What to do When Someone Dies

What to do When Someone Dies

Handling the details when a loved one dies can be overwhelmingespecially when death is unexpected. In addition to decisions, myriad bits of information about your loved one must be collected and communicated to various individuals, agencies, companies and other institutions that were related somehow to your loved one’s life.

This action list should come in handy with the death of any relative or close friend.

If a medical professional has not pronounced death, call 911.

Contact the funeral home. No matter what time of day or night, someone is available to take your call, and our staff is available to answer any questions you might have.

Consider whether burial or cremation is the right option for your loved one.

To prepare for your initial meeting at the funeral home,
gather necessary information regarding the deceased
to complete various required forms including:

  • Social Security Number
  • Birthplace
  • Birth Date
  • Parents’ Names
  • Education
  • Address
  • Occupation

The funeral home will ask you to consider the ways you might want to celebrate the life of your loved one. Assemble information regarding
their interests and causes and charities they were involved in.

Gather Materials to bring to the arrangement conference including:

  • Clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Photographs
  • Glasses
  • Veteran Discharge Paperwork
  • Insurance policy information
  • Historical information and names of relatives for completing an obituary
  • Information Detailed Above
  • Elizabeth Fournier owns and operates Cornerstone Funeral Services in Boring, Oregon and is known as a Green Burial Expert in Oregon, affectionately called The Green Reaper. She is the voice of the autopsy exhibit in the forensic wing at the United States National Museum of Medicine, and recently published her memoir “All Men Are Cremated Equal.”

    For more information on green burial, including resources and an FAQ section, check out Elizabeth’s website at www.cornerstonefuneral.com/green-burial.htm.