Navigating the Journey of Loss
Planning a funeral can be a daunting experience, but you are not alone. At Berry Funeral Home, we stand beside you during this journey, offering our support and guidance to transform this process into one of love, healing, and celebration of life. Below you’ll find essential information to help you begin, and remember, we are just a call away whenever you need assistance.
Immediate Steps Following a Passing
At Home or Non-Medical Facility: In the event that a loved one passes away at home or a non-healthcare setting, your first step is to contact emergency personnel. If they were receiving medical care, notifying their physician is also advisable.
In a Healthcare Facility: Should the passing occur in a healthcare facility, they will typically notify the necessary authorities and the funeral home you’ve selected.
During this initial phase, emergency and medical personnel will assist you with obtaining a medical certificate and any other required paperwork. This early stage is often the most emotional; we are here to offer our support. If you are uncertain about the next steps, please reach out to us at any time.
In the Days Following
It’s important to inform close friends and relatives. You can do this through personal phone calls and a death notice. If you find this process too overwhelming, do not hesitate to ask a trusted family member or friend for help.
Planning the Service: Review any preplanned funeral wishes your loved one may have had and schedule a meeting with one of our funeral directors. If there were no preplanned arrangements, start considering key decisions such as:
- Burial or cremation
- Type of casket or urn
- Final resting place, whether in a grave, mausoleum, or scattering location
- Required religious services and clergy
- Types of services desired, such as viewings, ceremonies, or graveside memorials
These considerations are just a starting point. Feel free to contact us for a clearer understanding of your options and support through this process.
What to Expect in Our Meeting
When you meet with our staff, we will provide you with a general price list as an initial overview of our service costs. We will then learn about your loved one to better understand how to honor them. This discussion is an opportunity for you to share their life story, achievements, and memories. Our professionals will use this information to help you create a personalized and meaningful celebration of their life.
This planning process may include:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Scheduling service dates, times, and locations
- Selecting caskets, urns, and other necessary items
- Composing an obituary
- Organizing transportation
- Choosing pallbearers
To ensure a smooth and stress-free planning experience, please bring the following information about your loved one:
- Full legal name and address
- Social security number
- Birthdate and birthplace
- Parental names, including mother’s maiden name
- Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
- Education and occupation details
- Burial location, clergy contact, and survivor details, if known
- Insurance policy details for funeral expenses
- A recent photograph and preferred clothing for the service
At Berry Funeral Home, our goal is to make this process as seamless and comforting as possible for you.
