All you need to know about Heritage Funeral Home

Heritage Funeral Home

When you experience the loss of a loved one, you can count on us to guide you through the necessary arrangements to create a meaningful ceremony that celebrates and honors a unique life. Their staff is committed to providing the highest quality care and service to your family in your time of need, and they take it upon themselves to ease your burden as you take the first steps toward healing.

History

Heritage Family of Funeral Homes has served the greater Phoenix area for 30 years under the careful guidance of the Stubierski family.

Today, as a third-generation family-owned firm, they have become the region’s most preferred funeral home by providing the highest level of service to their community.

As a full-service firm with eight convenient funeral homes, five cemeteries and two privately owned cemeteries, they consistently offer the area’s most affordable funeral services. They take personal pride in the beauty of their facilities and the professionalism of their staff.

They welcome you to visit their funeral homes and experience their comfortable facilities and meet their compassionate staff. Please consider this your personal invitation from their family.

Facilities

They`re pride themselves on making their facility feel like a second home—a true place of peace, tranquility, and warmth. Their facility is equipped to provide you and your family with only the best and they invite you to explore all that they have to offer.

Where to start

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. They are here to support you throughout this journey and make the process a celebration of love, healing and life. Below is some information to help you get started, but you can always contact them if you need help.

Within hours

When a loved one dies at home or in a place that is not a health care facility, you will need to contact emergency personnel before they are taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, it’s a good idea to call their physician as well.

If your loved one dies in a health care facility, they will notify the appropriate authorities, including the funeral home you have chosen to care for your loved one if they know this information.

Emergency and medical personnel involved in this part of the process will help you obtain medical certificates and other necessary documents.

This part of the process is often the most emotional, and they’re here to help and support you. Call them anytime if you’re not sure what to do.

Within the first few days

You may want to notify close friends and relatives through personal phone calls as well as notices of your loved one’s death. If the process is too painful for you, it’s perfectly fine to ask a trusted family member or friend to help you.

This is also the time to review your loved one’s final planning wishes and meet with a funeral director to begin planning their service. If your loved one hasn’t already planned their funeral, you may want to start thinking about some of the big choices you’ll need to make, such as:

• Burial or cremation
• Type of coffin if buried
• If cremated, their final resting place in a grave or mausoleum
• If cremation, type of urn
• If by cremation, cremation or dismemberment their final resting place
• Any religious services you may need, such as a priest or spiritual director
• The types of services you want, such as viewing, service, graveside memorial, etc.

These questions are just a starting point, and you don’t need to know the answers right away. Don’t hesitate to contact them to get a better understanding of your options. They are here to make the process easy for you.

What to expect when meet

When you meet with a member of their staff to discuss your arrangements, they will first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of the cost of their services.

They will then ask you about your loved one to get an understanding of the person whose services will be honored. Use this time to share your thoughts and priorities, share your loved one’s life story, revisit memories, and highlight their accomplishments. Their professionals will use this information to guide you in creating a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one’s life.

This process may include:

• Preparing and filing an official death certificate
• Schedule of services and events (including location, date and time)
• Choosing a casket, urn, or other products you may need.
• Drafting Death
• Arranging necessary transportation
• Selection of pallbearers

They want to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you, so remember to bring the following information about your loved one with you:

• Full legal name and home address
• Social security number
• Date of Birth
• Place of Birth
• Father’s Name
• Mother’s Family Name
• Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable.
• Most education
• Occupation
• Information about the place of burial, if applicable
• Pastor’s name and phone number, if applicable
• Names and Relationships of Survivors
• Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses.

Please bring a recent photograph and any clothing you wish to wear to them for the service.

Service Options

Planning a funeral service can be a daunting process for families who have just lost a loved one. But it’s important to provide grieving people with a supportive environment in which they can begin to find closure, say goodbye, and come to terms with the loss. Gathering with friends and family gives everyone an opportunity to connect, share memories, offer words of sympathy, and create a lasting network of comfort and support as they begin their journey toward healing.

Funeral services

Depending on your individual needs and preferences, there are different services that you can choose from for the burial of a loved one:

Urgent burial means that your loved one will be buried or cremated without a public service or mass.

