Kari you're so right about the quilt, When my momma passed away at home I begged my step dad to pls don't let them put her in a body bag. I washed my moms body took care of medical devices so the funeral home didn't have to. I did her hair and make up and we had family members come in to the home for the viewing. My step dad called the funeral home for me. So when the came to pick her the gurney had a nice quilt on it they momma on top then since I just bought her a new comforter for her bed i let them have that to cover her, I knew in my mind momma didn't know she was cold shes passed but in my heart this is my momma and wanted her comfortable.
@@KaritheMortician Thank you Kari for sharing these vids, I think it takes peoples fear out of the industry plus you are so interesting with your knowledge
I did the same with my mom who died in 2020. After the hospice nurse pronounced her dead, I got her bathed, dressed, and ready with the help of my niece. We had a small service, including prayers, at her bedside for immediate family. And then the funeral home picked her up for cremation. I didn't have a quilt though--that was very kind and thoughtful of you. I'm sorry for your loss.
This young lady has given more dignity to the funeral industry than anyone I’ve ever known about. She’s common sense, and I feel sincerity in her compassion. When the need arises, I hope I get someone like her. Some people think this topic is sick, or morose. Maybe so, to the wrong type of people, for the wrong reasons; but I have always wanted to know what happened to friends and loved ones. She looks tired in this video - that’s not an insult, that’s a testament to her work ethic. I think she truly works hard and takes this to heart. Blessings to her for the comfort she brings to people at the hardest time of their lives.
When my mom died, I kept wondering about this part of her journey…we’d been together 24/7 during her illness…I worried about her being alone during the time before the service-were they kind to her, did they treat her like a person, etc…. TY for helping me see how it all works.. I feel better now💐
Thank you for referring to the bodies as "persons". They were, and your entire demeanor is incredibly kind, and beyond respectful. The loss of a loved one is devastating, and sometimes cold professionalism is less than welcome. You seem to be a very kind person. Karma!
YES, SHE DOSE SEEM VERY SWEET, KIND & SHE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON INSIDE YOU CAN TELL JUST BY THE WAY SHE SPEAKS TO EVERYONE OUT HERE..... I LOVE THE WAY SHE SOOO RESPECTFUL TO THE DECEASED, ECT ECT....GOOD KARMA AWESOME TOO HAVE ON YOU'RE SIDE WHEN YOU NEED IT.
thats true and this person it could be sombodys mother or father lying there and it was someone somebody loved in live or very specialthis lady is respectful
I have worked in veterinary care and your videos have helped me to work with humans when they have lost not a pet but a family member that has fur. They are very grateful that I can give the assistance needed to prep the bodies and our clinic. Thank you!
I agree. My aunt was in a home for alzheimer patients for many years. My mother and my uncle ( sister and husband) were horrified seeing dead patients leave in a body bag when they passed. My mother bought a beautiful quilt for my aunt so that she wouldn't "leave" in a body bag when her time came.
My dad worked in a funeral home in East Los Angeles. I learned at the young age the ins/outs of the funeral business, later employed in my late teens to do removals. I spent nights in East Los Angeles at the funeral home...it was surreal and somewhat comforting. To say the least, I didn't become a Funeral Director but do have respect for the business and what the profession entails.
No, I'll never have any of this. I am like a frozen dinner - from freezer to oven !! Goodbye - fast and simple for everyone. NO marinating for me please !! 😂
Totally nothing but respect for u ♥️my daughter wants too be a Mortician I told her it’s a wonderful job and it takes Special kind of person to do this because not a lot of people have interest in it 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I love the idea of the quilt/ comforter....They used a gorgeous comforter ( velvet and satin) when the came to our home, to pick up my husband....He looked so cozy....It was a small yet beautiful little touch, that gave me great comfort ❤
You know something, why during people’s lifetime treat each other mean? We all get born the same and when we all die, we all have to go to the funeral parlor to get buried. Let’s all show each other some respect! This something to think about. We can all make our lives interesting
I truly believe that some professions do need a god given skill. That being said you’ve been gifted to us, and consider anyone that has been fortunate to cross paths with you lucky indeed.
