A Day In The Life Of A Funeral Director

When we lose someone we love, it only feels right to commemorate and celebrate their lives in every way we can. For decades, I’ve led an all female team of funeral directors who’ve made it their mission to provide support for those who are in mourning. We’ve seen the way we all approach celebrating life and mourning death differently, we’ve witnessed the tears and the smiles and the memories in tandem. Here are two insights into life as funeral director and as a business woman, pioneering an all woman team.

The at need nature of the industry makes everyday different

The at need nature of the funeral industry is a reality of life. No one plans when they’ll pass on, they can only make plans in advance to make it easier for their loved ones. Entering this grieving space, day in and day out, it’s clear we as humans have a multitude of ways to honour those who’ve had such a large impact on our lives.

Time is often a large constraint for individuals who are already weighed down; by the myriad of administrative tasks to resolve, by the big decisions to make. The questions people have often never asked need answers and come to the fore. Burial or cremation? For memorial location, local church or local community hall? The time preceding a memorial can be as short as a few days, or even less, depending on several factors.

In supporting each family that comes through the door, it also means that myself and the team must be on call and ready at any hour of the day.

The rituals big and small are the celebrations of life

Everyone has rituals that shape their worlds. The way people dress and the clothing items that remind them of special events in their lives. The way people prepare their favourite meals or get ready in the morning. The way people show their loved ones they care. Rituals are the milestones and moments of the everyday – whether you’re religious or non religious.

“Rituals, big and small, give our lives meaning, and help us progress through them.”
~ Brian Miller

In the process of remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones, these rituals become all the more important. A large part of my role in supporting the people in my care, involves sitting with them, laughing and crying with them. I devote the time to tease out all the little things that will ensure a truly memorable tribute.

Celebrating life

What drives me is to consistently deliver exceptional service and services? Helping families to cope with the loss of a loved one is a challenging yet rewarding process. In their time of need, our all female team of passionate and caring individuals can make a small but positive difference through providing support and creating a personalised memorial.

Through a recent survey of the community, we realised there was an overwhelming majority who yearned for memorials to be full of “upbeat music, foods they loved and activities they enjoyed”. In essence, people yearned for a celebration of their own lives. At the end of the day, that’s what we do. Support people as they tackle grief and help them celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

About the Author
Karen Laing is the owner of Lady Anne Funerals, with over twenty years of experience in providing compassionate support and services through difficult times.