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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In 1911, when newspaper publisher and journalist Joseph Pulitzer died, he was waked in the library of his Manhattan home. The room was filled with floral tributes and the furniture arranged for the assembly of mourners. Throughout the morning, family, friends…

I am one of Iris Apfel’s 1.6 million Instagram followers. In a society that worships youth, and in which fashion models seems to grow younger all the time, 99-year-old Apfel is a breath of fresh air. The unconventional style icon’s fabulousness and ageless…

If you’re looking to explore your roots, or just want to soak up some regional history, look no further than your local cemetery. On most mornings, that is exactly where I go, because I am a funeral director. But I often head there on my off-time, too…