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Funeral planning, Devonport

At Pinegrove Funerals in Devonport, we understand dealing with the death of a loved one or friend can be an emotional and traumatic experience. Our funeral planning services aim to make it easier on those left behind – from helping people cope in the immediate aftermath of death, to planning a service that honours the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.

Funeral Planning – A Wise Choice

Throughout our lifetime we are faced with many decisions. We normally have the opportunity to discuss our decisions with family and friends. We plan birthdays, holidays, weddings, our children’s schooling, the car we drive and the house we live in. The list is endless – but we do not usually plan for our funeral.

Death is a fact of life and yet the fear that surrounds one’s death is such that most people choose not to think about it. As a result, when a death occurs many people are unprepared for the important decisions they face.

For caring funeral services in Devonport, Latrobe, Ulverstone, Port Sorell and the surrounding areas, talk to the experienced funeral planning team at Pinegrove Funerals.

Why Have A Funeral?


A funeral service is to allow family and friends the opportunity to farewell a loved one. The funeral service should help bring closure to that person’s life and allow family and friends to share their memories.

Choosing Your Funeral Director

A funeral director should be selected in the same manner you would choose your family doctor. The funeral director should have a good reputation within the community, be understanding, courteous and honest and available at any time.

All our funeral directors and staff are trained to assist you. When your family is touched by the death of a loved one, you should feel comfortable with the funeral director and the firm you choose.

What Do I Do When Death Occurs?


There are many different ways a family may be touched by death. If the person dies within a private or public hospital or nursing home, the attending doctor would normally issue a death certificate. If the person has been in palliative care, the doctor may be called or the nursing staff may state that life is extinct. The doctor would still be informed of the death and would arrange to see the deceased either at the place of death or at the funeral premises. Legally, a death certificate must be signed by the attending doctor or by someone within the practice who has access to the deceased’s details.

If the death is accidental or sudden it is necessary for the coroner to be notified. The coroner is a government officer appointed to investigate the death where a doctor is unable to sign a death certificate.

When a sudden death is reported, the police or ambulance are called. The police will then notify the coroner. The deceased person will be transferred by a government-appointed person to a hospital. The appointed person may be associated with a funeral home, however they are not supposed to approach families in regard to funeral arrangements.

You may call the funeral directors of your choice. They will contact the coroner and keep you informed and advise on what steps need to be taken. It is important to inform family members of the death so they can be there to support you through this traumatic time.

What To Do When A Loved One Dies At Home


Firstly, take your time to think about what you really want to do next – for even an expected death is still a huge shock at this time. Sit with your loved one. If you desire to, even cuddle and kiss them. This might not seem easy to do, but the deceased is still the same person you loved in life.

Arrange for the doctor to come and formally verify life is extinct. If you have home carers, they will contact the doctor and arrange for the confirmation life is extinct. Your funeral director will ask when you phone whether you have the blue life extinct form.

You may phone the funeral directors of your choice to advise them that a death has occurred. It may assist the funeral director if you can advise them whether the funeral will be a burial or cremation.

There is no rush for funeral directors to attend – the deceased person may stay at home for many hours. You may wish to do the following, but it is important to remember you do not have to do anything. Your carers or the funeral director can do these for you.

  • To make your loved one more comfortable, you may wish to wash them or put on clean clothes.
  • Place a pillow under their head to raise slightly.
  • Comb their hair.
  • Teeth may be cleaned and replaced. If teeth have been removed for some time, you may wish to place them with the clothes for the funeral director to attend to.
  • Call your funeral directors when you feel you are ready for your loved one to go into their care.

At Pinegrove Funerals, we take pride in supporting people throughout each stage of funeral planning. Preparing family and friends for the death of a loved one helps reduce the strain of stress and grief, making it easier for those left behind.