I will be doing my mom's when she goes. No hospital or anything like that. I have power of attorney on everything so she won't be getting cracked, poked or anything. Just laying in her bed with her favorite blankets and all natural, home wake and everything. Them straight to cremation. I'm so glad I was health care for so many years. It's going to be to my advantage
Yes, my mom already did that as invokable trust thing, she did owned my sister, her only other child to get nothing or have anything to do with her end of life stuff. We went to the lawyer here I'm town so she would make it that way. Between you and Katlin doughty's video's I have prepared my self as well as I can and along with my mom, protecting what she wants . My sister doesn't know about any of this and that's how my mom wants it. It so sad that it comes down to this. As the executer of her will I have to do as she wishes.
I had not seen this video before. How much mystery you take away from loved ones worrying/wondering about such things! You serve such an incredible part on educating folks with class and honest info that I’m certain many folks wonder about but do not have any idea where to ask questions or even if they should ask. Again MANY thanks for your videos, honest info, and your integrity in them!👍🏼❤️🙏🏼🦋
My Grampa, Gramma and my Mother in law passed away in my home. When the Funeral home came to pick them up they were placed in black body bags. It was really hard to see that. They were very respectful, kind and compassionate. It was even suggested to us that we leave the room for that if we thought it would be too hard to watch. I love the idea of the quilt.
I would not mind if my body was used for demonstration. I dressed my Mother, fixed her hair, makeup and jewelry. She looked like she was sleeping. I like to think people feel relieved at the natural look. It is so calming to spend the final hours of ones loved one.🙏🏻❤️
I don't like her voice. And you should fix your hair. You make decent money, have it done weekly. You make your face such a huge part of the video, why?
Thank you, Kari, for taking time out of your day to post these informative videos. I will be starting mortuary school in January and it’s nice to get a head start and learn a few things prior to school starting.
My husband passed almost two years ago you make me feel better by explaining about the process he went through I felt better about the way he was treated I still grieve him you just make me feel so much better about it all thank u very much I feel so so much better knowing he was treated like the good man he was💖
My daughter works in a funeral home over ten years and she said to this day she gets very emotional 😭 when she sees babies come in. She’s a secretary and still have to bring the family’s in for to make sure the bodies are satisfied to the family.😭😭😭🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔💔
I co own 2 funeral homes in 2 different states with my brother who is retired from actively directing. I enjoy your videos . They didn’t have this when I was young. Although my late Uncle my mother’s brother owned this very funeral home that my brother and I own now. This is good for those who may want to become or work in the funeral industry.
Kari Northey Thankyou for responding , I’m actually away for the 4th of July. We have business in Philadelphia and the n 2016 we took over my mother’s cousin funeral home in Maryland (Baltimore).
I worked at a cemetary, a temporary job. Dealt with sadness 6/wk, asissted in some burials, standby at others, seen family grieve, found that joking among co-workers made the job easier. Didn't like dead end jobs.
I have followed you for years but I see things so differently since the passing of our son on November 25, 2020. Your gentle way of describing it all is calming to me. Thank you Kari💔
Much respect for your job.Many questions, it much be emotional when doing young children, or even bodies that have been in a bad accident. My daughter is thinking of this profession. She’s very strong. Blessings
I am a Hindu, from India. As soon as a person dies, we make preparations for the cremation, which is held as soon as possible. We dont believe in enbalming a body and keeping it for days. Somehow I always found it weird that when you are alive, you would not voluntarily pour dangerous chemicals into your body, then why do it for your loved ones once they have passed away?
I've commented on several of your videos they are spot on. Funny enough today I walked in the funeral home at 730 and we had a chapel service first thing. There was another casket behind the chapel wanting for the 1pm service. There was two in the back hall way that we're graveside. One in each of the two parlors. One upstairs in the casket outside of the prep room and two inside the preproom. 9 total ! This is not the norm but when it rains it pours you have to be ready in the event of days like this
I think it would be super interesting to have a video about people who grew up living over a funeral home much like on 6 ft under. How the work/ personal life is separated? How are most living in funeral home situations set up?
Fascinating Kari, fascinating! Although many find a embalming, a mortuary, and death eerie, I find it interesting. I went to a college and was going to sign up for Mortuary school, but life happened. Thank you for your videos!
