I know for some, talking about death is very uncomfortable and to some people morbid. These are choices that unfortunately we will all have to decide one day. Burial or cremation. Wake or funeral. Embalming or not. Being "laid" to rest, either in the ground or the wall. Keeping the Urn or spreading the ashes. Having a traditional funeral or having a Eco funeral.
Death is a sweet release of pain and suffering for those who endured a life of agony or a painful struggle with disease. It's untimely to say the least, no matter who they are. It can be peaceful and sometimes its traumatic. It can be accidental or intentional. Either way, the ones that are left behind the ones that suffer and grieve.
My opinion. Funerals are for the living, not the dead. The viewing of a loved one. The pomp and circumstance during the funeral, the dinners and gatherings that follow are for the family and friends to find closure. The person lying in the casket has no idea what is happening. Its just a body, a shell so to speak. The remains of whom that person was, their soul, their spirit, has moved on.
Each and every person who comes into our lives, be it our friends, those who we briefly meet on our daily routine or the ones that we call family. Our experience with them, good, bad or indifferent makes up a small part of who we are. We share the stories, have a laugh, say "remember when" and cherish the memories..... and that part of them, that touched our lives will always live on.
I have always told my children. Death is a natural bodily function, just like farting. It's going to happen. We cannot stop it and we cannot plan where or when it will happen. Enjoy life to its fullest. Live each day as it were your last. Never go to bed angry and always say "I love you" to those you hold dear to your heart. We are never promised a tomorrow.
Just my .02 cents!