of preparing for someone for death and things the survivors need to do after the death. [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher on Oct 8, 2007 - 14 answers

My father is going to die in the next few days (cancer of the aesophagus) and my family have decided that I should be the one to take care of the arrangements*. I need advice on dealing with undertakers in the UK, and--a longshot but worth asking--any recommendations for trusted funeral homes and funeral directors in Suffolk (that's Suffolk UK, for the hard of thinking), ideally ones not associated with SCI. [more inside]
posted by Hogshead on Sep 24, 2007 - 18 answers

How do I tactfully avoid having to accompany people to the casket at a family member's funeral? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 6, 2007 - 17 answers

I'm designing a funeral handout for a young woman who has died suddenly. Help me come up with ideas for a poem or verse or quote or something to include. [more inside]
posted by thirteenkiller on Aug 3, 2007 - 24 answers

My friend is dying, and has asked me to preside over his funeral. I am meeting with him this weekend to talk about his wishes. What questions do I need to ask him while he is still alive? What information will make it easier for me to do this? I have been fortunate enough not to have experienced the death of many family or friends, so I don't really know much more about funerals than what I learned from Six Feet Under.
posted by arcticwoman on Jul 19, 2007 - 13 answers

Can anyone tell me about the legal, practical steps of dealing with a person who dies, their dead body? I live in NYC but imagine the steps must be pretty similar all over the US and Europe too. [more inside]
posted by nickyskye on Mar 12, 2006 - 9 answers

Does anyone know why every funeral home I see has a sign with a clock and weather info on it? I was curious about this after noticing it during a cross country drive in Canada. Is there some history or tradition to this?
posted by bryce.clarke on Oct 31, 2005 - 17 answers

I'm young, not religious, and I am convinced that when I'm dead, I'm dead. I don't care what happens to my remains when I eventually die, but I'm wondering: what's the cheapest, legal way to dispose of my body? I live in Chicago, and from my research, even to donate my body to science or to have it cremated would cost over a grand. Any other options? I just don't want to be a burden to my survivors.
posted by andshewas on Aug 11, 2005 - 26 answers

BereavementFilter: Etiquettement dilemma about opening/agitating mourning versus sharing in a small life-afirming-recollection-of-the-deceased, er, something (the [+] might make more sense, sorry) [more inside]
posted by PurplePorpoise on Jan 9, 2005 - 11 answers