Visitation, also known as viewing, wake, or calling hours, allows family and friends to gather in a room with their loved one in an open or closed casket and say goodbye or offer their condolences to the bereaved. Offer support and sympathy.

A funeral or memorial service can be held at a funeral home, a church, or even at your home. A service is an event that serves to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased. Whether traditional or unique, both the visitation and the funeral service can be personalized to reflect the individuality of your loved one.

Graveside, chapel, or committal services are held at the cemetery, and allow family and friends to be present as their loved one is transferred to his or her funeral by land burial.

Funeral services

One of the biggest misconceptions about cremation is that there cannot be a funeral service or visitation. Not at all, and they encourage you to consider holding a memorial service to celebrate the life of the deceased. There are many options open to you when it comes to respecting the life of your loved one. After funerals and memorial services, there are a variety of options for your loved one’s final disposition:

Interment means that you will bury or bury the cremated remains of your loved one. This can be in a family plot, a memorial site, a crematorium or urn garden, or a variety of other indoor and outdoor locations. Ask their staff for a detailed list of burial possibilities.

Graveside services are similar to those observed with traditional ground burials, in which loved ones are present at the burial and honor the deceased through memorial prayers or other meaningful tributes.

Scattering allows you to spread your loved one’s cremation over a memorial garden, cemetery, over water, or other meaningful location. You may also choose to scatter some of the cremated remains and keep the rest for burial or some other form.

Placing cremated remains in multiple urns gives family members who are separated by distance from each other the comfort of having their loved one’s final resting place nearby.

Green Burial Services

For those who want to be more environmentally friendly with their end-of-life decisions, they offer green burial options. That way, you can respect your loved one’s life and reduce their environmental impact. A green burial service may be right for your loved one if they are a nature lover, work in the field of environmental science, or are passionate about living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

To learn more about our green burial options, please do not hesitate to contact them

Methods of payment

They offer several online payment options to help ease the financial burden on your family during this difficult time. If you have any questions or need more information, speak to a member of their staff.

• eChecks, or ACH payments, let you transfer funds directly from your bank account to pay for services. It’s fast, secure, and saves you money on credit card fees.
• They accept online payments by all major credit cards — Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Use their online payment platform to pay easily and securely by credit card today.
• They offer crowdfunding for funeral services, memorial funds, and more. With all the features of other major crowdfunding sites and lower fees, crowdfunding on their website is a great option for your family. Talk to a member of their staff to start a crowdfunding campaign today.

They work with multiple lenders across the United States to get you the most competitive loan rates. Viewing the offers available to you doesn’t affect your credit, so you can see all the options you have for loan amounts and payment terms.

If your loved one has a life insurance policy you want to use for funeral expenses, talk to them. They can get a portion of your claim right away instead of waiting 30-90 days for insurance companies to pay. They’ll handle all the paperwork too!

Personalization

Personalization isn’t just about respecting your loved one’s individuality. It also allows family and friends to feel connected to a life of service and dignity. They work closely with you and your family to get to know your loved one’s life story so tjhey can make their services as personal as possible.

Life Tribute Videos

They’ll create a one-of-a-kind tribute by combining family photos, your favorite music, and professional touches to share your loved one’s special journey during the service. The video is also available as a DVD after the event.

Personalized stationery

Their high quality stationery sets have over 500 themes to choose from to honor your loved one. You can browse their collection online or they can help you find the perfect theme during our layout conference.

Keepsake Candles

Honor your loved one with these personalized glass candles. Thye will customize your candle so you can take it home and find a little warmth and light in your time of grief. They’re easy to refill, so you can keep them for years to come.

Honoring Veterans

They are proud to play their part in honoring our nation’s veterans. It is their duty to provide professional and dignified support to you and your family in your time of need, and they promise to help you  honor your loved one for their dedication and selfless service.

Eligibility

Military funeral honors are free and required by law for eligible veterans. Eligibility will be verified by the veteran’s DD-214, or discharge papers. Eligible members include:

• Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
• Veterans who served on active duty and departed in honorable circumstances.
• Veterans who completed at least one term of enlistment or initial mandatory service in the Selected Reserve and discharged in honorable circumstances.
• Veteran military members discharged from the Selected Reserve because of a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Traditional honors

At a minimum, eligible veterans are entitled to fold and present the American flag to their next of kin and play taps by bugler or recording. These honors are performed by an honor guard detail consisting of at least two members of the armed forces. One member must be a representative of the branch in which the veteran served, and this member will be the person to present the flag.

