The board of the Phaneuf Family Foundation, our 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is thrilled to introduce Molly K. Morris as the recipient of our 2025 mortuary science scholarship. Currently studying at FINE Mortuary College in Massachusetts, Molly has a unique mix of scientific curiosity, compassion, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting families during their most challenging times.
The $1,000 scholarship will aid her as she pursues her dream of becoming a licensed funeral director.
Molly’s path toward a career in death care began at a young age.
“I was always that kid fascinated by physical science. I loved collecting bugs, and wasn’t afraid of things that other kids found scary,” she said.
Molly’s interest deepened in middle school when she became captivated by forensic anthropology thanks to the crime shows her mom enjoyed. Although the idea of a doctoral degree felt daunting, it opened her eyes to various paths within the field.
A pivotal moment was at a high school career fair. A representative from a local funeral home explained the profession and it struck a chord with her. Later, during the pandemic, Molly watched funeral professionals share their stories online.
“Listening to them talk about their love for the work and what fuels their passion really solidified my decision,” she said.
Molly’s first experience at a funeral also left a profound impact on her. The funeral was for her childhood best friend’s older brother, a beloved figure in the community.
“I was really moved by how many people showed up,” she said. “The entire district came together. It was incredibly powerful to witness, and it definitely shaped my understanding of the importance of honoring a life.”
“Molly embodies the caring, thoughtful, and driven professional our industry truly needs. Her commitment to learning, her empathy for families and her interest in innovative practices like green burial reflect a maturity that’s impressive for her age. We’re proud to support her and we’re confident she will serve families with both skill and compassion,” said Arthur “Buddy” Phaneuf, chairperson of the foundation’s board.
Molly said what really draws her toward death care is the human aspect of the job.
“I want to do something that truly matters and makes a difference in people’s lives,” she said.
With her background in customer service, she knows just how impactful a single positive interaction can be for a family during tough times.
“Working with people is fulfilling no matter the context, but I’m eager to make a more significant impact,” she added.
At FINE, Molly is particularly interested in anatomy and chemistry.
“Chemistry is a new subject for me, and I didn’t enjoy it in school, but I’ve come to really like it now,” she said.
She also appreciates the classes covering the everyday duties of funeral directors. Looking ahead, she’s excited about her clinical terms, which will involve supervised embalmings and mock funeral arrangements to prepare students for real-life interactions with families.
Her family and friends have been incredibly supportive.
“Most people weren’t surprised,” she laughed. “The general reaction I get is pretty cool. They knew I was going to pursue something that needed a degree; they just weren’t sure what it would be.”
Molly is set to graduate in July 2027 and already has a vision for her future career.
“I’d love to be licensed and work at a funeral home that promotes green burial,” she said. “I believe green funeral practices are going to become more popular, and I want to play a role in making them more accessible.”
She also makes an effort to encourage her friends and family to celebrate milestones and cherish the time they have together.
“I’m very aware of how limited our time is, so I try to help people appreciate it,” she said.
Congratulations to Molly on a well-deserved scholarship.
The Phaneuf Family Foundation formed with this three-fold mission:
- To provide financial assistance for funeral or cremation arrangements for individuals and families that cannot afford to finalize a service
- To recognize and support professional hospice caregivers and organizations in NH and VT
- To give scholarships to students attending a mortuary college in New England.
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