09/07/2025
What to do when someone passes away
When someone passes away the last thing you think about is arrangements and paperwork. Knowing how the process works from start to finish will help so you do not worry about what to do and when.
If your loved one spent their last days in the comfort of their home, the first thing to do is call an ambulance to declare death. As soon as they confirmed death you can call your preferred funeral parlor to collect the body. If the deceased passed away unexpectedly and a Dr was not seen in the last 6 months to confirm the reason for passing, they might need to go for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
If they passed away in the hospital, the hospital will contact the funeral parlor to collect the body. The family needs to be present when the body is collected. The funeral parlor will arrange with you when they will arrive so you can be present.
As soon as the body arrives at the funeral parlor they will need the ID documents of the deceased and the informant. The death will be registered at home affairs. Once this is done the family can start with the funeral arrangements. If the deceased had a funeral policy, you will not have to worry about funeral costs as the policy will be available immediately if paid up to date. This helps as the family will not have to worry about the financial burden.
For normal burials there are arrangements to be done with the municipality for the grave and opening thereof. Church services and flowers will also be arranged along with a funeral pamphlet.
For cremation a form is completed that also states if there might be anyone against the cremation proceedings. Once these are completed the body will be sent for cremation and the funeral parlor will contact the family once the ashes are received.
At Martin’s funerals we do the paperwork for you so there is no need for you to stand in lines at home affairs. We make the whole process as effortless as possible so you can mourn your loved one. All you need to do is inform us of their last wishes so we can arrange their celebration of life for a life wonderfully lived. We make sure you only have to think about their lovely memories.
