How to Prevent Suicide

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. You can learn the warning signs and how to get help. There are many contributing factors and reasons that cause someone to consider suicide. Learn the warning signs that someone could be contemplating suicide.

What to Do When a Veteran Dies

One way that you can remember a veteran is by making sure that they receive the honors of the military with a flag-draped casket and a trumpet playing Taps. Your funeral director can help with these types of arrangements. Learn more about what to do when a Veteran dies.

How to Help a Child Grieve Loss

If a child you care for is grieving the loss of someone they cared deeply for, you may be looking for ways to help them grieve. Depending on their developmental age and stage, there are different ways to help. Learn more about grief and find more resources.

How to Help Someone Who Lost a Spouse

When someone you care about is grieving the loss of a spouse, it can seem like there is nothing you can do to help. A time of grieving is normal, but sometimes a person can get stuck in their sadness and have trouble moving forward in life. Learn about how you can help someone move through the stages of grief in a healthy way.

Someone I Love Died. Why Am I So Angry?

Feeling angry is a natural part of grieving when someone you love dies. At Renaissance, we want to be a resource for you and your family as you walk through this time of healing from your loss. Learn more about how to handle the angry feelings of your grief journey.

What are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Learn about how to prevent suicide by knowing what signs to look for. As funeral home care providers, we here at Renaissance see too often the effects a suicide has on family and loved ones. We want to help prevent the senseless loss of life and hope.

Why Should I Have a Funeral?

We chose this question for our inaugural article because it is the one question most common among us. We could respond academically by talking about archaeological digs, old burial customs and pyramids. But, this is a singularly human question with its roots solidly...

How to Attend a Live Stream Funeral

Attending a livestream funeral can bring the togetherness that is desperately needed for families struggling with deep sorrow. You may be wondering how it works & what is expected of you. Attending and sharing your sorrow with others is part of your grieving journey. If you have issues involve grief or imminent death, contact your local funeral home as they will be an invaluable resource in your search for answers.

What Food Do I Make for a Grieving Family?

The emptiness and sadness of grieving can reduce a family to not care about the day to day routines such as mealtimes. Helping with meals during this time can make all the difference. At Renaissance, we want to create a safe space for grieving families and present solutions for necessary arrangements when a loved one passes on.

What is a Wake?

In NC, a wake, also called a viewing, is generally a time of social occasion held before a funeral in which the body of the deceased is present. Learn about wakes and how to plan or participate in one. Contact Renaissance to make a plan.

How to Plan a Funeral Reception

What is a Funeral Reception? A funeral reception is a post-funeral gathering where friends and family members can come together to celebrate and remember the life of their loved one. The reception typically follows immediately after the funeral service. It is...

What to Do When Someone Dies

When someone close to you dies, it can be incredibly difficult. Dealing with your emotions and grief are just part of the difficult process. If you are responsible for taking care of the personal affairs and funeral arrangements, the experience can be overwhelming. When a loved one passes away, there are things that need to be taken care of by the family. Knowing what to do when someone dies is beyond overwhelming for many.

Often families find themselves at a loss of what to do upon a death. We have included the following steps to take in hopes that it makes the difficult time a little less challenging.

Can I Have a Visitation or Viewing Without Embalming?

It is commonly mistaken that for a visitation to take place embalming must be done. Embalming, in a very basic definition, is the act of preserving a body by replacing body fluids with a preserving solution (usually an aldehyde and/or alcohol as a solvent). Many...

Catholic Church and Cremation

Your cremation questions answered Many Catholics have questions about cremation and if the Catholic Church accepts cremation? And once the cremation is done, what does the family do with the cremated remains? Can there still be a mass? We have answered your questions...

Does Medicare Pay For Hospice Treatment? –Alisha K.

In recent years Hospice Care for the dying has become an accepted and appreciated option for the terminally ill. In fact, in many areas of the country, Hospice is involved in some 60% of deaths. Hospice care can result in significant improvement in a patient’s...

Why do we have funerals? It seems so sad and uncomfortable. –Ella G.

We chose this question for our inaugural article because it is the one question most common among us. We could respond academically by talking about archaeological digs, old burial customs and pyramids. But, this is a singularly human question with its roots solidly...

This Could Save the Life of Someone You Love

Some years ago a friend of mine ran ads for his funeral home entitled: “We Can Wait” The series, which featured roadside billboards, was an effective anti-drunk driving campaign. We all know death is inevitable. But, if we can help prolong life by avoiding...

Do Obituaries Have To Be So Boring? –Alan C.

Obituaries do not have to be boring. Unfortunately, at the time a death occurs it is hard to write a creative obituary. Thankfully, times are changing and people want to be more creative–more real. We are including 3 examples of the way people are changing this...

Funeral Home or Funeral Parlor?

Up until the 1950′s funerals commonly took place in the living room or parlor of the family home. It still happens on occasion with the last memorable one being Jackie Onassis in 1994. As a 6 yr-old I remember helping my father pack the chairs, kneeler, register...

How Did You End Up in the Funeral Business?

Back in the 1890′s my Grand-uncle John Smolenski arrived from Poland as a toddler. They, as well as many Poles after passing through Ellis Island, settled in Greenpoint in Brooklyn NY. Eventually, there were so many Polish-speaking residents that they needed a...

How Do We Consider All The Family Needs When Planning Mother’s Funeral?

This column by Carolyn Hax appeared in the Washington Post on March 5, 2010. Consider others’ needs in planning mother’s funeral Dear Carolyn: My mother has Stage 4 breast cancer and is near death. My family has begun to discuss funeral arrangements. Having...