The Basics
Many people don't encounter funeral homes or funeral directors until they have to plan a funeral following the death of a loved one. Whether you have helped plan a funeral or memorial service for a loved one or not, here is some helpful background information to help you with your story:
Terminology
| Instead of...
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Say...
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Why?
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| Ashes, Remains
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Cremated remains
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Cremated remains are bone fragments that have been pulverized into a grey powder resembling sand and are not actually ashes.
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| Passed away, lost, etc.
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Died
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Using phrases such as “We lost Grandma” can create confusion, especially for young children.
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| Coffin
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Casket
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A casket and coffin are two burial containers differentiated by shape. A coffin has six sides, while a casket only has four sides.
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| Committed suicide
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Died by suicide
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In conversation, we give cause of death (i.e. death by heart attack, car accident, etc.). “Committed” implies a criminal act associated with the deceased.
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Definitions
Burial: Interring a dead body into the ground.
Cremation: The process of reducing a body to bone fragments through intense heat and flame.
Embalming: The process of temporarily preserving human remains by chemically treating them to slow the decomposition process and restore physical appearance.
Funeral: A ceremony or service held with the body present commemorating the life of a loved one.
Green Funeral: A service with an emphasis on environmental sustainability that may feature a biodegradable casket or shroud, no embalming and burial in a green cemetery.
Memorial Service: A service or ceremony held without the body present to commemorate the life of a loved one.