Honors may also include:

• A three volley rifle salute to represent duty, honor and country
• An American flag was draped over the casket.
• Last salutation at the grave

Experienced benefits

In addition to coordinating service-related awards, they can help you communicate with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

Presidential Commemorative Certificate: This is a certificate that expresses recognition of the service of an ex-serviceman on behalf of the nation. The veteran’s name is inscribed, and the certificate is signed by the President.

Headstones or Markers: VA provides headstones and markers for veterans’ graves and eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state or military cemeteries anywhere in the world.

Memorial Plot: If the remains of an eligible veteran are not available for burial, VA will provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery for memorialization. If you wish to place the memorial in a cemetery other than a national cemetery, VA will provide the headstone or marker but not the plot itself.

Burial in a VA National Cemetery: This includes grave placement, opening and closing of the grave, a burial chamber, and permanent care.

Burial Expense Reimbursement: For information on eligibility and the different levels of possible reimbursement, please review their Guide to VA Burial Allowances.

Why plan ahead?

There’s a lot involved in planning a funeral, but making these arrangements in advance gives you time to consider all your options and make sure you’re covering all the necessary details. Still feeling unsure? Here are some of the top reasons why planning ahead may be the best option.

It is easy

Fill out a form or meet with a member of their staff to put your plan into action. Anyone can make a plan at any stage of their life, and you can always make changes if you want.

You decide

Planning ahead allows you to create the unique celebration of your life. Involving your family in the planning process can help them feel connected to you in both life and death, knowing that your arrangements reflect your wishes.

Lighten your family’s burden.

Planning ahead relieves your family of this burden and gives them more time and energy to focus on healing and memory.

You can pay in advance.

Prepaying usually means you save money by being protected from inflation and price changes. They deposit all prepayments into a trust fund where they remain until needed. Paying in advance also provides peace of mind for your family, who won’t have to guess the cost of your funeral when the time comes.

What if I move?

They keep a record of your prearranged arrangements and any advance payments, and they are easily transferable to any funeral home in the US.

Where do I start?

First, check out their pre-planning checklist to help you consider all your possibilities. You can then pre-plan online using their form to make your own personal arrangements or you can schedule an appointment with their staff to discuss your options and make a plan.

Ways to plan ahead:

General

• Collect personal information for your death.
• If desired, choose a charity to donate directly to.
• Choose a funeral home.
• Note any instructions for your services and final procedures.

Funeral service

• Choose cremation or cremation.
• Choose a casket or cremation container.
• Choose locations and types of services.
• Choose flower arrangements.
• Choose which photos and memories you want to display.
• Consider any customs, traditions or religious practices that are important to you and your family.
• Select the outfit you want to wear.
• Select music and hymns if desired.
• Choose a theme for the decorations and stationery at your service.
• Arrange transportation for your remains and your family.

Candidate

• Choose a clergy member or officer to preside over the service.
• Select musicians whose talents you want to employ.
• Choose the pallbearers.
• Choose friends or family members to praise, read scriptures, or prepare a speech.

Final Disposition

• Choose a cemetery.
• Select a burial plot or tomb.
• Choose a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
• Decide who will hold your urn.
• Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.

Funeral Etiquette

They’ve put together a short guide to help you be polite.

what to wear

Try to find out the dress code before you attend, so you can be sure to dress appropriately. If you’re not sure, just try to dress in a conservative way that shows respect for the family and other bereaved. For men, a suit and a conservative tie is usually a safe bet. Women should generally wear conservative dresses, skirts, or pants with a tasteful blouse.

Religious and ethnic customs

Traditions and customs vary between different communities, ethnic groups and religions, and it is often useful to ask in advance about any special considerations. They can answer many of your questions and point you to resources that provide more information.

what to say

Express your sympathy in your own words, however it feels right to you. Kind words about a loved one who has passed are always appropriate, and a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” or “My thoughts and prayers are with you” can be meaningful and comforting to the bereaved.

