OBITUARIES GRIEF ASSISTANCE PLAN AHEAD CONTACT US HOME What purpose does a funeral serve? Most importantly, funerals are among the best means to help survivors begin the grief process and realize much deeper emotional healing and strength. It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Finally, it is a valuable means to honor the life of a family's loved one. What do funeral directors do? Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork and assist with and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. Funeral directors are sensitive professionals who are known to be compassionate listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are professionals who answer questions about grief, recognize when a person may be having difficulty coping and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community. Do you have to have a funeral director to bury the deceased? In most states, family members may bury their own loved one although regulations vary. However, most people find it very trying to be solely responsible for arranging the numerous complex details and legal matters surrounding a death. Why have public viewings? Many grief specialists state that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children as long as the process is explained first and the activity is voluntary. Viewing is an important part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. What is the purpose of embalming? Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them. Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a person's body, even for those who have been disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Does a body have to be embalmed, according to law? No. However, most states require embalming when death was caused by a reportable contagious disease, when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier, when there is a public viewing of the body or if final disposition is not to be made within a prescribed number of hours. WHO WE ARE LOCATIONS REMEMBER THEIR STORY LIVE PASSIONATELY French Funerals - Cremations       PO Box 25063       Albuquerque, NM 87125-0063        1-505-843-6333            info@remembertheirstory.com