Although many risks can be avoided in life, the loss of a spouse is something that is inevitable. Many widows report that their spouse did not have a plan in place for what would happen if they should pass away. While experiencing the loss of a spouse is never easy, a few simple preparations can make that time a little less stressful.

When planning ahead for a funeral service, there are several decisions to be made. The team at Dignity Memorial is available to help guide you through the process and help with any questions you have along the way. Whether you prefer a metal or wooden casket, cremation memorialization or traditional burial, your favorite hymn or an organist, all of these details can be selected ahead of time. Planning ahead and making these selections with the team at Dignity Memorial will guarantee that your final wishes are understood and that they are carried out accordingly.

Making cemetery arrangements and choosing a burial plot is another portion that needs to be planned and discussed. Have an open discussion with your spouse about how you both want to be memorialized. Each individual is unique and will want their resting place and selections to be customized. Many spouses, however, choose to have burial plots next to each other – which can accompany other family plots – or be memorialized together in a cremation niche in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Making these plans in advance ensure that future generations have a place to pay tribute to and honor their family.

Creating a list of contacts to be used after the death has occurred is another discussion to have with your spouse. Identifying a cadre of close friends and family that should be contacted first is a top priority for this list. If your spouse is employed, making plans to contact their employer should be next on the list. Some couples choose to assign one person on the list to contact the remainder of the listed individuals. This individual can also send funeral arrangement schedules through email and post on social media on the family’s behalf.

Also, there are legal and estate considerations when preparing for a death. It is helpful to make sure these important documents are in order and up to date before the death occurs. A will outlines how you would like your assets divided after you are gone. You also have the ability to designate an executor that makes sure your will is implemented as planned. Making certain that these documents are carefully constructed and current can take the burden of making these difficult decisions during an emotional time off of your spouse.
         
Most of us do not enjoy discussing death, and certainly don’t enjoy discussing the topic when it pertains to our spouse. But pre-panning together not only makes life easier for the surviving spouse, it ensures that final wishes are performed as desired. The compassionate experts at Dignity Memorial are available to discuss the process of pre-planning and walk you through each step.


Michael Higgins is Sales Manager for Dignity Memorial®, which cares for more than 300,000 families each year through its network of more than 2,000 providers throughout North America. Learn more at www.dignitymemorial.com or call Greenlawn Memorial Park, Oleander Memorial Gardens and Coble Funeral and Cremation Services at Greenlawn Memorial Park, (910) 799-1686.