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What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away: A Step-by-Step Guide
Losing a loved one can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can help ease uncertainty. This guide walks you through everything from the moment of passing to the funeral ceremony and post-funeral matters.
A) If the Death Occurs at Home
1.Confirm the passing – If unsure, call emergency services.
2.Contact a doctor – If the deceased was under medical care, notify their primary doctor or a hospice nurse.
3.Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) – This is necessary for funeral arrangements.
4.Call a funeral service provider – They will arrange for the body to be transported and guide you through the next steps.
B) If the Death Occurs in a Hospital or Hospice
1.The attending doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD).
2.The hospital may have a holding area where the body remains temporarily.
3.Contact a funeral service provider to arrange body transfer and funeral planning.
C) If the Death Occurs Unexpectedly (Accidents, Sudden Illness)
1.Call emergency services immediately (ambulance or police).
2.If the cause of death is unclear, an autopsy may be required.
3.Once cleared, the funeral service provider can transport the body for funeral preparations.
Once the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD) is obtained:
1.Register the death at the Registry of Births and Deaths within 24 hours.
Required documents:
* Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (CCOD)
* Deceased’s ID (NRIC or passport for non-locals)
* Informant’s ID (family member handling arrangements)
2.Obtain the Official Death Certificate, which is necessary for funeral arrangements.
A) Arranging Body Transfer
1.Once the family contacts InMemoria, arrangements will be made for immediate body transfer from the place of passing to a designated facility.
2. Our funeral team will arrive promptly, ensuring the deceased is handled with care and dignity.
3.The body is transported in a specialized vehicle to a funeral home, embalming facility, or temporary holding area.
B) Body Preparation & Preservation
1.Sanitization & Cleansing – The body is carefully cleaned and prepared.
2.Dressing – The family selects appropriate clothing for their loved one.
3.Embalming (if required) – This preserves the body, especially for multi-day wakes.
4.Makeup & Grooming – To restore a natural appearance
5.Casket Placement – The deceased is respectfully placed into the selected casket.
C) Transport to Wake Venue
Our funeral team transports the casket to the chosen wake venue.
Planning a funeral is a significant event that most people will experience in their lifetime. It involves making many decisions while coping with grief. However, participating in the planning and funeral process can also be a way to honor the departed and begin the healing journey.
Here are five key aspects to consider when planning a funeral in Singapore:
1.Choosing the Funeral Location
The venue of the funeral depends on the family’s preference, cultural customs, and logistical considerations.
A)Common Locations:
Funeral Parlors – Dedicated spaces with facilities for wakes and ceremonies.
HDB Void Decks – Commonly used in Singapore for convenience and accessibility.
Places of Worship – Churches, temples, or mosques for religious services.
Home Funerals – For intimate farewells in a familiar setting.
B)Alternative Memorial Services
Direct Cremation or Burial with No Wake – A simplified arrangement where the body is cremated or buried immediately, with a memorial held later.
Our funeral director will assist in selecting a venue that best accommodates family needs, guest capacity, and cultural traditions.
2.Religion and Beliefs
Religious and cultural customs play an essential role in funeral planning. In Singapore’s multi-religious society, funeral rites can be tailored to Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Catholic, or non-religious ceremonies.
At InMemoria, we respect all religious and non-religious preferences and ensure that each ceremony aligns with the family's wishes.
3.Burial or Cremation Options
Singapore primarily offers two options:
A) Burial
In Singapore, burials are only permitted at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, the only active burial site.
Burial plots are leased for 15 years, after which remains may be exhumed for cremation or reburial.
Families must consider costs related to tombstones, feng shui considerations, and long-term maintenance.
B) Cremation
Cremation is a widely chosen option due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
Crematoriums in Singapore:
Mandai Crematorium & Columbarium (Government-operated)
Private columbariums (e.g., temples, churches, or private memorial halls)
C) Options for Ash Storage
Families can decide how to keep or commemorate the ashes:
Columbarium Niche – Storing ashes at a columbarium with a memorial plaque.
Sea Burial – Scattering ashes in designated areas at sea.
Land Burial of Ashes – Available at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.
Our funeral director will guide the family through the pros and cons of each option based on their cultural, religious, and personal preferences.
4.The selection of a coffin or urn
Choosing the right coffin or urn is an essential part of funeral planning, as it reflects the family's wishes and the deceased’s final resting preferences. The selection often depends on factors such as religious beliefs, budget, and whether the deceased will be buried or cremated. If burial is chosen, a sturdy, long-lasting coffin may be preferred, while for cremation, families may opt for simpler, more affordable designs since the coffin will not be preserved.
For those choosing cremation, selecting an urn is equally important. Urns vary in material, design, and size. Some families opt for biodegradable urns, which allow ashes to be scattered at sea or buried in an eco-friendly manner. Others prefer customized urns engraved with names, dates, or personal messages. Columbarium niches are the most common option for storing urns in Singapore, but some families may also choose to keep a small urn at home as a personal remembrance.
Our funeral directors will guide families through the selection process, ensuring that their choices align with their budget, values, and long-term plans for memorialization.
5. Personalizing the Memorial Hall & Funeral Setup
A memorial hall is more than just a physical space—it is a place where loved ones gather to honor, remember, and find closure.
Creating a Meaningful Memorial Space:
Families can display photographs, achievements, and personal belongings of the deceased.
Special music, video montages, and eulogies can be included to celebrate their life.
Some families may set up memory books or digital tribute walls for guests to write messages.
Funeral Decor & Setup:
Arranging floral tributes, condolence tables, and seating for guests.
Providing decorations base on the religious preference
Providing refreshments and light meals for guests attending the wake.
Traditional and religious setup depending on the individual needs
Through these personalized touches, the funeral becomes a heartfelt farewell that honors the life of the deceased while supporting the grieving process.
Before the funeral ceremony, the funeral director will meet with the family to discuss the final arrangements, ensuring that all elements align with their wishes and religious or cultural customs. In Singapore’s diverse society, funeral traditions vary across Buddhist, Taoist, Christian and Catholic.
To ensure a smooth and respectful service, the funeral director will coordinate with religious leaders or officiants, arranging the necessary prayers, chants, or rituals based on the family’s beliefs.
he essence of these rituals is to provide a space for love, remembrance, and gratitude. By allowing family and friends to express their emotions and appreciation, the ceremony becomes a meaningful tribute that brings comfort, closure, and a lasting memory of the deceased. Whether through religious rites, personal storytelling, or symbolic gestures, a well-planned funeral ensures that the deceased is honored with dignity and respect while offering emotional support to those left behind.
At InMemoria Funeral Care, our commitment to the families we serve does not end with the funeral. After accompanying the deceased on their final journey, we continue to support family members in managing post-funeral matters with care and professionalism.
For those who choose cremation, our team will guide families through the bone-picking and urn-sealing process, ensuring that cultural and religious customs are observed. We also assist in the engraving and placement of urns in columbariums or help families arrange for sea burials, ash scattering, or memorial keepsakes based on their preferences. For those opting for burial, we provide guidance on tombstone engraving, construction, and long-term maintenance arrangements. Throughout the entire process, we keep families updated on each stage, offering practical advice and support.