Karen Roldan

Karen Roldan has been in the funeral industry since 2006, and a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2008. She is currently licensed in the states of Indiana and Pennsylvania. She attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL, and graduated with an associate degree in Mortuary Science. Karen enjoys wring about the funeral industry because her passion is helping families in their deepest time of need. She feels being a funeral director is a calling and she is proud to fulfill this role. Karen is a wife and the mother of four sons. She, her husband and their youngest son call Pennsylvania home.

The Funeral Process, Explained by a Funeral Director

July 24, 2023September 13, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Here’s how to plan a funeral, step by step.

I am a funeral director. I have been in the funeral industry for 15 years, and have planned hundreds of funerals.

These events have ranged from very simple funerals to incredibly over-the-top “celebrations.” I have dealt with all kinds of families – the ones that get along to the ones that want to throw punches in the arrangement office.

And I have loved every minute of my job.

So continue reading to discover what goes into the the funeral process, one step at a time.

Words to Comfort Someone Who Lost a Loved One

December 4, 2023September 6, 2021 by Karen Roldan

What do you say to comfort someone who lost a loved one?

Our condolences.

You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father.

Sure, those things are appropriate to say, and even need to be said. But the mourner will hear variations of condolences and sympathy so many times that it almost loses meaning.

Today, we want to explore what the mourner is experiencing and let the reality of grief inform the words of comfort you offer.

Direct Burial: The Least Expensive Way to Be Buried

July 24, 2023September 3, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Funerals are expensive. Whether you have a funeral to plan right now or are planning ahead, you want to get the best prices.

Hands down, direct burial is the least expensive burial option. And it’s not even close.

But direct burial does have its downsides. Can you still have a traditional funeral, or even graveside committal? How “direct”, exactly, is direct burial? Will your family still have the time and opportunity to mourn your loved one?

Continue reading and we’ll tell you all about direct burial, including what it is, how much it costs, plus all the pros and cons.

Urn Display Ideas at Home & At the Service

July 24, 2023September 1, 2021 by Karen Roldan

You want your loved one’s urn to be the center of attention at the service. You want it to be shown in a place of honor at home. What’s the best way to display an urn at home, and at the funeral?

You could display the urn with pictures, or perhaps flowers. Some prefer to leave the urn by itself, a minimalist display free from any distractive elements. There there are also stands and cases and frames. Then you ask yourself, what about their hobbies and interests, faith and military service?

How do you honor your loved one in the way you display the cremation urn?

Continue to read, we will be discussing these questions and more below.

Abbreviated Grief: 10 Things to Know About Short-Lived Sorrow

July 24, 2023August 30, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Your loved one has passed on, and you’ve mourned their death and have tried to honor their life.

But is it too soon? Do you feel like you haven’t wept enough?

Are you worried that you haven’t grieved properly?

There are many different kinds of grief. Today, we will be discussing abbreviated grief. Should you feel guilty if you don’t mourn for weeks, months, or years? Read on.

How to Donate Your Body to Science (and What Happens)

July 24, 2023August 27, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Organ donation is very common in the United States. Families find it comforting to know that their loved ones “live on” by saving or helping the life of someone else.

Body donation is different. Not just some organs, but the whole body is dedicated to scientific research. People don’t discuss body donation as often, yet almost anyone can donate their body to science.

Have you or a loved one ever considered whole body donation and what it entails?
How do you become a body donor?
What if you are ill – can you still donate your body?
Is there an age limit to body donation?

If you or a loved one has had these questions, this article is for you. Read on to learn how to donate your body to science, and what happens when you do so.

Funeral Planning Checklist (Free Printable)

January 8, 2024August 20, 2021 by Karen Roldan

As a longtime funeral director, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have your funeral plans in order and to do your end-of-life arrangements ahead of time.

That’s why we created an informative, helpful funeral planning checklist. It’s free, and it’s printable.

Actually, we created two. One for simplicity and ease of use, and another to provide a comprehensive go-to trove of information, should you ever need it.

Our goal is to help you know and understand your options as you arrange the funeral and other services.

Letters to Loved Ones After Death: 10 Things You Need to Say

July 24, 2023August 16, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Have you ever received an “end of life letter?” Unfortunately, not everyone gets the opportunity to receive a last letter from a loved one. Have you ever thought about writing one and how it would impact someone after you are gone?

Should you write a final letter when you’re healthy and vibrant? Or should you wait until you are sick and dying? Should you write it down, record your voice, or leave a video behind?

Fortunately, if you are reading this, you probably have time to put together some final words for your loved ones. Here’s why, how, and some ideas on what to say.

Funeral Readings: What to Say When You Can’t Even

July 24, 2023August 13, 2021 by Karen Roldan

What can you quote or read at a funeral that will honor your loved one and encapsulate how much they mean to you?

This is a difficult task to undertake, especially when you will be reading or reciting in front of a group of people. Your emotions are heightened; you want to say something relevant and meaningful. But what?

Take a deep breath and read on.

We have compiled a list of funeral readings for you. You are welcome to borrow one or two, combine them to make your own, or even read them verbatim.

Burial: Your Guide to Traditional (& Non-Traditional) Burials

July 24, 2023August 9, 2021 by Karen Roldan

Every culture and society has a fitting way to say goodbye to a departed loved one. This is what their community deems the proper and appropriate way to lay their loved one’s remains to rest while honoring their life and memory.

What is a traditional burial? What makes up a non-traditional burial? Is it wrong to choose the non-traditional burial? How do you decide which is best for your needs?