While this is a topic no one wants to think about, sadly, many people have recently had to deal with the unexpected loss of a loved one. We recently spoke with Rev. Elizabeth Turk, owner of Forever in Your Hearts Eulogies about the things that need to happen following a tragic loss. Here’s what she had to say.

The experience of losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult tasks.  Fear, sadness, and grief may hit you all at once. 

Death is something every one of us will experience, and being prepared will eliminate much of the trauma that the loss will place on you and your loved ones. So, as a Dignity Certified Local Professional Funeral Celebrant, I’d like to offer you some tips to be prepared. 

♥ First:  If your loved one is not in a hospital or in hospice care, notify the authorities.  You must have a professional legally pronounce their death.

♥ Second:  You’ll need to select a funeral home or crematorium. This is true regardless of the location of your loved one.

♥ Third:  Arrange to have your loved one transported to the funeral home or crematorium you’ve selected.

♥ Fourth:  Share the news with family and friends.

♥ Fifth: Locate your loved one’s Will and any pre-arranged funeral documentation.

♥ Sixth:  Decide if you are going to have a Celebration of Life to celebrate who they were in this life or if you want to have a funeral for mourning the loss of your loved one.

♥ Seventh:  Locate a Funeral Celebrant, like myself, who writes custom Celebration of Life services for families of all faiths. This is the best option if you want a custom celebration based your immediate family’s memories. Another option is to have your Clergy help you plan the service.

For more assistance during your time of loss, feel free to reach out to me at 941-773-6336.  With over 20 years of helping families across Florida and nationally, I am here at your service in your time of need.