Where do I start? Who do I call? What do I do next?
November/December 2017
BY SHERRI COLLINS-WITZKE, CFSP
A lot of misunderstanding exists in the funeral industry. As a Certified Funeral Service Professional, I have spent the last 24+ years guiding and serving the families in our community through this difficult time.
Researching your options ahead of time, is invaluable when choosing a funeral home or funeral service provider, ask questions:
What are your average costs of burial or cremation services?
With whom are you making arrangements?
Is the funeral service provider family owned or corporately owned?
If I prepay and change my mind is my money refundable?
Can I make changes to the prearrangements in the future?
Are the prices of my arrangements guaranteed?
When a death occurs who do I call?
If the deceased was in another state or country,contact your preferred funeral home where you want your loved one taken. They can arrange for transportation and preparation to bring them into their care, even from far away. You can contact a local funeral home where the death occurs, but you will incur additional costs. They will coordinate the return of the deceased to your hometown.
Sherri Collins-Witzke, CFSP is Vice President/Manager for Harry H. WItzke’s Family Funeral Home in Ellicott City.
