Alexandra Kathryn Mosca has worked as a funeral director in New York for more than 35 years. She is the author of three books: Grave Undertakings, Green-Wood Cemetery and Gardens of Stone and has contributed articles to Newsday, New York Daily News, The Saturday Evening Post and funeral industry publications. Visit her website here http://www.alexandramosca.com

Latest Posts By Alexandra Kathryn Mosca

4 weeks ago

No Funeral for the Funeral Director? That Can’t Be Right!

Last month, on a cold February morning, I attended the funeral Mass of a colleague. As I sat in a pew, listening to the priest’s homily, in which he referenced the deceased’s work for the community, my thoughts turned to another colleague…

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2 months ago

6 Products to Help Make Your Fine Hair Look Full and Thick

Fine-haired women don’t have an easy time of it. I envy my girlfriends who are genetically blessed with great hair. One friend I often traveled with has a thick mane of wavy hair. In the morning, all it took was for her to run her fingers through her hair…

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4 months ago

How Are You Managing Your Cholesterol Levels?

Two years ago, after my annual physical, I learned that my cholesterol was elevated. This came as a total surprise to me. I am nothing if not a healthy eater: My breakfast of choice alternates between a steaming bowl of slow-cooked Irish oatmeal…

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4 months ago

Fashion to Die for: How to Choose Your Last Outfit or Burial Gown

Have you ever uttered the words, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that outfit!?” Well, you just might be – literally speaking – if you leave it to your family to decide what you’ll wear when the time comes for you to make your final public appearance…

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5 months ago

3 Myths About Green Burials: A Funeral Director’s Perspective

In funeral parlance, ‘green burial’ may be the most hyped phrase around. References to this ‘new’ and seemingly popular type of disposition seem to be everywhere these days, particularly in the press…

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6 months ago

My Favorite Cemetery Travel Books

Autumn. A time for pumpkin picking, hayrides, apple cider – and exploring cemeteries. There’s an energizing crispness in the air, and the cooler temperatures are perfect for long walks. In fact, taphophiles (cemetery enthusiasts) will tell you…

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8 months ago

Cremation 101: What Do You Really Need to Know About That Funeral

There is no aspect of funeral service as misunderstood as cremation. The biggest misconception is that cremation precludes any and all funeral services. Nothing could be further from the truth…

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9 months ago

Modeling After 60 – Is It for You?

In 2006, I was part of a modeling shoot for the now-defunct MORE magazine, the first magazine geared for the over-40 woman. I had done some modeling in the past, and it was exciting to be in front of the camera again as I was getting closer to 50…

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11 months ago

Are You Thinking of Hiring a Funeral Photographer?

Today, photographing the dead is making a comeback. But this time it’s not only the deceased who are being photographed – it’s the entire funeral service. Candid shots of the somber rituals, loved ones embracing, mourners comforting…

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1 year ago

What to Know About Choosing a Cremation Urn

Cremation urns have come a long way from the days of ornate, claw-footed brass urns with intricate gothic carvings. Today, there are myriad choices to select from, in a variety of materials, styles, colors, and themes. There are urns for nature lovers…

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