NFDA Stands with You in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

As the devastation of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold across several states, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound challenges many of you are facing. NFDA is deeply concerned for your safety and well-being. Please know that NFDA stands with you during this difficult time.

At times like these, we are reminded of the resilience and compassion that define our profession. As funeral service professionals, we often find ourselves providing care and support to others, but please know that your NFDA family is here to support you in any way we can during these challenging times.

SupportLinc, NFDA’s member assistance program, offers in-the-moment help for anyone who may need assistance processing this traumatic event. Call SupportLinc at 888-881-5462 to speak with a licensed clinician 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

If you need other forms of support or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-228-6332 or nfda@nfda.org. NFDA is here for you.

As of this morning, more than 130 people have died. Our hearts go out to the families experiencing the loss of a loved one. As part of our leadership on mass-fatality management, NFDA has already been in touch with federal agencies responding to this crisis and providing information and assistance to help ensure the dead are cared for with dignity and respect.

NFDA has just learned that in response to the devastation, DMORT teams are being deployed to provide essential support and care for the dead in the affected states. We deeply appreciate the critical role these teams play and offer our heartfelt thanks to all those serving on the front lines.

The Funeral Service Foundation’s Crisis Response Fund is accepting donations which will be used in support of those in funeral service affected by Hurricane Helene. Donations can be made at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/DonateNow; please select “Crisis Response Fund” in the project designation field. This fund was created from funeral professionals’ requests to support relief efforts following the devastating tsunami in 2004 and, over the last 20 years, has provided urgently needed funding in the wake of regional, national and international crises. Learn more about the Crisis Response Fund here.

Additionally, we have just learned that the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association has launched a Hurricane Relief Fund to assist funeral professionals who have been impacted by the storm. If you feel moved to support this cause, we encourage you to contribute to this fund, which will provide direct relief to those in need. Click here to donate – please see the “Pricing and Payment” section on the page to contribute.

As we learn of additional opportunities to support your colleagues and communities affected by the hurricane, we will share them with you.

Your generosity during this time of crisis will make a meaningful difference for your colleagues who are facing significant hardship.

In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay safe and look out for one another. Whether through donations, lending a hand or simply offering words of encouragement, we can make a profound difference as a profession united in compassion.

Wake Me Up When September Ends | FFFW 206

DISCLAIMER: None of the F’s in FFFW stand for “facts.” Enjoy the jokes and satire.

We’ve reached the last Friday in September… that’s wild. Next week, we’ll be in full fall mode. I’ve already been there for a minute, but I feel as if October makes it official.

So, let’s enjoy this last September together.

Better live streaming for your families

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Ranking Funeral Service Names

7) WAKE | I’ve never understood this term. For that reason, it’s ranked at the bottom of the list.

6) FINAL FAREWELL | It sounds more like a tag rather than an event. If this were a list of tags it would be higher, but if we’re using it as a synonym for “Funeral Event” then it’s ranking low.

5) CALLING HOURS | It’s a confusing term. You’re not calling anyone during these hours, but it’s harmless. That’s why it’s not at the bottom

4) LIFE CELEBRATION | I love the heart behind this, but sometimes it’s like calling a futon a “boutique mattress” or something. It’s fine, nothing wrong with a futon, but sometimes you need to set the expectations. That being said some “Life Celebrations” actually are as celebratory as the name sounds, so that’s why it’s above the middle here.

3) CELEBRATION OF LIFE |  Just has a better ring to it with the “of.”

2) FUNERAL | I’m a little old school when it comes to this word. It just is what it is and I think it has an excellent tradition behind it. In fact, I truly don’t believe that trying to “fun-up” funerals is the best idea. Let’s let it be what it is- a beautiful farewell to the passing on of a beloved figure.

1) PASSING-ON-PALOOZA | I mean, we can have a little fun, right?

Trivia

How many cities did Abraham Lincoln’s “Funeral Train” pass through?

Click on the right answer, and you’ll see a puppy. Get it wrong, and you’ll see someone hurting themselves.

Answer Choices:

a) 150

b) 180

c) 210

You Otter Be Proud

Here’s some good news going on in the profession.

1. Father-son teamwork helps Aiken funeral home thrive
2. Old Lick Cemetery in Roanoke cleaned, repaired with help of national expert
3. Fifth-generation funeral director Jeff Monreal helps families grieve, celebrate loved ones

A funeral wake is a gathering of family and friends after a funeral to celebrate the life of the deceased and to offer support to each other. Wakes are typically held at the home of the deceased, at a funeral home, or at a religious centre.

In the UK, funeral wakes are typically held on the day of the funeral or the day after. The wake may be a small gathering of close family and friends, or it may be a larger event with hundreds of guests. The tone of the wake will vary depending on the wishes of the deceased and their family, but it is generally a time to remember the deceased and to celebrate their life.

What to expect at a funeral wake in the UK

If you have been invited to a funeral wake, it is important to be respectful of the wishes of the deceased and their family. Here are some things to expect at a funeral wake in the UK:

• Dress code: The dress code for a funeral wake is typically smart casual or black tie. However, it is always best to check with the family of the deceased to see what they prefer.
• Food and drink: Food and drink are typically served at funeral wakes. If you are bringing a dish to share, be sure to check with the family to see if they have any dietary restrictions.
• Eulogies: Eulogies are often given at funeral wakes. Eulogies are speeches that celebrate the life of the deceased and share memories of their life.
• Socialising: Funeral wakes are also a time for family and friends to socialise and support each other. It is important to be respectful of the grieving process, but it is also okay to enjoy yourself and celebrate the life of the deceased.

Tips for attending a funeral wake

If you are attending a funeral wake, here are a few tips:

• Be respectful: It is important to be respectful of the wishes of the deceased and their family. This means dressing appropriately, being mindful of your noise level, and avoiding controversial topics.
• Be supportive: Funeral wakes can be a difficult time for family and friends. Be supportive and offer your condolences.
• Share memories: If you have fond memories of the deceased, share them with others at the wake. This is a great way to celebrate their life and to help others to remember them.
• Don’t be afraid to laugh: It is okay to laugh and enjoy yourself at a funeral wake. The deceased would likely want you to celebrate their life and to remember the good times.

Funeral wakes can be a difficult time, but they are also a time to celebrate the life of the deceased and to support each other. By following these tips, you can make the wake a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved.