

In Loving Memory
Helping children triumph over grief
Children are amazingly perceptive. They sense when adults around them are stressed, sad or keeping a secret. While you may beinclined to shield children from grief, this can actually lead to confusion and anger.
Wherever possible, children should be prepared for the passing of a loved one. In the event of a terminal illness, children should beprepared for the passing just as an adult would be. Death should be approached openly and honestly. Remember that children are accustomed to adults providing solutions and will have difficulty understanding why their loved one can’t be made well again. Explaining the process of death, perhaps with the assistance of suitable books, is a healthier approach than denying the tragedy. Although naturally resilient, it should not be assumed that children will be unaffected by death. They may experience any or all of the following:
Anger
Children, like adults, may feel rage at the deceased person, other relatives or themselves. They may even resent acquaintances who have not had to suffer through the anguish of losing a loved one.
Fear
Whenever a loss occurs, people affected are reminded that they, too, will die. It is no different in children, although it may be their first time realizing the permanence of death. They may fear their own death, or the death of others. If the deceased person was a parent, they may begin to fear that other caregivers will pass away too.
Sadness
Children experience deep sadness and even depression. They may not have experienced this level of pain before, making their feelings unrecognizable to them. Grief also manifests in physical

symptoms such as stomach pain, headaches and fatigue.
Confusion
Children may not understand where the deceased person has gone and why, especially if they are too young to understand the concept of death. They may also have trouble adjusting to life without the person who has passed away, especially if that person was part of their day-to-day.
Guilt
Guilt is a natural part of grief. Children may worry that something they did or said caused the death. They could also regret not spending more time with the deceased before they passed away.
Level of involvement
Older children should be allowed to choose their level of involvement with regards to attending the funeral. They may want to write a poem, say a few words, lay a rose on the coff in, scatter ashes or wear a favorite outfit. This should be allowed wherever possible, even if it is not in keeping with the ideals of the funeral service.
Viewing of the body should be a personal decision and is probably not suited to younger children. It may be best if the loved one is remembered as when they were alive. If it is decided that the
opportunities for peace.
Involve older children in decisions surrounding the death of a close friend or relative. They may want a special keepsake and should not be overlooked when belongings are being given away. Keeping to familiar routine, especially for younger children, can be helpful but care should be taken not to push children into situations until they are ready. Allow older children suff icient time to grieve and avoid returning them to school too soon.
child will view the body, they should be carefully briefed as to what to expect.
Grasping the concept of death
Caregivers should take care to avoid talking about death as if it is “like sleeping” or “going to sleep” because this can make a young child fearful of going to bed at night. They may believe that they will not wake again in the morning. Euphemisms such as this ultimately do more harm than good. It can be stressful for guardians to cope with young children at such a solemn time. If children are attending the funeral, it is important that they are made aware of the process and what is expected of them. It should also be explained that there will be many sad people inattendance. Observing grieving adults can have a profound effect: children may be reluctant to see those people again at a later stage. Itis important to explain that although people are sad now, they won’t always be unhappy.
Letting
them grieve, their way
If it is decided that children should not attend the funeral, encourage them to say goodbye in their own way, perhaps by planting aspecial tree in the garden or letting go of a balloon covered with messages and drawings. For a close relationship, creating a special, private place where the child can go to remember the person who died can provide enduring
Encourage the child to talk about their feelings. Older children may find internet support groups helpful but online activity should becarefully monitored at this vulnerable time. If those closest are unable to provide support due to their own grief, the child should becomforted by a close adult friend, perhaps a favorite aunt or uncle. Wherever applicable, the school counselor may be able to provide advice and indeed, the school should be kept informed so that allowances can be made for changes in behavior and grades. Understand that the child who has recently been confronted by death may regress for a short while – perhaps wanting a childhood toy or adopting attention-seeking behavior. Help children release their anger appropriately. One approach could be to encourage hitting cushions. Another could be to have the child write a letter, or draw a picture to describe their anger. This can then be torn up or burnt.
Taking care of physical health
Physical health is often forgotten or given a lower priority. However, ensuring their physical needs are attended to will provide them with a sense of safety and comfort. Ensure they have enough time to rest. Encourage children to eat and drink well. Exercise and playcan be the perfect way to release frustration, anger and anxiety. Above all, ensure that children understand that although this time is difficult to deal with and the loss will always be with them, the grief will pass.
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


James Henry Adams 1950-2024
Yorba Linda, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


George Michael Arkfeld 1932-2024
Oceanside, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Dolly Jessie Boots 1924-2024
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Dennis Michael Cannon 1943-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Joan Claar Ahmet 1934-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


John Avila 1928-2024
San Pedro, CA

James Allen Brown 1933-2024

Washington, D.C.
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John N. Correa 1965-2024

Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Robert “Bob” Alexander 1958-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Anne Josephine Basen 1930-2024
Torrance, CA

Max Alex Anawalt 1985-2024 Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

William Bode 1945-2024

Rolling Hills, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Perky Charlene Apperson 1936-2024

Alhambra, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Elodia “Gloria” Bohlke 1936-2023

Manhattan Beach, CA

Albany, OR In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Valdean Lavonne Clark 1932-2024

Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Alfred Joseph Corsini 1933-2024

Minden, NV
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Francis Joseph Burns 1975-2024

Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Joan Cohen 1943-2024

Lakewood, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Alice Coulombe 1932-2024 Pasadena, CA

Lorraine Bush 1927-2024 Manhattan Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Suzanne Coppenrath 1946-2024

Montisi, Italy

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Stephen Roy Campbell 1942-2024

Manhattan Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Lena Agnes Cord (Papia) 1927-2024

Hermosa Beach, CA

Robert Eugene Courtney 1935-2024
Hermosa Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Janet Craig 1943-2024

Gladys, VA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Michael Cuadrez 1940-2024
Fremont, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Luisa Curci 1930-2024

Judith Dela Cruz 1940-2024
Helena, MT
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Nadine Dorothy Shea Delany 2024
Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mildred Patricia “Pat” (Reeves) Dalton 1933-2024

Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Donald Charles Dewey 1931-2024
San Marino, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Genevieve Davis 1943-2024
Los Alamitos, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Paula W. Di Fiore 1931-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Joseph De Francisco M.D. 1936-2024 Pasadena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Mercedes Diaz 1939-224 La Habra, CA

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Carolyn Grossenbacher Ditch 1946-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Tony Eaton 1933-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Joan Fitzpatrick 1942-2024

Seal Beach, CA

Sieglinde “Linda” Dlouhy 1930-2024 Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Helen (Romero) Edwards 1928-2024

Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Robert W. Fults 1938-2024 Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Margaret “Meg” Mary Doherty 1977-2024

Pasadena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Jim “Fats” Eick 2024

Hermosa Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Susan Furniss 1949-2024 Nampa, ID

Enrique Dumas 1924-2024 Lomita, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Vera Engfer-Hammer 2024

Lakewood, CA

Patricia Ganje 1932-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mattie Rea “Patsy” DuPree 1938-2024

Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kent S. Estabrook 1937-2024

Sacramento, CA

Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Raymond Joseph Gollner 1938-2024

Gardena, CA
How to support a friend who has lost a loved One
It is never easy for someone who has lost a member of the family, even when it comes at the end of a long life or a prolonged illness. The loss is always deeply felt and followed by a period of grief. Considering this, how can you help support a friend who has suffered such a loss? Here are seven simple suggestions.
1. Be there for your friend
Expressing your support by being physically present with your friend is perhaps the single most appreciated action you can take. Because of the sensitive nature of the situation, many friends fail at this most basic task. Be sure to devote some time to spend with your friend in the days and weeks following the loss.
2. Don’t talk; listen
Your friend is likely experiencing a number of thoughts regarding the deceased, and you can be their sounding board. It is appropriatefor you to offer the occasional comment in order to share personal recollections, express sympathy, and provide encouragement, but most of the time you should just listen to what they have to say, and empathize with the feelings they share.
Allow your friend to work through volatile emotions, freely express grief without fear of judgment, and tell you how the deceased had an impact on his or her life.
3. Provide childcare
If your friend has children, volunteer to take care of them for an afternoon or evening. Particularly if your friend has to make funeral arrangements to handle, your offer can allow them to focus on those responsibilities without the hassle of arranging for a babysitter.
4. Drop off a meal
Prepare a home cooked meal and deliver it to your friend. There are enough things demanding their attention—preparing meals doesn’t have to be one of them. However, don’t pressure your friend to invite you to stay to share the meal. Rather than intruding on family time, simply drop the meal off and leave.

5. Show up for visitation and for the funeral
A day or two prior to many funerals, there are times designated for visitation. Often called a wake, this is an opportunity for people togather to view the body and to express their condolences to the family. Show up for at least a few minutes during one of these times,and then do your best to attend the funeral itself. If you are unable to attend the funeral in person, at least check in periodically over the phone or online.
6. Offer to help out with the reception
If your friend is responsible for organizing a reception following the funeral, volunteer your services. There are a variety of ways you can help out. For instance, you can offer your home as a possible location. You could also help with preparations if the reception is to be held at another location. If sandwiches or sweets are desired, you could offer to prepare some. During the reception, you could assist as a host. Afterward, stick around to help clean up.
7. Check in
Grief doesn’t simply end after the funeral. In fact, after the funeral is when the journey through grief truly begins. Check in with your friend regularly after the death. Remember the anniversary of the loss and ask your friend how you can support them on this day. Offer your company, assistance and support through the months and years to come.
Allow your friend to relax and show honest emotions. Losing a loved one can be an intensely stressful and exhausting experience. Your friend should not have to put on a brave face or attend to your needs. Give them the space and freedom they need to process the loss, even if it extends well beyond the date of the funeral.
By being sensitive to your friend’s mental and emotional state—and by taking some responsibilities upon yourself—you can help remove some of the weight from their shoulders. Your support in these ways will go a long way toward helping your friend through this time of loss.
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Joseph Gonzales 1940-2024
Alhambra, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Mary Graham Harris 1948-2024
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Penelopee Hendricks 1942-2024
Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Judith Weber Israel 1934-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Doris Agnes Goodrich 1925-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Timothy John Hart, Ph.D. 1957-2024
Manhattan Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Oceanside, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Judith Graven 1934-2024
Monrovia, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Fusaye Hashimoto 1923-2024

James “Jim” Hescox 1946-2024
Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marilyn Odette James 1964-2024

Kenneth Chongwoon Kim 1928-2023
Hacienda Heights, CA

Los Angeles, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Harlan Knudson 1937-2024

Harbor City, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

John Henry Hibbert Jr 1939-2024

Bradbury, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Sterling Jermond Jones 1961-2019
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Susan Graves 1946-2024

San Dimas, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Shirley Abbott Hawkins 1935-2024 Whittier, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Edward Hite 1986-2024

Long Beach, CA

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Paula Jeannine (Leister) Hall 1934-2024

Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Janice “Jan” Altick Jurgensen 2024 Pasadena, CA

Charles Hazelton 1950-2024 La Verne, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Julia Lynn Huggins 1940-2024

Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Francin Hokin Katz 2024 San Marino, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Janice Takako Kondo 2024 Orange County, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Jeannine Marie Kruse 1949-2024 Pasadena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Denise Lynn Laird 1956-2024

Los Molinos, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Leslie O. Lamoreaux 1953-2024
Canoga Park, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Lyman Jean Leister 1942-2024
Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Vince Marinkovich 1929-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mary deSurville McDuffie 1923-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


John F. Lane 1940-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Ronald Dean Lindgren 1941-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Pasadena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Penelope “Penny” Matter 1942-2024
Dana Point, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Constance McGinn 1935-2024

Fritz J. Milas 1947-2024
Long Beach, CA

Burlingame, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Martha Ann Milosevich 1942-2024

San Pedro, CA
Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In


Marianthi Lansdale 1932-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Doris Lundberg 2024

Palos Vedes Estates, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Phoebe C. McBennett 1939-2024

Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Kay Dale McMorran 1927-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert N. LeClerc 1934-2024

Whittier, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Nancy Kathleen Lusk 2024

Laguna Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Richard McDaniel 1956-2024

Thousand Oaks, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Carolyn Mittell 1940-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Eva Kupa Ledermuller 1944-2017

Los Angeles, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Darlene Yvonne (West) MacPherson 1932-2024

Twentynine Palms, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Elizabeth Lee Medearis 1930-2024

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Michael Terrence McDonald 1958-2024

Pasadena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Patricia Miya 1938-2024

Los Angeles, CA

Whittier, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Dorothy “Dottie” Mezin 1933-2024

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Seitaro Miyano 1939-2024

Gardena, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Sharon Kay Morgan 1943-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Melton John Nygren 2024
Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Patricia Pasquarella 1964-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Joseph Richard “Mike” Philbin 1934-2024
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Thomas (Tommy) Moroney 1938-2024 Whittier, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Judith Kay Opdahl 1942-2024
Redondo Beach, CA


Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


John James Radine 1935-2024
Lomita, CA

Richard Rice Pendleton 1933-2024 West Covina, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Alfred Allen Plamann 1942-2024 La Canada Flintridge, CA

Michael Redding 1953-2024
Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In


Kevin Nagano 1977-2024
Torrance, CA

Linda Parisi 1941-2024

Marcie Ann Norris 1972-2024

San Pedro, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Mark Perez 1966-2024 Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Rosie Ponce 1939-2024 Long Beach, CA

Redondo Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Rita Alice Nunez 1930-2024 Whittier, CA

Alan L. Parks 1957-2024 Long Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory



Norma Pesqueira-Wankier 1946-20246 Whittier, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Stirling Risley Price, Jr. 1932-2024

Torrance, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Ruth Reeder 1928-2024 Arcadia, CA

El Dorado Hills, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Sylvia Marie Reyes 1960-2015 Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

A. Parks 2024 Long Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Ronnie Petree 1951-2024 Manhattan Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Melanie Ruth Quisumbing 1943-2024

Santa Clara, CA

Robert Rhodes 1939-2024 South Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Charles
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Lester Richards 1937-2024
Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Constance Louise Darrah Rothstein 1940-2024
San Gabriel, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


James Alan Riechel 1969-2024
Eugene, OR
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Raymond Rourke 1954-2024
Newport Beach, CA

William Nagamasa Sato 2024 Duarte, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Dennis Eugene Riggle, Jr. 1963-2024
Redondo Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


David Flores Saenz 1956-2024
Baldwin Park, CA

Maria Veronica Setka 1933-2024

Mitchell Skinner 1944-2024
Rosebud, TX
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Josephine Lena Stamatis 1928-2024
Azusa, CA

Betty Jo Riggs 1926-2024
South Pasadena, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Lois Marie Rood 1943-2024

Torrance, CA

Ginn Sampson 1943-2024 Carson, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Elizabeth Loucks Samson 1931-2024 Pasadena, CA

Harbor City, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Robert “Bob” Smith 1934-2024

Lomita, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Marie Starr 1927-2024

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Stephen Shane 1944-2024
San Pedro, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Rodney Ben Spears 1938-2024

Sierra Madre, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

David E. Steybe 1932-2024

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Frances Winifred Sharar 1942-2024

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Gojko Spralja 1936-2024

San Pedro, CA

Gary Lee Straughn 1940-2024

Karl Joseph Simon 1943-2024
Manhattan Beach, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Harold Earl Staggs 1924-2024

San Dimas, CA

San Pedro, CA In Loving Memory In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Richard Lee Sutter 1941-2024

El Dorado Hills, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Kelly Ayame Tani 1996-2024
Arvada, CO
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Marlene Verhaeghe 1936-2024
Van Nuys, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Larkin Wells 2001-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


David Loren Thompson 1938-2024 Covina, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Andrew Viloria 1935-2024
Harbor City, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Phyllis Wood 1929-2024 Phoenix, AZ

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Carol Cotner Thompson 1963-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Frank Cecil Thomas Vogt 1930-2024

Stephen Wheeler 1948-2024 Lakewood, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Palos Verdes Estates, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Stanley DeHart Williams II 1949-2024

James (Jim) Wright 1933-2024 Torrance, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Patricia Zigrang 1934-2024
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Geraldine Elizabeth Turner 1928-2024
Long Beach, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Long Beach, CA

Duffy Anne Walker 1957-2024 Carson, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Mindi Williams 1938-2024 Cerritos, CA


Maria Martha Vallejo (Maldonado) 1956-2024
San Pedro, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory

Evelyn Ruth Wellman 1932-2024

Temple City, CA
In Loving Memory In Loving Memory


Thomas “Tom” L. Willis 1946-2024 Tucson, AZ


Frank Addleman 1937-2024
Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Steps to take when filing a will
As with being born and having to pay taxes, we all face the prospect of our own death. If you plan on living to a ripe old age, it’s important to make things easier on those you leave behind by preparing a proper last will and testament.
Benefits of creating a last will and testament
When you file a will, your final wishes are laid out in black and white, leaving no ambiguity about how you want your assets divided. By creating a will that is watertight, you can make your death less stressful for your survivors. You should also have peace of mind knowing your survivors will be taken care of when you are gone. Although it’s unsettling to think of your own death and the world without you in it, consider how you’d like your assets to be distributed once you are gone. Typically people contemplate how they’d like to leave their children, spouse, favorite charities and other loved onesin the event of their death.
When is a good time to start planning your final wishes?
Consider preparing a last will and testament once you’ve acquired assets or dependents. If you work full time, have a spouse orchildren, own a home, or have savings, it’s the right time to start planning.
Preparing the will
Don’t know how to get started? Follow these steps to begin planning your final wishes.
1. Account for all of your assets and debts
Create a comprehensive list of everything you own or are entitled to. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Real estate holdings
• Life insurance policies

• Vehicles
• Cars
• Boats
• Recreational vehicles
• Financial investments
• Owned businesses
• 401(k)
• RRSPs
• Home equity
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Pensions
• Other retirement savings and portfolios
• Debts and liabilities
2. Assign a trustee
A trustee, or executor, is the person who you assign to carry out the instructions held in your last will and testament. Their duties can include the distribution of assets, funeral planning, death announcement, services, cremation or care of your final remains, and distribution of your assets as set out in your will.
want your body to be cremated and your ashes scattered over your favorite lake, ski hill, ocean vista or other special place. Your wishes are yours alone, andcan be as personal as you like. Whatever they may be, ensure your requests are clearly identified in your will.
5. Make it legal
Ensure that the person you select to administer your estate is okay with being appointed as such before assigning them. The job of anexecutor or trustee is complex and stressful, usually taking months or years to conclude. Make sure they are up to the task.
3. List all beneficiaries
Construct a list of relatives, friends and charities that you would like to remember in your will. This can include your spouse, children, siblings, parents and in-laws, charities you support, and any other people or organizations that you want to leave some of your accumulated wealth to. Write down the exact assets or percentage of the total estate that each person or organization will receive.
4. Final wishes for your bodily remains
Perhaps you want to be interred in a tomb, with a simple grave, or extravagant headstone. Or maybe you
Contact a lawyer that specializes in estate law. They know the current rules and regulations regarding wills, how they may affect your wishes, and the best ways to take care of those left behind. It’s better to be safe than sorry. There is no substitute for a legal will. Writing a letter or informal statement about how you’d like your assets divided might be a nice gesture to your survivors, but does not take the place of a will. Don’t risk your financial legacy being mismanaged. Don’t jeopardize the understanding of your final wishes. You can purchase a kit to create a will yourself. This will be less expensive than using a lawyer, but may not be as binding and watertightas you might like. If your will has complex instructions, it’s best to consult a lawyer.
Maintaining your wishes
Divorces, new marriages, new children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, favorite charities or new circumstances may raise the need to change your will, to either include new entries to your will, or have some taken out of it. After having your last will and testament written up, signed and witnessed, you will have to make changes to it as your life unfolds.
Make it a habit to revisit your final wishes when life changes occur, or every few years. That way, you can rest assured loved ones will be taken care of when you are gone.
-
Green Hills Mortuary...................................................... greenhillsmortuary.com
McNerney’s Mortuary ................................................... mcnerneysmortuary.com
McKay’s Mortuary ......................................................... mckaysmortuaries.com
Rice Mortuary ................................................................ www.lafuneral.com
Luyben Dilday Mortuary ................................................ luybendilday.com
McKenzie Mortuary ....................................................... mckenziemortuaryservices.com
Cabot & Sons ................................................................ www.cabotandsonsfh.com
Douglas & Zook ............................................................. douglassandzook.com
Forest Lawn Covina....................................................... forestlawn.com
Fukui Mortuary .............................................................. www.fukuimortuary.com
Pierce Bros. dignitymemorial.com
White Emerson .............................................................. www.whiteemerson.com
Woods Valentine ............................................................ www.woodsvalentinemortuary.com
Whites Funeral Home .................................................... www.whitesfuneralhome.com
McAuley & Wallace ........................................................ www.mcaulaywallace.com
Mountain View Mortuary ............................................... www.mtn-view.com
All Caring Cremations.................................................... allcaringsolutions.com
Kubota Mortuary ........................................................... www.kubotamortuary.com/
Rose Family Funeral Home & Cremation ...................... www.rosefamilyfuneralhome.com
Mount Sinai Memorial Park & Mortuaries ...................... https://mountsinaiparks.org
Chapman Funeral Homes ............................................. www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com/

