A family-led funeral can be held at home, at a funeral parlor or any other suitable place. The key difference is that select family and friends of the deceased take a front and center role in creating a meaningful and fulfilling ceremony to honor their loved one. In the past, the knowledge of how to care for our dead was inherited through the generations. As a society, we lost these skills after the civil war, when funeral professionals became commonplace, but don’t despair! Family led/home funerals are on the rise and guidance is available to anyone seeking it. The links below will provide help with logistics, ideas & planning for every level of participation.
Home Funeral Alliance www.homefuneralalliance.org
-From their site, “The NHFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization that is the leading body of home after-death care support and education in the US. Created in 2010, our members come from all 50 states, five provinces, and seven countries. Many of us are home funeral guides who also identify as licensed funeral directors, ordained ministers, educators, body workers, licensed social workers, registered nurses, therapists and counselors, directors of nonprofits, attorneys and physicians. Many simply want to support the movement from institutionalized care back to family care of our own dead.”
National End-Of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) www.nedalliance.org
-From their site, “NEDA seeks to inspire positive, creative change in American death practices by creating high standards, ethical and practical guidelines, and rich networking opportunities for all EOLDs, resulting in meaningful experiences for the dying, their caregivers, and the agencies involved.”
Kateyanne Unullisi www.theemergefoundation.com
-Home-Funeral Guide and Co-Author with Donna Belk of Home Funeral Ceremonies: A primer to honor the dying and the dead with reverence, light-heartedness and grace
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Michigan Funeralsmi.org
-From their site, “..volunteer-run non profit that has been helping Michiganians make dignified, meaningful and affordable funeral arrangements since 1961. ..to advocate for the re-establishment of family rights in after-death care, including family-led home funerals, and to foster sustainable environmental practices, such as green burial, in the state.”
A Will For The Woods awillforthewoods.com
-A moving documentary about a couple’s journey with green burial. You’ll get an intimate view of what a home funeral looks like.
CommonHealth: Do-It-Yourself Deaths, At-Home Funerals www.wbur.org/radioboston/2013/11/25/diy-death
-Radio broadcast from 2013 about the emerging home funeral movement.
Crossings: Caring for our Own at Death www.crossings.net/resources
-You’ll find a free document outlining home funeral care as well as many other interesting and helpful resources.
