Frequently Asked Questions & Glossary, Quinn Funerals Colac

At Quinn Funerals we understand that there are many questions and terms used at the time of death or at a funeral that you may not have heard before or where the answer is unclear. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and a glossary to explain some of these terms.

Should there be a viewing?

Viewing the deceased is a very personal decision and in our experience it has many benefits. A viewing not only helps the bereaved face the reality of death but it also allows for quiet times of reflection and farewell.

Who needs to be notified?

We know that when someone passes away it can be difficult to remember all the people who might need to be notified. Quinn Funerals’ list might help you take care of this important detail.

• Accountant
• Ambulance Service
• Australian Tax Office, Australian Electoral Office, Medicare
• Banks, building societies, credit unions, financial institutions, credit card providers and loan companies
• Blood bank
• Centrelink
• Chamber of Commerce
• Church or religious organisation
• Clubs, organisations and associations
• Companies – e.g. for directorships
• Department of Veteran’s Affairs
• Doctor, dentist, specialists, hospitals, chemist, health benefits fund
• Employer/former employer
• Friendly societies
• Home appliance rental, medical aids rental company
• Home delivery services – e.g. newspapers and milk
• Home nursing service
• Household help, gardening services or Meals on Wheels
• Insurance companies including life, accident, home and contents, vehicle
• Local Government for Rates, fire levy, etc.
• Main roads – car registration
• Post Office for mail delivery
• School or college
• Service organisations – e.g. Rotary, Lions, Apex, Zonta, Red Cross
• Solicitor and/or public trustee
• Superannuation companies
• Telephone company, electricity company
• Trade unions or professional associations

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Glossary

Casket

A casket is rectangular in shape, has a hinged lid and is available in customwood, solid wood or metal.

Coffin

A coffin is wider at the shoulders and tapers to the foot and is made of customwood or solid timber.

Cremation and Crematorium

The practice of reducing a deceased person to its essential elements by burning which takes place in a crematorium.

Embalming

Embalming is the chemical treatment of a body to disinfect and preserve it and is carried out by a trained embalmer. Embalming may be needed when there is a longer than average delay between death and the funeral; the deceased needs to be transferred overseas or interstate; the service calls for an above-ground burial in a crypt or vault; to improve the appearance of the deceased for a viewing.

Executor

An Executor is someone named in the Will who is in charge of finalising the estate of a deceased person.

Eulogy

A speech or written tribute usually read at the funeral service praising the person who is deceased.

Urn

A vessel used to store or carry the ashes of the deceased after the cremation process.

Viewing

When you make arrangements to view the deceased at an allocated time.

If you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us, your Funeral Director, Quinn Funerals.