SUMMER 2004
Funerals and Memorial Practices

OUR GUEST EDITOR: Robert Kastenbaum INTRODUCTION: Why Funerals? Essential functions -- in the past and now. By Robert Kastenbaum Funerals-R-Us: From Funeral Home to Mega-Industry A retail experience or an existential one? By Thomas Lynch Cremation: Desecration, Purification, or Convenience? Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return. By Michael C. Kearl What Kind of Funeral? Identifying and Resolving Family Conflicts What professionals can do. By Carla J. Sofka Acts of Remembrance, Cherished Possessions, and Living Memorials Thanks for the memories: treasured elements in a continuing history. By Reiko Schwab The Decision Labyrinth: Helping Families Find Their Way Through Funeral Options Practical questions, answers, resources. By Mercedes Bern-Klug The Arts of Consolation: Commemoration and Folkways of Faith A study of elders' practices and beliefs. By Susan A. Eisenhandler Here Today and Cyberspace Tomorrow: Memorials and Bereavement Support on the Web DearlyDeparted.com By Pamela Roberts Being There: Contributions of the Nurse, Social Worker, and Chaplain During and After a Death 'A privilege and an honor.' By Nancy A. Hodgson, Sheila Segal, Maria Weidinger, and Mary Beth Linde When Death Comes in a Nursing Home: A Ritual to Say Good-bye An innovative program brings comfort to residents, families, and staff. By Julie Berndt
		Losing Jack: Mourning for a Friend with Alzheimer's Disease How to respond to this increasingly frequent type of loss? By Richard Griffin The Memorial Society Option For those dissatisfied with practices of the funeral industry. By Joelene A. Bergonzi The Obits Current attitudes toward aging, gender, and death are revealed. By Robin Moremen FEATURED ARTICLE: Doing Your Own Funeral Video Al chose how he wanted to be remembered. By Erlene Rosowsky Waking the Dead A sometimes surprisingly lively tradition. By James K. Crissman Reflections on the Rituals of Death 'My family and I invented our own way.' By W. Andrew Achenbaum Dad's Toes 'I wanted to see my dad. One more time.' By Mercedes Bern-Klug

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