FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARCH 1, 2018 • THE QUEENS COURIER 51
coping with death
A dignifi ed checklist to prepare for the end
Many people have thought about what
type of funeral they’d like for themselves.
Whether you choose to formally make
advance arrangements or not, it is very important
to let family and/or friends know what it is
you want your funeral to be like. Chances are a
lot greater that your wishes will be carried out
if people know what those wishes are.
Th ere are several important elements
to record to ensure your wishes are carried
out:
Last Will and Testament
Contact an attorney to have a will written
or make updates to an older one. Be
sure family and friends know your attorney’s
name and where the will is fi led.
Cemetery/Cremation Information
Record the name of the cemetery or
where you would like your cremated
remains to be placed, address and
phone number; plot number and location;
name on plot purchase; and location
of deed.
Funeral Home Details
Record names of funeral home and
funeral director, address and phone number.
If pre-arrangements were made,
record contract # and location of fi led
contract.
What type of service chosen? Where
is it to be held (church, funeral home,
other)? Will it be a military service? Will
you have visitation/calling hours?
Get the names of clergy and pallbearers
chosen. List selections of music, clothing,
fl owers, memorials/contributions and
any other personal preferences.
Draft biological info
Th e necessary information to record
is: full name, address, phone number;
years of residency; birth information
(city, state/province, date); Social Security
Number; full names of father and mother
(maiden); marital status and name of
spouse; religious and fraternal affi liations;
education information; employment history;
family members; location of birth
and marriage certifi cates and adoption
papers.
Military Service
Be sure to locate a copy of the DD-214
(Discharge/Separation Papers) and make
record of: branch; date entered and discharged;
grade/rank; place of entry; war
or confl ict; decorations; pension and disability
claim numbers; fl ag requested; and
veteran’s cemetery marker
Estate Executor
Does the executor know of their role?
Record their name, address, phone number.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Record the location and phone number
or the department and list all vehicles registered
in your name.
Licensed Firearms
List any licensed/registered handguns.
Who/where should they go?
Plans for Pets
Have you made arrangements for pets/
animals?
From the New York State Funeral
Directors Association
Coping With D eath spons ored by :
Mar tin A . Gleas on Fune ral home L . L . C . : The P re fe r red Choice