Liz Pereira, from Gee & Hickton, Funeral Directors, was our Speaker at this week’s meeting
Liz shared with us that she saw her work as a vocation - which she found rewarding as it involved looking after both the living and the dead. Helping those ‘left behind’ is always very important, especially as grief can take many forms, often not recognized by those suffering from it. Her talk then became very practical with advice under 2 main headings:
What can a person do whilst still fit and healthy to make matters easy for Family?
Suggestions included:
Talking with Family (a ‘must’)
Choosing a funeral home. Funeral or Memorial Service? Venue? Minister or Celebrant? Religious or non-religious? Burial or Cremation? Casket? Readings? Music? Photos? etc
Person may decide against anything formal.
The more details the easier for family.
Possibly put money aside for a funeral.
What does a family (or, if no family, the Executor of the Will) need to do when someone dies
Ascertain the person’s wishes before death, if possible.
Call funeral director for advice and assistance, giving details of place and time of death.
Certain legal requirements and processes to be followed.
The funeral director will guide through all necessary stages and arrangements.
Liz then answered a number of questions on a wide range of relevant issues including:
Donation of organs; Involvement of a Coroner; Disagreements amongst family members;
Embalming; Viewings; Cost (Average cost of a funeral - $14,000) and others.
A very interesting and thought provoking address.
Many members uplifted the Funeral Packs as they left the hall.