- As difficult as it can be, understand the sudden death of a person often involves a coroner or medical examiner. The coroner may investigate the circumstances if the deceased was not known to have a medical condition or illness that would have caused the death. An autopsy may be conducted in the event of unexplained death, homicide, suspected suicide or accident. While it can be unsettling to families, the coroner's job is to figure out the cause of death and to assist in the collection of evidence in the event of a homicide. Once the coroner has completed his work, the deceased will be released to the family, who can request a funeral director to transport the body to the selected funeral home.
- Make decisions as a family regarding funeral arrangements. Immediate family members face the responsibility of planning for a funeral and deciding on the disposition of the remains. Family should discuss specific considerations, such as religious traditions, private or no viewing of the deceased or public viewing, the elements of a religious or memorial service, the disposition of the remains, such as burial or cremation and importantly, the cost. Consider what your loved one may have wanted and discuss with family members if there were ever any wishes expressed, such as a desire to be cremated, a green burial or a specific religious service. Emotions will make very difficult, so the family may consider appointing one or two individuals who can work directly with the funeral director.
- Talk to more than one funeral home before making a decision. Different funeral homes will offer different price options for services. Request a general price list from each funeral home you visit. Make a decision based not only on cost, but by your family's comfort level with the funeral director and the staff. Keep in mind the family has final say about all arrangements; the funeral director is there to carry out the wishes. Ask thorough questions and while the funeral director may be truthful in his pledge to honor your loved one in the most dignified manner, he is also a businessman who is in business to make a profit.
- Once the funeral arrangements have been made, work with your family to personalize the service to honor the your loved one. Create a photo collages of her life, have some of her most prized possessions near the casket, ask for a donation to be made to her favorite charity in lieu of flowers. From favorite music to loving and humorous eulogies, there are various personal touches that can be added to celebrate the life of person who passed suddenly.