To respect

At an open casket service, it is customary to pay your respects by looking at the deceased and, if you wish, spend a few moments in silent prayer. The family can carry you to the casket, or you can make the approach yourself. However, viewing the dead body is not mandatory, and you should do whatever is comfortable for you.

Signing the register

Be sure to add yourself to the register using your full name so that family can identify you in the future. It is also helpful to include information about how you knew the deceased — through work, social clubs, school, etc.

Flowers and gifts

Sending flowers, making a donation, or giving a memorial gift are all meaningful gestures to let the bereaved know that they are in your thoughts.

Turn off your phone.

If you choose to bring your phone into the funeral home, take a moment to make sure you’ve turned it off, or, at the very least, on silent or vibrate.

Cemetery etiquette

When visiting a cemetery, these tips will help you enjoy a peaceful experience.

Follow the rules.

Most cemeteries have a sign near the entrance that is specific to the property. Follow the rules and observe any flower regulations they have set. Be sure to follow and obey cemetery hours.

Respect the grave

Do not touch any monument or headstone. This is not only disrespectful, but can damage monuments – especially older ones. Never remove anything from the headstone, such as flowers, coins, or tributes left by the family.

Be respectful of the services and other mourners.

If a funeral is taking place, take care not to obstruct the path of the procession. Respect their privacy and give them their space.

Speak gently and politely.

Respect other mourners. Remember to keep your voice down when communicating. Make sure your phone is on silent or turned off.

Take care of your children.

If you bring children, keep a close eye on them and prevent them from running, screaming, playing or climbing on graves and monuments.

Don’t leave trash behind.

Use the designated receptacles if they are provided, otherwise hang on to your trash and take it with you when you go out.

Memorials

Permanent memorials, headstones and grave markers mark your loved one’s final resting place and provide a physical reminder of the relationship you shared.

These memorials create a place to gather in memory of the lost and to inform future visitors about those lives. Many families find comfort in the process of designing appropriate memorials for those who have passed by visiting their chosen memorials throughout the grieving process.

Their memorial provider is happy to work with you to create a lasting tribute to your loved one’s life. No matter what you have in mind, any headstone or larger memorial structure you can dream of can be made for you.

Contents of the memorial

Physical memorials can be made using a number of different materials. Their memorial supplier offers many different colors of granite grave markers and headstones, as well as cast bronze options. Granite monuments can be arranged in a number of different forms (described below), while bronze markers are more commonly associated with burials. Both materials can be used to create memorials at different price points to suit your family’s needs.

Monument setting

We offer a number of different memorial styles, giving you the opportunity to commemorate your loved one’s life in any way that suits you. Use the following layout specifications as a starting place for the memorial planning process:

·         Straightforward monuments.

Straight monuments consist of a vertical top part (called a “die”) and a horizontal rising part (called a “base”). Straight monuments can be designed as both single and double monuments.

·         Flat or flush markers

Flat markers can be made of either granite or bronze and lie flat at the head of the grave site. Flat markers are usually 3-4 inches thick and can be made in single or double width.

·         Bevel Marker

A bevel marker consists of a flat surface raised above the burial plot with a slight bevel from front to back. Both individual and companion monuments are available in this setting.

·         Slant marker

Oblique markers include a front panel that tilts away from the burial site, with the back edge higher than the front. The front panels of these markers may be flat, oval or serpentine in shape and may contain burial information for one or two plots.

·         Special memorabilia.

Their memorial supplier has the ability to create a bench, cross or other special memorial to your specifications. Please note that your choice of final resting place may determine the types of memorials used. Contact their office for more information about your chosen grave site or final resting place.

Decoration of the monument

Once you’ve chosen your memorial’s content and layout, there are a number of different decorative options to allow you to personalize your memorial. Please note that the size and style of the memorial you choose may limit the amount of jewelry you can add. Contact their office for more information about the following options:

·         Decorative carvings

Their monument provider offers over 300 images and themes that can be carved into your monument by hand or using a sandblaster. These images include religious symbols, flowers, birds, sports imagery, frames, etc.

·         Decorative etching

Offering both hand and laser etching allows their souvenir supplier to create finely detailed drawings that are tailored to complement your chosen souvenir. They are able to offer a wide selection of different engraving images or transfer any drawing you provide to their memorial.

