Sandy’s Blog

“Reforms aim to end funeral swindles”  This headline on the front page of the Daily Hampshire Gazette on September 30 drew attention to an excellent article by staff writer Dan Crowley.  “A state funeral industry regulator is proposing reforms…” “One proposal would stop…

A Will for the WoodsFeature Documentary “What if our last act could be a gift to the planet – a force for regeneration? Determined that his final resting place will benefit the earth, musician, folk dancer, and psychiatrist Clark Wang prepares…

Those words, “befriending” and “death,” are not usually put together. The phrase sometimes causes startled looks when I mention that I’m attending a discussion group called “Living Fully, Aging Gracefully, and Befriending Death.” That group, led by Martha Johnson, started August 6th…

Talking about end-of-life issues and final arrangements is a healthy process. Getting the conversation started can be tricky, but the outcome is usually rewarding, revealing priorities and deeply-held values. Peace of mind, or a sense of relief on dealing with…

For years consumers advocates have cautioned against paying in advance for funeral arrangements. Pre-planning is highly recommended, but pre-paying carries risks.   Setting aside funds (e.g., in a Totten Trust, a Payable-On-Death account at a bank) to pay for your…

This morning I opened a new book, which began, “Nobody wants to die badly.” I  continued reading for several chapters, delaying my breakfast because I was so engrossed in the book, and inspired by what I was learning. Fran Smith…

Ryder Funeral Home in South Hadley was closed abruptly by the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation on May 28, 2014, after an inspection revealed significant problems. The license of the funeral director, William Ryder, was immediately suspended. Other local funeral directors have…

 I’m suspicious about a mailing that came to my home recently. It is a very official-looking notice titled, “F u n e r a l   A d v a n t a g e  Program Assists Seniors.”   I’ve…

Conventional funerals run by funeral homes cost thousands of dollars, often $7,000 – $10,000 or higher.  Why are prices so high? One reason is that there are TOO MANY funeral homes.  Surprised?  You might think that extra competition would lead…

“There is a positively fascinating article on death certificates in the April 7th issue of the New Yorker,” wrote Lisa Carlson* in a 2014 note to FCA’s email-based discussion list.  “The author, Kathryn Schulz, begins with the history, the early ‘Bills of…