Kari Northey Different jobs. I also went to school for insurance and I got my P&C license. However, now looking into real estate, but must do other jobs since it is straight commission (which is scary). Plus, I'm 44 and not getting any younger. Thank you again, I really enjoy your videos.
My mom just passed away Dec 3rd 2018...she was cremated immediately. I was never asked if I wanted to come in and see the body, I'm 2 hrs away. I could have drove in. I was never told it was an option. I guess the funeral home doesnt call all the children they leave it up to the one who is there to call us. But sometimes there are issues within the family. I'm so use to the funeral ritual that I have no idea how to say goodbye without seeing my momma one last time.
It was just me, my brother & parents. We were very close. When my brother Jerry died, I wrote him letters off & on for about 6-12 months. I talked to him just like he was beside me. It helped me greatly. It may help you also. Sending love to you! God Bless You!!!
my 2 aunts and my grandfather dies all one year apart that was hard and a bit rough why fear death as you are no longer using that body anymore we are all not imortal but for soem death can be scary lucky we only get to do it once
I lost my sister in January. Than March 2 my brother killed himself. Lost my dad in 96 and held my mom's hand when she died in Nov 08. Death is natural and we all are going to die. I couldn't imagine not saying my goodbyes to my family
@@sandywells4456 l took my military life insurance to pay for my mother funeral etc but did not go to it. I am in a wheelchair l cant walk but l could got to the funeral but l felt. It best for me not to go l did not want to deal with members of my family or my sister who took everything from my mother she cash in her life insurance took everything she had l went to funeral home pay for everything and left. I felt it be best for me not to go You tell me. Was l RIGHT not to go
In the U.K the service is either in church or the Vapourisation station. (To call it a crematoriam is wrong, because the human body is 60% water. ) Water DOESN'T burn, it vapourises! Sometimes, I call those places liar houses, because of what I was told at my Grandmother's service. When I took this up with them, they asked me how do you know this? My answer? 1. I've read your job's training book, cover to cover. 2. I've been nursing for over 20 years, so I know my human anatomy! They had no answer to that! (I'm a higher functioning autistic, so that sorta stuff really gets to me!)
Im a Funeral Director here in England UK, in the 22 years ive been doing this and meeting other Undertakers, ive never come across such a pretty lady in this industry as you.
First of all I want to thank you for showing us the nitty-gritty stuff that goes on behind the funeral scene usually when we go to funeral directors or soothe it addressed the body is done and everything you just ready for the service but I thank you so much for just showing us a little bit of what goes on behind that song would never know that goes on behind the scene of the funeral home now my first question is I understand that you cannot show did people without the family or the loved ones consent but I do have a question about embalming why is it so important that a body is involved because the funerals that I go to is only an hour and a half week and once they close the casket you never see the individual again or if they're well-known you might get a three or four-hour visitation the most time is just an hour and a half or maybe just an hour so that was my question about embalming and my second and final question is I have no disrespect against funeral homes directors anybody else in the funeral industry because I'm trying to get into it myself but the last question is why do funeral homes cost so much to have Services is it part Funeral Home in government or is it government then funeral home because when my grandmother was born in Milledgeville Georgia in 1931 they took care of their own did they have few holes in the house and everything but now you got to go through the funeral home the body have to be embalmed cell kind of stuff now to me to get extra money and I don't quite understand it because it's like funeral homes nowadays take advantage of the poor or the people that don't have and they love to pray over grieving folks when they're in under distress they take advantage and I've seen it done with my own eyes and I don't appreciate it but that's what I wanted to know on this question is coming from Cincinnati Ohio and thank you so much
At least that prep room has lots of windows. When I think in my mind what the parts of a funeral home where body's aren't "ready for viewing" looks like I picture a basement type room. Maybe something that's feels kind of hidden and "gloomy". I sound like Eeyore. Lol That space is nice and bright and sunny. 😎
When I was planning on going to Mortuary school, I fantasized of owning my own, small funeral home, in a small town, back in my home state of Wisconsin.
I've been on a 3 or 4 day binge of these kinds of videos and I feel so much less intimidated by death now that I've learned about it. Most stuff isn't scary if you learn about it.
