Someone in your family has died and nothing can soften the shock or emotional distress you feel. Here is a guide to help you gather all the necessary information you will need.

You will find it helpful to review this information prior to meeting with one of our funeral directors. You will also find it helpful to review the other pages of our website to learn more about our services, facilities and the service options available to you.

When someone dies in hospital, hospice or a nursing home: As soon as possible contact Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel or ask the nursing staff to do this on your behalf. Later, notify family members and close friends.

Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel      office@gracegardens.ca – (780) 645-2677

When someone dies at home or unexpectedly: It is customary to call the police at 911. The Medical Examiner may become involved, as well. As soon as possible contact Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel. Later, notify family members, close friends, employer, school, college and/or other institution.

• Full legal name
• Date and place of birth
• Is there a Will? If yes, who is the Executor? 
• Legal residence (Physical and Mailing Address)
• Name of spouse (maiden name of wife)
• Spouse's date and place of birth
• Occupation (prior to retirement)
• Social Insurance Number
• Spouse's Social Insurance Number (if applicable) 
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable) 
• Voided check or banking information
• Alberta Healthcare Number
• Father’s full name
• Mother’s full name including Maiden name

Other information to bring with you when making arrangements with the funeral director: 

• List of Surviving Relatives
• Recent Photograph or Photographs of the deceased
• Insurance Information (if used to pay for the funeral)
• Pre-arranged Funeral Information (if any)

Clothing

A full set of clothing is required, including under garments and outer garments of your choice. Shoes are not required. For women an outfit with a closed neckline and long sleeves is desirable. For men, a suit, sport coat or customary outerwear is appropriate.

Other Personal Items

Jewelry, eye glasses and religious items (if any) should be brought to the arrangement conference, or prior to the service. On the day of the funeral, it is customary to confirm which items you wish to be left in the casket and which are to be returned to you.

Cremation

It is customary for any personal items such as Jewellery, pictures and other memorabilia to be removed prior to the cremation, as they will be destroyed during the cremation process. Instead, these items may be placed in the selected urn or be returned to you.

Arrangement Appointment Time

Please call us to schedule a time, convenient to you, to make the funeral arrangements. Although most arrangements are conducted during normal business hours, we are available by appointment on weekends.

Week 1:

• Locate Will
• Contact executor, lawyer, trust officer, or other legal advisor
• Make funeral arrangements
• Contact Clergy/Celebrant
• Contact other family, friends or co-workers
• Receive original Death Certificate from funeral home
• Apply for a will search (Vital Statistics) if necessary

Weeks 1-4:

• Probate will
• Locate Bank Accounts and Investments
• Check Safety Deposit Box
• Obtain unpaid wages and / or other benefits from employer (if any)
• Cancel Credit Cards (that are not joint with spouse)
• Cancel Driver’s License
• Death notification to Health Care Agency
• Death notification to Blue Cross and / or Extended Health Benefits
• Death notification and cancellation of Superannuation (Federal / Provincial) and apply for death benefits
• Death notification Passport Canada
• Veterans Affairs Canada – Death notification to cancel benefits and apply for death benefits

These are some of the details you will be called upon to deal with. If you require further assistance please contact your funeral director or:

Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel
office@gracegardens.ca    Phone (780) 645-2677     Fax (780) 645-2699