·         Decorative letters

Any wording to be added to your memorial (including the deceased’s name, life dates, quotes, scriptures and more) can be stylized using a variety of fonts and engraving techniques. Contact their office for a complete list of all available options.

Social Security Benefits

The following checklist is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits correctly so you can get paid quickly.

Eligibility

To receive monthly benefits, the deceased worker must have had Social Security work credits of between 1 1/2 and 10 years, depending on his or her age at the time of death. Persons eligible for monthly benefits include:

• A widow or widower aged 60 or over (50 if disabled) or at any age if caring for an eligible child who is under 16 or disabled
• A divorced widow or widower age 60 or over (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted for 10 years or if caring for an eligible child who is under 16 or disabled
• Unmarried children up to 18 years of age (19 if attending full-time primary or secondary school)
• Children who were disabled before reaching age 22 remain disabled.
• Dependent parent or parents age 62 or older

Lump sum death payment

A one-time payment of $255 is made in addition to the monthly cash benefits described above. Lump Sum Death Benefit (LSDP) is paid in the following priority order:

• A surviving spouse who lived in the same household at the time of death
• The surviving spouse is eligible or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
• A child or children who are eligible or entitled to benefits for the month of death.

Applying for benefits

You must apply to receive benefits. You can apply at any Social Security office, by telephone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov.

Testimonials

Here are some testimonials that people loved to share with them.

1. James, thanks for everything. To be honest, I heard twice that “ABC” is cheap, but you get what you pay for, and I figured Dad would be in better hands with you. Sure, you went the extra mile, I suspect the “ABC” would not have been so hands-on, setting up your service, contacting the necessary military people, etc. My poor dad didn’t get a holiday, hard life, but he got the respect he deserved with such a beautiful farewell. He knew I would do it somehow, but you really made it possible, because I didn’t know where to start. Thanks to you, he had the best possible departure. I wanted to send a nice letter for your file/review. I absolutely recommend Chino Valley Funeral Home. Thank you again, Michelle McCram

Michelle McCrum

December 17, 2020

• I highly recommend helping out with Heritage Funeral Chapel in Glendale and having them as a great place to hold your family’s funeral. They have done it to at least 6 of my relatives. Great official.

Linda Prentice

August 21, 2020

• I cannot thank the staff at Heritage enough for their care, compassion and professionalism in helping us with the arrangements and services for my mother who passed away a few weeks ago. Every interaction we had with the staff was impressive, especially James, who answered our questions, and helped us every step of the way. I highly recommend Heritage. I am sure you will be very happy with the help they provide.

Holly Bennett

November 14, 2019

• We would like to thank Noelle Gaffney for her kindness and care for us during this difficult time. No matter what our concerns were she was ready to help and give advice when we asked. His special ability to relieve our anxiety is especially appreciated. Many who attended the service commented on the beautiful tribute to our son. Thank you, Noelle

Pharrell and Lydia Whitey.

03 September 2019

• My family has been in funeral services in the Valley for almost 100 years. Now in Prescott, I had the honor of helping a new neighbor make the advance arrangements. We met up with Karel at Heritage Memory Park to finalize these arrangements. Karel was instructive, compassionate and honest. She facilitated the process with such grace and dignity, my neighbor and I felt like we had made a new friend. Excellent customer service.

Posey Moore Nash

June 13, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

They have provided a list of answers to questions they receive frequently about their services and other funeral activities. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to contact them. They will be happy to provide you with more information and clarify your concerns.

What do I do when a death occurs out of town or away from home?

It is important that you first contact the local medical authorities (as well as the police, if appropriate), and then be sure to call us as soon as possible. We will work with you to make the necessary arrangements to get you and your loved one back home as quickly and easily as possible. Calling us will also help you avoid duplicating efforts and fees.

What do funeral directors do?

A funeral director is a licensed professional who specializes in all aspects of funeral and related services. They provide support to the family, guide appointments and funeral arrangements, prepare the deceased according to the family’s wishes, and ensure that everything goes as planned. They also arrange for the removal and transportation of the deceased throughout the process and assist families with any legal or insurance paperwork they may need to file. They are experienced in recognizing when a person is having a particularly difficult time coping with a loss and can provide additional support and recommendations for professional help when needed.

