Funeral Planning Checklist: What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Losing someone you love can feel disorienting. In the middle of grief, you’re also asked to make decisions, complete paperwork, and notify family—often quickly. This checklist is designed to help you take the next right step, one at a time.

If you’d like support at any point, McKinley Funeral Home can walk you through each part of the process with care.

Step 1: Get a legal pronouncement of death

If death occurs at home: call emergency services or your healthcare provider (depending on the circumstances and local guidance).

If death occurs in a hospital or care facility: staff will handle the pronouncement and next steps.

If your loved one was under hospice/palliative care, follow the instructions provided by the care team.

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Step 2: Arrange transportation (when you’re ready)

When a funeral home is contacted, they can coordinate the transfer of your loved one into care and guide you on timing. There’s no “perfect” moment—just what feels manageable for your family.

Helpful to have ready (if available):

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Current address
• Next-of-kin contact info
• Where the person is currently located (home, hospital, etc.)

Step 3: Locate key documents

You don’t need everything immediately, but these items are commonly requested:

• Government ID (if available)
• Birth certificate (if available)
• Marriage certificate / legal spouse info (if applicable)
• Health card number
• Veteran details (if applicable)
• Pre-arrangement paperwork (if it exists)
• Will / estate documents (if available)
  

If you can’t find something right away: that’s normal. A funeral director can often proceed while you gather details.

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Step 4: Notify immediate family and close friends

Start with the smallest circle first—people who need to know right away.

A simple message is enough:

• “I’m so sorry to tell you that ___ died today. We’re still processing and will share details when we can.”
  

If you can, ask one trusted person to help:

• making calls/texts
• updating others
• handling group messages

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Step 5: Decide on burial or cremation (and any special wishes)

If your loved one left preferences, those should guide the plan.

You’ll typically choose:

• Burial (traditional burial, green burial, etc.)
• Cremation (with or without a service beforehand)
• A service location (funeral home, church, graveside, community venue)
• Timing (immediate service vs. later memorial)
  

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to take a breath—many families decide after a supportive conversation.

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Step 6: Plan the service details (the part that tells their story)

A meaningful service doesn’t need to be complicated. It needs to feel honest.

Consider:

• A viewing/visitation or informal gathering
• A ceremony with readings, prayers, or reflections
• Music (favourite songs, hymns, instrumental)
• Photos/video tribute
• Speakers (family, friends, clergy)
• Special touches (flowers, keepsakes, a shared ritual)
  

Tip: Choose 1–2 elements that truly reflect who they were. Simple can be powerful.

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Step 7: Write and publish an obituary (optional, but helpful)

An obituary can:

• honour your loved one
• notify the community
• share visitation/service details
• give a place for condolences and shared memories
  

A funeral home can help you shape the wording, confirm details, and publish it where needed.

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Step 8: Handle the practical notifications over the next few days

You don’t have to do this all at once. Here’s a common list to work through:

Near-term (first week):

• employer (if applicable)
• bank(s) and insurance providers
• pension benefits / government benefits
• landlord (if applicable)
• care providers and services
  

Later (as you have capacity):

• utilities and subscriptions
• social media accounts
• mail forwarding
• memberships and recurring payments
  

If you have support people, assign tasks. Grief is real work.

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Step 9: Take care of yourself, too

Grief can feel physical: fatigue, nausea, brain fog, insomnia, tight chest. Try to do the basics:

• drink water
• eat something small
• accept help when offered
• rest in short chunks
  

You’re not “behind.” You’re grieving.

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A gentle reminder

There’s no right way to do this—only what’s right for your family. If you want a guide, we can help you understand your options, make informed choices, and create something meaningful without pressure.

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