Why Are Bodies So Hard, Cold, and Darker Looking in a Casket?
The answer lies in a mix of facts and perception, often influenced by myths and fears we’ve picked up over time. First off, embalming is meant to temporarily preserve the body, giving loved ones and the community time to say goodbye in a safe way. But embalming is also an art—some funeral directors are like […]
Ask The Funeral Director- What Are Bodies Capable of After They Die
What Are Bodies Capable of After They Die? Do bodies move or make noise after they die? That’s probably the most popular question I’ve been asked throughout my career. So, let’s put aside the myths and give you the facts from my point of view. First question: Do bodies sit up after they die? The […]
To Give or Not to Give: The Importance of Blood Donation
O’Connell’s has been a preferred partner of the Red Cross for many years. How does a funeral home become a chosen companion of the Red Cross? By being a civic-minded leader who is always geared towards giving back to the greater community. So, I ask you to challenge yourself: Would you give of yourself to […]
The Truth About Ordering Flowers for Funerals: Why Local Florists Matter
WAIT, hold the phone and don’t press ‘complete order’! With the vast World Wide Web and E-commerce websites, ordering flowers for gatherings has never been easier—nor scarier! Wait, what do I mean? Sadly, the moral compass of some in the world is not the same as those who are planning to share their grief with […]
Finding the Right Words: How to Comfort Grieving Families
Today’s “Ask The Funeral Director” will zero in on a few do’s and don’ts of what to say to grieving families. Let’s be honest—it’s as tricky as trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope when deciding what to say to those who have experienced a close death. Even we professionals, […]
Ask The Funeral Director – Navigating Funeral Etiquette
Etiquette? What do you mean by Etiquette? One of the most Googled questions when it comes to funerals and gatherings revolves around etiquette. Etiquette, by definition, is the customary code of polite behavior. I love the word “polite” to describe this behavior. Polite means showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of others. Other synonyms […]
Beyond Burgers and Brews: The True Meaning of Memorial Day
Hold tight, put the beer on ice, and the burgers in the fridge. We’ve escaped a tough winter and are gearing up for spring and summer. For many of us, Memorial Day kicks it off in style and is the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day is filled with a day off and a weekend […]
