What to Do When a Loved One Dies?

When a death occurs, you should notify:

•  Emergency services 911 (when a loved one dies at home) 
• A nurse (if you are present when the person dies in a hospital, nursing facility 
•    or hospice) 
• Family and friends 
• The Parish Office (650) 494-2496 Emergency (Parish Rectory): (650) 327-8222 
• Funeral home 
  • Spangler Mortuary in Mountain View: (650) 967-5546
  • Alta Mesa Funeral Home in Palo Alto:  (650) 493-1041
  • Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary in Mt. View:  (650) 968-4453
• Catholic cemetery 
  • Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos : 650-428-3730 
  • Calvary Cemetery, San Jose: 408-258-2940 

Meet with the funeral home:
Discuss dates and times for the Catholic Funeral Rite. 
Meet with the Funeral Director and arrange the Funeral services: 

• Burial or cremation + Casket or urn 
• Flowers + Memorial folders 
• Guest book + Obituary options 
• Transportation & escorts + Attire of the deceased for the funeral. 

Meet with the parish staff:
 
Patricia Cruzet (408) 849-0128, [email protected]) is our parish funeral coordinator. She can help with planning for the funeral liturgy. Patricia will assist you with:

• Confirming the date and times of the Catholic Funeral Rite: 
• Vigil: Prayer the evening before the Funeral Liturgy 
•  Funeral Liturgy: Funeral Mass, or Memorial Mass (without casket or urn), etc. including arranging for a priest and suggestions on liturgical options (readings, music, etc.)
• Rite of Committal at the cemetery:  A farewell to the deceased is their final “commendation to God” by the Church.  

Meet with the staff of the cemetery:

• Select and purchase the burial location (if not pre-arranged) 
• Discuss the details of the committal service and confirm the date and time that it will be held. 

After Care Process:

• Take care of yourself 
• Eat and rest as much as possible—drink plenty of water.
• Spend time with family and friends, accept offers of help.
• Involve yourself with meaningful tasks, delegate to others. 
• Support programs and groups