Can I personalize my service?

Of course! Our staff has years of experience getting to know families and incorporating their loved ones’ hobbies, activities, interests and unique requests into meaningful and memorable services. Don’t hesitate to make a request because you think it might be too “out there” — we’re proud to work with you to create a service that truly reflects your loved one’s individual life journey. I reflect and celebrate.

Can I still get viewings and funeral services with burial?

Of course! In fact, we encourage you to do so. Choosing a funeral rite only indicates how you would like to care for your loved one after the service and in no way precludes you from celebrating and honoring their life. Whether you want to arrange a funeral service before the cremation, or wait for the service after the cremation, we are happy to help you design a meaningful cremation service.

Why do you need to viewing?

A viewing—also known as a visitation, wake, or calling hour—can involve an open or closed casket, and is considered an important part of the grieving process. Having a loved one present often helps family and friends come to terms with the reality of their loss, especially for those who may not have seen him or her in a while. The opportunity to come to terms with death and say a final goodbye is an important step on the path to healing.

Can we see if my loved one has donated organs or had an autopsy?

Yes. Autopsies and organ donation do not affect your ability to view an open casket.

Should I bring my children to the funeral service?

You should use your own judgment to determine whether your child is old enough to understand death, and whether it would make sense for them to attend a funeral. It is important to allow children to express their grief and participate in this important ritual. If you bring young children, explain in advance what they will see and experience, and make sure they know the importance of being on their best behavior. If your baby is fussy or noisy, remove him immediately so as not to disturb the mourners.

What is the purpose of embalming?

In many cases, if you choose to have a viewing prior to the cremation, embalming may be required. Embalming is a process used to clean and temporarily preserve the body of a deceased person. It can also enhance the appearance of someone who has been damaged by an accident or illness. By preserving the body through embalming, we can give you and your family time to make personal and meaningful arrangements.

Is embalming required by law?

no. However, most funeral homes do not allow the public to visit without incense. If you choose not to use embalming, we can usually offer a private viewing before the funeral with minimal preparation, except for embalming.

How long does the burial process take?

This will vary depending on the individual and the casket or container used, but usually takes about 3-5 hours.

How can I be sure that the remains I receive are those of my loved one?

Cremation of more than one person at a time is illegal in the United States and many other countries, so cremation chambers are not designed to hold more than one person at a time. Additionally, cremation is a formal process with strict procedures that we follow to ensure that we deliver our services to the highest possible standard. All necessary paperwork and fees must be completed with the local authorities, and then a checklist is completed at the cemetery. A metal disc with a unique identification number accompanies your loved one from the time we receive the person throughout the cremation process, and after the cremation we attach the metal disc to the ash bag. . Knowing the level of respect and meticulous care we take with your loved one, you can be sure that you are receiving only your loved one’s ashes.

Where can I cremate my loved one? Are there any restrictions?

Generally, the government does not regulate the scattering of ashes. Most public parks, including national parks, require you to submit a formal application and may have restrictions on where you can scatter. If you want to scatter on private land, check with the landowner first. In most cases, as long as you do your due diligence and consider checking the rules beforehand, it’s more than a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

What is Columbarium?

A columbarium is a place where urns containing cremated remains are buried. They are often located in tombs, chapels, or memorial gardens, and have many small compartments, or niches, designed to hold urns.

What can I do to support the bereaved after the service?

The grieving process does not end with the funeral, and the bereaved will take time to heal. The family will need your help for months to come, so be sure to check in regularly. Leave a note, make a phone call, and keep inviting them when you make social plans; They will let you know if and when they are ready to participate. Contact family on special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, especially during the first year after their loss.

What should I say when I approach the bereaved in public?

What you say depends on whether or not you have already had contact with the bereaved. If you have already offered your condolences, or attended a meeting or service, simply greet the bereaved warmly and express an interest in their well-being. If this is your first meeting after the death and you are in a public setting, it is best not to bring up the death directly. Instead, say something like, “I understand that these are hard days for you,” and perhaps ask when might be a good time to meet, or suggest that you meet for lunch.