When Death Occurs

Checklist of Things To Do

At the time of death, there are countless things that must be done. The list below contains 49 of these, and many are decisions that can be made and information that can be assembled ahead of time. The more you do ahead of time, the easier you will make it for those left behind.

Notify:

  1. The Doctor or Coroner
  2. The Funeral Director
  3. The Cemetery or Memorial Park
  4. The Minister and Church
  5. All the Relatives
  6. All the Friends
  7. Employers of mourners who must be absent from work
  8. Organist and Singer
  9. Pallbearers
  10. Insurance Agents
  11. Unions and Fraternal Organizations
  12. Newspapers
  13. Attorney, Accountant or Executor or Estate

In Addition To:

  1. Providing vital statistics about the Deceased
  2. Preparing and signing necessary papers
  3. Providing addresses for all interested people who must be notified
  4. Answering innumerable sympathetic phone calls, messages, and letters
  5. Meeting and talk with everyone about all details
  6. Greeting all friends and relatives who call
  7. Providing lodging for out-of-town guests
  8. Prepare home for visitors
  9. Planning funeral car list

Decide On:

  1. Cemetery/Mausoleum Property
  2. Memorial or Monument
  3. Casket
  4. Vault or Outer Case
  5. Clothing
  6. Flowers
  7. Music
  8. Food
  9. Information for Obituary
  10. Time and Place of Service
  11. Transportation
  12. Cards of Thanks

And You Must Pay For Some or All of the Following:

  1. Doctors and Nurses
  2. Hospital
  3. Medicine and Drugs
  4. Funeral
  5. Cemetery Lot
  6. Interment Service
  7. Minister
  8. Musical Selections
  9. Florist
  10. Clothing
  11. Transportation
  12. Telephone and Telegram
  13. Food
  14. Memorial or Monument
  15. Current or Urgent Bills (mortgage, taxes, etc.)

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