Call for 24-hour guidance
Speak with the funeral home as soon as possible so the first steps can be handled calmly.
Planning help
Clear first steps when a death occurs.
Practical guidance for families who need calm direction, respectful transport and service planning support.
CallConfirm locationGather documents
First 24 hours
Do not try to solve everything at once.
The first goal is to contact the right support, confirm where your loved one is, and begin the official and practical steps with guidance. A funeral home can help explain what must happen next and what can wait.
Keep a small notebook or phone note for names, times, contact numbers, documents collected and decisions still pending.
Call for guidance
Step-by-step
A calmer checklist.
Confirm where the loved one is located
Hospital, home, nursing facility or parish location details help determine the next move.
Gather key documents
Identification, death certificate guidance, burial order needs and family authorization may be required.
Choose the service structure
Viewing, church service, graveside service, burial, family transport and announcements can be planned together.
Information to prepare before calling
- Name of the deceased and age/date of birth, if available.
- Current location of the deceased.
- Main family contact and phone number.
- Preferred church, chapel, cemetery or parish location, if known.
- Whether a viewing, burial, graveside service or private arrangement is preferred.
Services you can discuss
- Funeral arrangement and body care coordination.
- Hearse, chariot, SUV, Cadillac, Noah, Town Ace or family bus support.
- Radio, television or Gleaner notice assistance.
- Wreaths, corsages, T-shirts, buttons and memorial programme support.