One man wrote in about the body hoist. He thought it was a mechanic's engine hoist. And I agree, it does look a lot like the engine hoist he was thinking of. So, would a word on that be appropriate? I'm guessing he didn't focus on the cross bar that supports the person full length, on that hoist. Anyway, that was a good tour. The two mortuary companies I worked for, in my 21 years, were chains. And their locations all differed in the number of rooms, the size of the prep room, and most other things. I wish to state clearly that much of what we do, and our methods is controlled by the state we work in. And some of it by local tradition.
Thanks for showing us the presentable side of the funeral home. It’s how the “persons” are stored in your facility that we need to be seeing. I’ve seen behind the scenes in facilities and it’s not pleasant! How our loved ones are cared for even after they no longer need their body’s is very important. Im not bashing this woman, I feel we just need to be aware of things that are not as pleasant to think about when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Educational , not only about the process , ( I am considering prepaying my funeral) , but also about a couple of commenters here that are kooky .Who knew people hit on a woman making a funeral video. I would tell the one guy to pay for a dating site , but then worry about the consequences in the remote chance he is successful . Live and learn I suppose .
I knew on September 2013 this was going to be like no other.. My mother had gone into the hospital on the 8th of September and this was going to be the last time we would be together.. they bought her back to the nursing home where she spent last year. She & I spent some great memories together.. she asked me to go get a book to read to her than she turned to me and requested that I read this book to her if she should pass .. I could see she was getting tired as reached out her arms as if she was embracing those who went before her than I watched her raise her hand to wave goodbye to those left behind.. I went got her ready for bed with basin of water to wash her face, hands and feet and with cream on her feet and socks. . Read her the book and I ended with I will love you forever for you always be my mommy. .. And on the 26th she took her final breath. I again bathe her before the funeral home staff came in and took her away..
Thank You for sharing this! The end of this week I will be getting My Death Doula Certificate I will be My Cities and Counties first Doula. I have already done this twice before and I feel that it is My Calling! I am not going to charge anyone anything it will be strictly Volunteer work!
When you lose a close relative, you wonder what happens next when they get to the funeral home. I did, and it is more devastating to the relative to think about. Death is so final, and even though you think you are prepared for it, you arent. My cousin told me that when his mother died, and I found it to be very accurate when my mother (her sister) died 9 months later in the same year. Now, 18 months later, I find myself wanting to ask her for a couple heartbeats the usual question, "what do you want to eat." I cared for her/lived with her for 5 years when she was unable to live alone, but the last 5 months were pure hell, watching her decline slowly, especially the last 2 months rapidly and all of a sudden your room mate is gone permanently. Im still not over the loss, and may never be. IDK.
When my family members passed, father and older sister I felt comfort because I’m a Christian and know they are with Jesus, makes a big difference in my life but still miss them.
@@donaldswink6259 I totally agree with you. I also wrote letters to my brother after his death. He died alone in his apartment & I didn’t get to say goodbye. So the letters helped me to say the things I wanted to tell him. I gave me great comfort! Also for DEFENDER OF FREE SPEACH!
It’s funny to hear you mention a Glorious prep room with 2 tables!! LOL. I worked for Swartz FH here in the Flint area. You talk about Glorious prep room. They had 4 prep tables!! But they are a 1100+ a year FH. Back in the 70’s I worked at Brown FH in Flint. They had 6 tables!! Now that was a Glorious prep room!! LOL.
I remember when father passed away 3 yrs ago at his home (copd). Now the owner of the funeral home in our town came to get him along with someone else. The guy (owner) was drunk and my husband noticed this. He went out to his suv got some gum and then grabbed the cot. As I was watching him transfer my father from his ver to the cot he was so drunk that he almost dropped my father and my dad actually hit his head in the bed railing. I was furious! I couldn't say anything to anyone because well he was the owner. Months later I seen him at a bar I had to leave because I was going to flip out.
@@KaritheMortician No it's not of course. I take pride in which some say a weird sense of humor. Great vid.. Merry Christmas Kari to you and yours and your dead friends 😘 LOL
Thank you for aftercare education, I've always been curios. You said there's no real need for a cooler because its not necessary after embalming. What about people whose bodies weren't embalmed? Wouldn't they require keeping cool? How is the body placed into a casket, is it already dressed? You've already answered so many of my other questions. Thank you for you compassion for the dead and their loved ones.
