60 Things To Do When There Is a Death: A Guide from the Hebrew Cemetery

October 2024

By Sandra Goldman, Director

When a death occurs, the tasks that follow can be overwhelming, complex, and costly. At The Hebrew Cemetery, we understand these challenges and want to help. Did you know that many of these items could be pre-arranged? By familiarizing yourself with these 60 tasks, you can give your family the peace of mind they deserve during a difficult time. Remember, The Hebrew Cemetery is here to help and support you through this process.

Notify immediately:

1. Doctor(s)

2. Funeral director

3. Cemetery

4. Clergy

5. Relatives and friends

7. Deceased’s employer

8. Employers of relatives missing work

9. Insurance agents (life, health, etc.)

10. Attorney and accountant Decide and arrange immediately:

11. Select funeral director

12. Select cemetery

13. Purchase burial property (if not preplanned)

14. Select casket

15. Decide on service location (graveside, chapel, funeral home)

16. Select officiant

17. Provide information for eulogy

18. Arrange type of service (military honors, etc.)

19. Provide obituary to newspaper

20. Answer calls, messages, and letters

21. Get addresses for thank-you cards and emails

22. Meet with funeral director

23. Meet with clergy

24. Check and sign burial permit

25. Check will for special wishes

26. Order death certificates

27. Look after house, children, and pets

Secure vital statistics (required for death certificate):

28. Name, home address, and phone numbers

29. Length of residence in state

30. Business name, address, and phone numbers

31. Occupation and title

32. Social Security number

33. Veteran’s serial number

34. Date of birth

35. Date of death

36. U.S. citizenship status

37. Father’s name

38. Father’s birthplace

39. Mother’s maiden name

40. Mother’s birthplace

41. Religious name (if any)

Collect documents (required to establish rights for insurance, pensions, Social Security, etc.):

42. Funeral certificate

43. Deed to burial property

44. Will

45. Legal proof of age or birth certificate

46. Social Security card or number

47. Marriage license

48. Citizenship papers

49. Insurance policies

50. Bank books

51. Deeds to property

52. Car title(s)

53. Tax returns, receipts, and checks

54. Veteran’s discharge certificate

55. Disability and pension claims

Pay the following:

56. Funeral home services

57. Burial plot and cemetery service fees (if not preplanned)

58. Clergy

59. Temple

60. Transportation

The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of August, 2024.

Vladimir Kutsak 5-29-1937 - 8-1-2024

Theodore Gearhart 9-18-1938 - 8-6-2024

Mary Jean Kushner 8-1-1942 - 8-20-2024

Mark Good 1-19-1963 - 8-22-2024