When Death Occurs

You are not alone

Mere words cannot convey the overwhelming feelings of despair, disbelief, shock, and numbness caused by a loved one's passing. Even when death is expected, the pain that loss brings can still be devastating. In truth, no one is completely prepared for the death of someone close to their heart.

During this time, decisions must be made immediately, arrangements to be coordinated, and many things to be considered for your loved one's final farewell. We understand how this may feel overwhelming, especially with the grief you're feeling over the loss. Please know that we are here to help and support you.

On this page, we've put together helpful information to guide you through this process.

NOTIFY PROPER AUTHORITIES

If your loved one passes away, at the same time, under the care of a facility — such as a nursing home or a hospital — staff from the facility will contact you and notify the appropriate authorities themselves.

If the death occurred in the workplace or at home, you would need to get in touch with his/her physician or emergency medical personnel, as the cause of death must be identified and indicated in legal documents.If no one were present at the time of death, you would need to contact the police before moving the deceased to another location.

CALL THE FUNERAL HOME, SIMPLE WISHES OF THE NORTH

Our caring Funeral Director can assist you with your funeral arrangements. We will collect information from you to facilitate the transfer of your loved one's remains to our facility. You would also be asked if the deceased has made pre-arrangements and whether or not you'd like for him/her to be embalmed. While, of course, you can ask any questions you have in your mind during this call, note that once you visit the funeral home, we can discuss the arrangements in greater detail.

During this initial call, you will also be informed about the things you need to bring with you, like the clothes your deceased loved one will use for the burial. Feel free to call us whenever you feel the need. Remember that we are here to listen to you, help you, and guide you during this difficult and trying time.

MEET OUR FUNERAL DIRECTOR/STAFF

On your first meeting with us, we will discuss the arrangements for your loved one's burial. You will be shown a list of our packages/services so you can decide what suits your family's preferences and budget.

You will be asked whether you'd prefer burial or cremation arrangements. Ideally, you would select a casket, schedule a time and date for the services, decide on the burial location, draft an obituary notice, arrange for vehicle services, and select pallbearers.

We would also use this opportunity to inquire about your loved one to understand better the person the services will honour. It will be beneficial to bring some memorabilia — photos, videos, treasured items, letters — that would give us a clearer picture of how you envision paying tribute to your loved one.

REQUEST FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE

A death certificate is a legal document indicating the cause of death, age of the deceased, date of death, and next of kin. We provide certified copies of the death certificate.

These certified copies are necessary when gaining access to bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, claiming for benefits due to the family (like the Veteran's benefits or insurance claims), and transferring or selling ownership of properties.