Watching these videos, plus being around death so much, as my father was In this type of business I am strongly considering going Into this business...
@@KaritheMortician thank you for responding, when my father passed away I was In a funk,as well as the excitement to get Into that line of work without my motivation. As I watch your videos I'm getting "motivated" again I'm doing research on where I can go to get the ball rollin',prices for licensing, schools training etc.
@@KaritheMortician Thank you again for responding, I will thank you for your encouragement. Any advice you can share/spare? It would truly 8e appreciated😉😌
Hello Kari. I enjoy watching your informative videos. Quick question-- do you (or morticians in general) check for signs of life before beginning the embalming process? Or is it a done deal once the body has been released to you from a hospital/assisted living center/private residence (where the cause of death was under a doctors care)?
@@charlottethomsen8076 a funeral director in Spanish Fork, Utah 30 years ago was startled by a pulse he saw in a woman's jugular vein before he made an incision. Her heart was beating faintly. He called 911 and the doctors in the e.r. said she had a stroke and after going into the ICU she made a full recovery about 3 weeks later. Scary to think she was nearly embalmed!!! She is approximately 80 now.
Do you have a video of what happens to a person who is not getting embalmed, but will have a direct burial? Is it ok to do some of the prep work at home before the mortuary arrives? Such as cleaning and dressing the person, if they will be going straight to the freezer then to the cemetery the next day or two?
I'm sure it's the same in a Catholic funeral, but I know in Episcopalian funerals that would be the alter, a white linnen sheet would be placed on it, then the urn. A white veil would be draped over top.
I'm new to your videos and think you are wonderful sharing your expertise. I lost my only son May 20,2020 and wondered what was done to his body. I saw your embalming video. But I'm scared and hope the son's spirit isn't trapped in the embalmed body,jaws wired etc. I just was wondering why the chemicals for embalming ? Why not just burial our dead a few days later ? But your videos are very good and Thank you
What about a no public viewing of the body, only son and grandson at the time of death and if not right when our bodies arrive at the funeral home the two allowed to say goodbye, and then the cremation ashes go to the church, not the body. Husband and I want no embalming, just straight to the crematory and ashes to son and grandson... I understood one did not have to have embalming if cremated or buried within 2 or 3 days. Does that vary from state to state?
Maybe it does vary from state to state. I'm here in Kansas and when my mother passed away 11-24-2013, they took her and cremated her right away. She was not embalmed. Her ashes was ready before we had the service. They even filled the urns x 4 for us.
I love the death industry although I don’t work in it, I tell this to people and they think I’m weird, I tell them you should be glad people like it or it would be a pretty stinky world to live in.
Lets face the facts . Funeral Homes are One of the biggest rip offs. You could ever know My brother passed away one year ago first question how much insurance did he have.? We did cremation they wanted 6ks When they only could get 3ks. They say ok well do it for that. Now here is where the price doubles What would it be if it were on. Saturday Monning 2hrs instead of a week day 2hrs. Another 3ks. NO way !!! It was only a memorial service. No Volt. No embalming.No casket .No Funeral vehicle s. No dressing . Why throw all this money in a hole And never see it again ?spend $20.000 Just to impress people that are gonna forget In two weeks what the man was wearing?
I've been doing some googling and couldn't find an answer to this: What does the funeral home do with non cremated bodies if the families don't make arrangements? A funeral home in my city was shut down by inspectors and they found several bodies that weren't refrigerated. Some had been there for a few months. I'm assuming the families didn't have any money for disposition.
Kari, how do crematoriums get respect?.. they Urn it. Every industry has some sort of joke. Everyone loves your videos. I was just wondering if maybe you might do a light-hearted video on any Funeral Director jokes or Funny Funeral stories.. At my Grandmother's funeral my Uncle wore a brand new pair of patent leather shoes. Every time he took a step the shoes squeaked very loudly. Us kids tried to contain our laughter but we couldn't, we had to leave the room. Someone had a pair of tennis shoes in their car and loaned them to him. I'm still laughing about it right now.
Kari, I'm interested in: no embalming, plain wood CLOSED casket/no wake, no make up/dress, no vault, and buried within 24 hours, so basically a Jewish funeral & burial. What are our options for this with a Christian person other than one of these "natural burial grounds"? Thank you!!!
