Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging time, and the complexity increases if the death occurs away from home. We’re often asked what to do when someone dies away from home. Whether your loved one was traveling, living abroad or spending colder months in warmer climates, understanding the steps to take can ease the burden during a difficult period. We offer comprehensive advice and solutions for those needing to manage a loved one’s final journey home. Make Measured Decisions In the immediate aftermath of a loved one’s death away from home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Howeve ..read more

A unique initiative called The Pre-Dead Social Club is fostering a community where conversations about death are not just welcomed but encouraged. Founded by Laura Cleminson, the club aims to break the societal norms of silence around death, providing a space where individuals can lean in, get curious and explore one of life’s most significant certainties.  Through her personal journey and a profound realization of the discomfort and avoidance surrounding talking about death in families, Laura has created a platform that emphasizes clarity, satisfaction and the nurturing of love and frien ..read more

When it comes to making the difficult decisions that accompany the end of a life, understanding cremation cost is crucial for many families. The choice between a burial and cremation often comes down to cost, with the casket alone potentially surpassing a complete cremation package. For families wishing to honor their loved one’s last wishes by scattering their remains in a special location, the savings from opting for the more economical cremation service can facilitate this meaningful journey. The need for price transparency for cremation services cannot be overstated for several reasons. Pr ..read more

The task of planning a funeral or memorial service is undeniably overwhelming for many—largely because it’s an endeavor seldom undertaken in one’s lifetime. The question, “How long does it take to plan a funeral?” is complex and has no one-size-fits-all answer. t depends on individual circumstances and the emotional context in which the planning occurs. Whether you’re proactively arranging your own service or organizing one for a loved one who has recently passed, the timeframe can vary widely. How Long Does it Take to Plan a Funeral: A Journey at Your Pace For those looking ahead and planning ..read more

In today’s world, where distance often separates families during critical life events, the inability to attend a loved one’s funeral due to geographical or financial constraints can be deeply distressing. “It pains me that I can’t be there for grandpa’s funeral. But I live 1,500 miles away and a flight to get me there in time is more than I have in the bank!” This sentiment, echoed by many, underscores the harsh reality that last-minute travel, especially for funerals, has become prohibitively expensive, particularly after most airlines discontinued bereavement fares. Given these challenges, t ..read more

An open casket funeral offers a profoundly personal moment for family and friends to say their final goodbyes to a loved one. It serves as a tangible farewell, providing comfort to those grieving by allowing them one last opportunity to see their loved one before burial or cremation. At Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, discussing the possibility of an open casket is among the initial steps when arranging a funeral, thus underscoring the importance of this decision in the planning process. Open Casket Funeral Considerations The decision to have an open casket involves several key consider ..read more

As the U.S. undergoes a profound transformation in its approach to death and mourning, the movement toward death positivity is reshaping traditional norms. This cultural shift away from denial and towards an open embrace of the end of life reflects a society increasingly seeking personalized, meaningful ways to say goodbye. The openness to nontraditional funerals is at the heart of this transformation, offering a spectrum of options that cater to individual beliefs, values and preferences. The 2023 National Funeral Directors Association Consumer Awareness and Preferences Report highlights this ..read more

Statistics suggest that back in 1995, only a small fraction of mortuary students — 35% — were women. However, this has grown spectacularly to 79%, as stated by the National Funeral Directors Association. As a testament to this shift, among the 17 licensed funeral directors at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 10 are female.  The funeral business employs over 440,000 individuals and generates $16 billion yearly in the U.S. There was almost total male control in the 1970s, but now there’s nearly gender parity, with women making up 57% of U.S. mortuary science students. It’s thus increa ..read more

Pets hold a unique and irreplaceable place in our lives. They are not just animals, but cherished family members. Their departure often leaves a void as profound as the loss of a human companion. This post explores the ways we can honor our beloved creatures via a pet memorial, delving into an emotional and sometimes contentious topic. Human and Pet Burials The practice of interring pets alongside humans has stirred debates. Traditionalists argue that human cemeteries should remain exclusive to humans, citing the distinct sanctity of human burial grounds. However, this viewpoint is increasingl ..read more

Crowdfunding has become a versatile tool, providing people a way to collectively support various causes and needs. Addressing the financial challenges associated with funerals is a poignant and practical application.  It’s a reality that funeral costs can be a significant burden for many families during an already difficult time. While some individuals might have reservations about utilizing crowdfunding for such personal matters, it’s important to acknowledge that in times of grief, family, friends, and loved ones often seek meaningful ways to offer support and comfort. A crowdfunding ca ..read more