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Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can sometimes seem harder if you’re away from home when the death occurs. When this is the case, there are steps that must be handled in a timely matter. Although travel and funeral arrangements need to be made, the process can feel less overwhelming if you follow the checklist below.

How to Handle a Passing That Occurs While You’re Far Away

1. Contact a Funeral Home

A funeral director will compassionately assist you in handling the funeral arrangements for your loved one, no matter where you’re located or the death occurred. If your friend or family member passed away at a facility, there are time limits governing how long you will have to remove the deceased’s body. A funeral home will arrange for removal and travel arrangements.

funeral arrangements2. Report the Death, If Needed

If need be, the funeral director will help you contact the proper authorities to report the passing. A death certificate must be generated based on reports from a doctor, coroner, and funeral director, and you’ll need multiple copies to settle the deceased’s estate, obtain insurance money, and finalize any outstanding business affairs. 

3. Make Important Decisions

Hopefully, your loved one will have made pre-arrangements with the funeral home. If not, you will need to decide if they will be buried or cremated. You will also need to choose between a funeral, memorial, or graveside service, as well as where it will be held. If you select cremation, the body can be cremated in the city where the death occurred and a memorial service arranged after your return. 

 

Residents in Meadville, PA, can find help and assistance with unexpected funeral arrangements from the caring staff at Robert W. Waid Funeral Home. Their funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help families before, during, and after services. Call (814) 724-1021 or visit them online to speak to someone about how they will assist you today.

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