How do I find details of a funeral?

Losing a loved one is devastating, but the ability to come together in support and say goodbye at a funeral, can often provide much needed solace during a difficult time. Funerals, beyond being a farewell to those who have left us, serve as a poignant gathering of support, a chance for the living to come together and share in the memories that will forever echo in our hearts.

Understanding people take different paths in life, we might have lost touch with someone we care about that has died - so how do you find out about details of a funeral in Australia should that be the case?  Here are some simple steps to help you.

Find details of a funeral

Death notice

Death notices are the most common means to find out about a person's passing and they often include the details of a funeral. The easiest and safest way to find these details is to search Australia's most trusted destination for death, funeral and tribute notices in print and online - My Tributes.

Funeral notice

Families of the deceased want family and friends to find details of a funeral and will choose to publish funeral notices in their local newspaper as well. If however, your local community newspaper is no longer in print, you should still find these in the My Tributes section of most News Corp Australia metropolitan state newspapers. Print versions of these can also be viewed online by clicking the 'Read the Paper' link on your favourite newspaper's website (found in the top left hand corner).

Talk to your most recent point of contact

Your best place to find details of a funeral is to start with your most recent point of contact. Reach out to the person who notified you about the death and ask them if they're aware of any details of a funeral. If your contact didn't hear the information first hand, kindly ask them for the persons details who did, and make contact with them yourself. The more people you talk to, the more likely you're going to learn about the details of a funeral.

Talk to the immediate family

Depending on the relationship you have with the deceased, reach out to the immediate family and ask for the details of a funeral; they will understand and probably have someone close to them answering calls and messages of this nature.

Talk to affiliates

You might have to take the affiliate angle and focus on information that can lead you to details of a funeral. This might be through friends, work, school, or churches and organisations they were a part of. Remember, people come together during difficult times and will more often than not want to help you if they can.

Check social media

If you still can't find details of a funeral, try checking their social media. Often friends and family post tributes, funeral or memorial details on their page. Be mindful that social media platforms aren't always reliable, so it's worth confirming details via the above mentioned means, just to make sure the details of a funeral you have are correct.

Local Funeral Directors

Contact funeral directors in the area where the deceased lived. Even if you reach a funeral director not handling the service, the staff should be helpful enough to be able to point you in the right direction to find details of a funeral.

If you can't find details of a funeral or death notice for a recently deceased person, you can find more information on why that might be the case here.

Tips on how to ask for funeral details with empathy and compassion

When approaching the delicate subject of funeral details, it's essential to tread with the utmost sensitivity. Begin by expressing your condolences and acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Use a gentle and empathetic tone, recognising the emotional weight that surrounds such discussions. Consider phrases like, "I'm here for you during this difficult time" or "I want to offer my support in any way I can." Please avoid pressing for details if the individual seems uncomfortable or hesitant, allowing them the space to share at their own pace.   Ensure your inquiries are framed with kindness, steering clear of prying questions that may cause discomfort. Instead, offer specific assistance, such as, "If there's anything you need or if you'd like to talk, I'm here." Remember, your words carry great weight, so choose them thoughtfully. It's very important to respect the grieving person's emotions and privacy, allowing them to share information willingly.   In times of sorrow, genuine empathy and a considerate approach goes a very long way! Remember, it's not just about obtaining the funeral details; it's about offering support and understanding during a very sad and emotionally challenging period.   By Kirsten Jakubenko