Nothing can replace good common sense when it comes to decisions about handling matters during the events surrounding the passing of a loved one. We have composed this additional information to help you make decisions that may be necessary.

Oftentimes, a close friend or neighbor will assume a leading role in helping the family to keep the home in order while the family travels back and forth to services and makes sure that all arrangements are made properly. This person frequently will assure that the home is in the condition necessary for the family to properly host visitors that come by for condolence visits.

Speaking of the deceased is appropriate, particularly in discussing the person's life, family, and memories. In most circumstances, it is NOT appropriate to inquire as to the cause of death.

When you arrive at the viewing, you should approach the family first, introduce yourself if necessary, and express your sympathy. It is typically good courtesy to use a condolence visit, or the post-burial wake, to relate your memories of the deceased. This, however, is a matter of personal choice. There is certainly nothing that is absolutely taboo about telling stories or sharing memories at the visitation. At the viewing, show your respects by viewing the deceased if the body is present and the casket is open. Say a silent prayer for, kneeling if appropriate, or meditate. It is often appropriate for the family to escort you to the casket.

It is your personal choice as to the length of your visit at visitations, viewings, condolence visits, and the wake. There are no set rules. Once respects are paid to the deceased and the family, it is appropriate for you to visit with others in attendance. Be sure to sign the log usually present at the visitation.

While historically a matter of general principal, black dress is no longer absolutely required. Suits and dresses are appropriate, bearing in mind that a tendency toward the more conservative is for the best.

In most all cases, flowers are sent to our facility, and we urge you to refer to our preferred florists listed here on our website. If the family expresses wishes for flowers to be sent elsewhere, or if they request donations to be made to a specific cause in lieu of flowers, these wishes will typically be expressed in the obituary.

Whether requested or not, you are at liberty to make gifts and memorial donations in memory of the deceased. Uniontown Library, for example, will take donations and then purchase books of a subject matter of interest to the deceased, and then place a sticker noting in whose memory the book was purchased and also make mention of the person who made the donation in the deceased name for this purpose. In most cases, the family is notified of the gifts by personal note from those that received the gift, if the done is a charity or other organization. The donor typically provides the family's name to the charity. Even if you don't make a gift, a note or card to the deceased's family expressing your thoughts of the deceased is a welcome gesture, especially if you weren't able to attend the funeral.

The funeral provides an opportunity for the survivors to express their love and respect for the life of the loved one that has passed on. It is also an opportunity to face the reality of the crisis the death presents. Through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step toward emotional adjustment to their loss.