For most people, the idea of looking for a mortuary before one is needed seems strange at best. We tend to ignore all aspects of end of life issues, including death itself. Today’s column will give you a primer of what you need to know, as an informed consumer, on what constitutes a good mortuary.

Obviously if you have had prior experience with a professional funeral service and were pleased you will probably discuss your own wishes and needs with the same business, or use it again if you are responsible for someone else. But what if you have no experience? Here is a list of suggestions:

The above is just a primer. Something to get you started. It is your responsibility to become an informed consumer. Think about it. This is no different from buying a car, finding a college, etc. The difference is that in this situation people may be very emotional and stressed. Part of that emotion and stress can be caused by the fact that the person/people responsible for a deceased person are not knowledgeable about the funeral business. You need to be.