what do i do when a death occurs ?

Human beings have sensed the mystery of death and the pain of grief since time immemorial. Every society has developed rites to mark the passage from life through death.

Today we do this through the funeral service and the rites by which we lay a person’s body to rest.

The wounds of grief need time and care to heal. The funeral may help this process by enabling us to acknowledge our loss, give thanks for the life of the person who has passed, make our last farewell and begin to take up life once more.

At Daniel Woods Funeral Care, we understand that arranging a funeral can be overwhelming during a time of loss, your mind maybe confused and most likely you are tired.  Here are some things to consider:

Make contact with your funeral director.  Please call us any hour on (02) 69 218 218 (available 24/7).

We will liaise with the necessary professionals at the hospital, or the aged care facility or coroner's dept. to arrange to take your loved one into our care.  We will look after obtaining the necessary paperwork required from the doctor, the registered nurse or coroner.

The most important thing is to take your time with decisions, you should not feel pressured and no-one should be pressuring you.

Pre-Arrangements

Do you know if the deceased had any preferences for the funeral?  Had they left any plans?  Please discuss these with any other family members and with us and we’ll assist in ensuring the deceased's wishes are honoured.

Some Key Decisions to Make

Bring together family members and discuss what your loved one may have wanted. Some questions to answer may be:

• Was it the deceased wishes to be buried or cremated ?

• Will it be a religious service requiring a minister/clergy or a non-denomination service with a celebrant ?

• When and where will it be held ?

• Is a newspaper notice required ?

• What flowers would be appropriate on the day

• Is livestreaming the service available ? a convenient option for family and friends not able to travel to be in attendance at the service ?

• Will we have a wake ?

• How much will the funeral cost, what are my payment options?

• After the funeral day ..........when will the Registered Death Certificate be ready?

• Will will require monumental works after the day of the funeral eg a headstone or plaque

• What thoughts do we have about the remains/ashes and what we will do with the… maybe inter the ashes in a niche in a wall at a cemetery or maybe scater the ashes in an appropriate place of importance

The Initial Funeral Arrangement Meeting

Once you and your family have had time to discuss the above items, we organise everything on your behalf.  We liaise with the cemeteries or crematoriums, the churches and minister/clergy or celebrant.

Coffin or casket options

• the type of coffin or casket (shape, material, etc.)

• who will carry it (pallbearers)

Personalising the ceremony

In a time of loss, it is common to celebrate the passing with warm and personal touches. Common considerations include:

• music decisions and any relevant readings

• flower choices

• choosing a person to deliver the eulogy

• organising a wake (if desired)

• considering donations to a charity

Informing guests

Once the service date and time has been confirmed,  it may be a requirement to place a notice in the newspaper/s to inform the community of the death and the details of the funeral service.  To avoid missing any key guests, you may want to contact close friends and family directly.

We take this journey with you, our role is to look after you with our attention to detail and the care and dignity you and your family deserve.

Please call (02) 69 218 218 for a consultation and honest planning advice from our experienced staff.

We have staff that have been appointed NSW Justices of the Peace. Our offices are located at 2 Station Place, Wagga Wagga.
If you require the services of a Justice of the Peace, please contact us on 02-69218218.