LoveUrns®’s Post

According to the NFDA’s 2023 Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report, over 53% of respondents have attended a funeral at a non-traditional location, signaling a significant shift in how we honor our loved ones. This trend underscores a growing desire for personalized, meaningful ceremonies that reflect the unique lives of the departed. At Passages International, we recognize the importance of accommodating these changing preferences. Non-traditional funerals can take place anywhere from mountain trails and forests to more personal settings like family homes or scenic overlooks, allowing for a deeper connection and a more intimate goodbye ✨ As funeral professionals, it's crucial to offer flexible options that respect these wishes. Providing the means for non-traditional ceremonies not only serves families better but also aligns with the increasing demand for personalized end-of-life services. Let's continue to support families by embracing and facilitating their choice for non-traditional funerals, ensuring each service is as unique as the life it honors 🌿 #NonTraditionalFunerals #FuneralIndustry #EndOfLife #NFDA #InnovationInMourning #PassagesInternational #TheNaturalChoice #DeathCare #DeathPositive #GreenFunerals

As I contemplated reposting this, I realized the significance of discussing grief in the workplace. Losing someone you interact with daily, suddenly and unexpectedly, is incredibly difficult to process. We spend the majority of our time with colleagues, sometimes more than with our own families. Shannon's passing was a profound shock, and I found myself shedding tears at my desk, trying to carry on with work. This was my first experience of grief at work. I was tasked with organizing grief counselors to come on-site and their presence was pivotal in helping us navigate the complex stages of grief. My interactions with Shannon were always marked by kindness. She made me feel like part of the ATS family from day one, particularly with her love for sharing sweet treats with the team and daily welcoming gestures. I miss our daily interactions, from sharing laughs to small talk about her kids and daily life. These are the moments I miss the most. Grief is a new territory for me, a maze of emotions that demand to be felt and acknowledged. It doesn't adhere to a timeline; reminders can bring the pain rushing back as if it happened yesterday. Working through that week was one of the toughest challenges I've EVER faced. I'm grateful for the time off my workplace provided afterward, allowing me to reset and connect with activities that brought solace. Even now, I'm still processing Shannon's death. To those unexpectedly navigating grief in the workplace, I offer this: take time off, lean on your support network, welcome your feelings and know that ALL your feelings are valid.

“If you want to sell Mrs. Jones what Mrs. Jones buys, you need to see Mrs. Jones through Mrs. Jones' eyes.” When it comes to funerals, families' knowledge and preferences have changed. And in order to best serve your community, you need to understand how families view funerals and what they expect from you. In part one of this FD Talks two-part series, host Rob Davidson welcomes Todd Carlson, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at Funeral Directors Life. The two discuss common disconnects between families and funeral homes and how these disconnects can unintentionally cause dissatisfaction. Learn how understanding families' assumptions about funeral options, prices, timelines, technology, and more can help you provide the best care to families and adapt to their changing needs here: https://hubs.ly/Q023CbM50

Dive deeper into the story of Chamber member Kreidler Funeral Home and their remarkable journey! 🖇 Click below to read the complete article.

How accessible are your funeral services to those who can't attend in person? 🖥️🕊️ With 80% of distant family members finding comfort in virtual attendance options, introducing virtual tours on your blog can show inclusivity and care. Start by showcasing your facilities with a simple video. Ready to bring your services to those who can't be there physically? #VirtualFuneralServices #InclusiveCare

To celebrate National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day, #OGR caught up with members to chat about why they are so passionate for #FuneralService. Today, we talked to Geri Oliverie from Oliverie Funeral Home in Manchester, New Jersey: What made you become a funeral director? The social aspect, the gathering is so important to me. We all weave a thread in others’ life quilts. It’s nice to see the completed quilt and pay your respects to a life well lived. What is your greatest reward for being a funeral director? Growing as a compassionate person and helping others. Being a part of something larger and more important than me. Giving my family an example to help others.

Planning a funeral with care and compassion is crucial. Explore the thoughtful services at mlkprearrangements.com – a company dedicated to guiding you through this process with empathy. Choose expertise, choose a legacy. #FuneralPlanning #MLKPrearrangements

Organizing your own funeral service is a thoughtful way to lighten the burden on your family members when your time comes. Ready to begin the process, but aren’t sure to start? Check out this AARP blog for some valuable tips and insights: https://ow.ly/5PSA50QfFtj #FuneralPlanning

🤔 It's a question that's commonly asked when referring to funeral plans: are they safe? The short is answer is: Yes. Yes they are. We explain why in our article below 👇

Take a second to think about everything you do in the course of a week…So many of us in life are busy all the time…busting our humps at work, rushing back for family activities while trying to make time for our own hobbies. Ask yourself “why?” Often the “who we are” gets lost in the “what we do.” What legacy do you want to leave behind when it is all said and done? This guide is a great resource so that your memorial, whatever and whenever that may be, celebrates who you are!