I know former S. Korean president Kim Dae-Jung died of pneumonia -- does that account for the surgical masks worn by the pallbearers or is there something more to it?
posted by Ogre Lawless on Aug 24, 2009 - 5 answers

Followup to previous post about requirements for next of kin paying for a funeral [more inside]
posted by idledebonair on Feb 2, 2009 - 7 answers

The former Congressman for my district passed away today. Do former members of U.S. Congress have special funerals? Do current members of U.S. Congress have special funerals if they die while in office? If so are they the same as military funerals?
posted by bilbo baggins on Jan 21, 2009 - 4 answers

My father recently passed away (four weeks ago) and I was contacted today by a funeral home claiming that because I am next of kin, I am required to pay for funeral costs and/or cremation. Am I legally bound to this? [more inside]
posted by idledebonair on Jan 18, 2009 - 16 answers

I'm writing a story in which a character dies, and I need to know what happens after that with respect to police involvement, morgues, funeral homes, the actual funeral, etc. [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz on Apr 8, 2008 - 6 answers

This question is morbid, but I've always wanted the answer. How on earth do funeral parlors (especially those that do cremation) operate in neighborhoods or right next to them without smelling horrible? [more inside]
posted by mathowie on Dec 17, 2007 - 15 answers

A (work) friend's husband was recently killed in an accident. What is the protocol for sending cards, flowers, letters, etc., to the surviving family? [more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy on Nov 18, 2007 - 12 answers

My husband's uncle was recently killed in a horrific car accident. The funeral is soon, and we have been debating on whether or not to bring our two-year old daughter to what will surely be an emotional event. [more inside]
posted by Ostara on Aug 14, 2007 - 48 answers

Is there a big list (with general descriptions, optional) of jobs in the death industry? [more inside]
posted by vanoakenfold on Mar 2, 2007 - 9 answers

I work for a funeral home and I'm looking for a book that will help people with the bereavement process. It should be easily available and fairly inexpensive (these are coming out of my own pocket--I just want something that I can give people who are having an especially hard time dealing with their loss). Most "self-help" books that I've looked at are too clinical and dull. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by ColdChef on Dec 19, 2004 - 8 answers