• What is a Celebrant? (Interview)A professional "celebrant" names the key ingredients for a successful memorial

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    What is a Celebrant? (Interview)
    A professional “celebrant” names the key ingredients for a successful memorial



  • Study Suggests Pets Say Goodbye Before They DieFirst-of-its-kind paper explores stories of dogs, cats and others exhibiting behaviors similar to those of humans in their final days

    Study Suggests Pets Say Goodbye Before They Die
    First-of-its-kind paper explores stories of dogs, cats and others exhibiting behaviors similar to those of humans in their final days

    In countless households, pets are family members. When our furry and feathered friends pass away, one wonders if they understand how important they have been to us, and how loved […]

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  • Is Your Dying Loved One Craving Sweets? Let Them Eat Cake!Sweets and other favorite treats can nourish the soul when the body is shutting down

    Is Your Dying Loved One Craving Sweets? Let Them Eat Cake!
    Sweets and other favorite treats can nourish the soul when the body is shutting down

    When asked what she wanted for lunch, Shirley quickly replied, “Ice cream!” She winced when her daughter reprimanded her. “Mom, you know you have to watch your sweets. You have […]

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  • 16 Quotes Reflecting on Death Through MetaphorsSometimes a metaphor can best help those who have lost loved ones  capture feelings about life and death.

    16 Quotes Reflecting on Death Through Metaphors
    Sometimes a metaphor can best help those who have lost loved ones  capture feelings about life and death.

    Clouds in the sky, dew on a leaf, flight into the sky: Death can be difficult to comprehend in many ways. Sometimes a metaphor can best help those who have […]

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  • Looking for an Eco-Friendly Burial Option? Coral Reef Memorials Support New LifeResting Reef plans to create coral reef structures out of human remains

    Looking for an Eco-Friendly Burial Option? Coral Reef Memorials Support New Life
    Resting Reef plans to create coral reef structures out of human remains

    A growing number of people are searching for environmentally conscious burial options. Indeed, according to the National Funeral Directors Association in 2024, “68% would be interested in exploring ‘green’ funeral […]

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  • “Tears” by Kay WalkingStickA Cherokee artist re-creates a beautiful funeral scaffold mourning both her dead husband and her people

    “Tears” by Kay WalkingStick
    A Cherokee artist re-creates a beautiful funeral scaffold mourning both her dead husband and her people

    Kay WalkingStick has experienced her fair share of loss. As a member of the Cherokee Nation, her ancestors were victims of the genocide and forced relocation of Indigenous peoples by […]

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  • Since When Does Cremation Not Include Fire?Hey Cremation Association of North America (CANA), what's up with the new definition of "cremation"?

    Since When Does Cremation Not Include Fire?
    Hey Cremation Association of North America (CANA), what’s up with the new definition of “cremation”?

    I write this with the greatest of disappointment. As a former CANA (Cremation Association of North America) member for many years, I’m discouraged by the organization having allowed a redefinition […]

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  • “The Nights”Singer provides a lively ode to making the most of one’s time on Earth

    “The Nights”
    Singer provides a lively ode to making the most of one’s time on Earth

    The Swedish songwriter Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was well known for his quick rise to fame in the electronic dance music scene and his untimely death from suicide. Despite fast […]

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  • National Cremation Growth Rate Is SlowingAn annual report predicts steady growth in cremation rates, despite the recent deceleration

    National Cremation Growth Rate Is Slowing
    An annual report predicts steady growth in cremation rates, despite the recent deceleration

    In its 2025 Annual Statistics Report, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) confirms that after decades of rapid growth in the United States, the national cremation growth rate is […]

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  • Bill Would Allow Veterans Options in BurialThe Loved Ones Interment Act would end policy that prevents those who receive urns or plaques from being interred in national cemeteries

    Bill Would Allow Veterans Options in Burial
    The Loved Ones Interment Act would end policy that prevents those who receive urns or plaques from being interred in national cemeteries

    U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) has introduced the Loved Ones Interment Act, a bill that would allow veterans who are cremated and receive an urn or plaque from the U.S. […]

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