Blog

Funeral homes play a crucial role in our lives by providing support during our most challenging moments. When it comes to choosing one, consider whether it’s best to choose family owned funeral homes or corporate owned. In New Hampshire, where tradition and community values run deep, this distinction carries significant weight. Understanding the funeral industryRead more

In contemporary Tibet, many individuals adhere to profound Buddhist afterlife beliefs. According to these teachings, there’s no requirement to preserve the physical body after death, as it is considered an empty vessel. While these may not be your  personal beliefs, there are still shared themes uniting the diverse interpretations of existence beyond death and eachRead more

Grieving brings us together through healing and reconnecting even when it’s done virtually, such as via our live streaming option for services. But death etiquette is vital when posting condolences virtually via social media.  The informal nature of social media makes it more socially acceptable to talk about death. However, it’s a good idea toRead more

A story that was shared with us got us pondering the concept of “death cleaning.” A young woman’s grandmother died a couple years ago and she shared this  cautionary tale: “Grandma passed away unexpectedly after complications from a surgery. Grandpa died several years before her, after they moved from their longtime house into a retirementRead more

The phrase mental health still has a stigma attached to it, though it’s slowly changing as more caregivers are open to discussing mental health with their patients and the families of patients. Caregivers may not be as open to addressing their own mental health struggles. Caring for yourself while caring for others is often aRead more

Dr. Marianne Matzo, a founder of the nonprofit Everyone Dies , recently spoke at the Hospice & Palliative Care Conference hosted by St. Anselm College and the Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care Alliance of NH. The talk provided an eye-opening look at Everyone Dies, a podcast that educates people on every aspect of deathRead more

If you are tasked with handling the affairs of a deceased friend or family member, there may be a variety of logistical but necessary things to be taken care of, such as how to locate a lost life insurance policy. In addition to the many emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one, theRead more

Grief that comes with losing a loved one is surprising and inescapable. Death and mourning, although universal, are treated differently across the world. Looking at other cultures’ mourning traditions may bring solace to you. Hindu mourning traditions While death may not carry the same finality for Hindu people due to their belief in reincarnation, mourningRead more

Phaneuf presents funeral and cremation planning seminars to members of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) through Granite State College. OLLI is a member-driven, volunteer-based membership program for people ages 50 and up who enjoy lifelong learning, social events and volunteer opportunities. Funeral planning for OLLI Here is an overview of the topics we cover duringRead more

What percentage of Americans believe in ghosts? Forty-one percent, according to a YouGov study in 2021. Twenty percent polled were unsure if they believe in ghosts. (Comparatively, 43% of Americans polled believe demons exist.) Eighteen percent of adult Americans claim they’ve seen or been near a ghost, according to a 2009 Pew Research Center survey.Read more