The loss of a loved one is a deeply emotional experience. Whether expected or sudden, it often brings overwhelming sadness… and many questions. In the hours and days that follow, it’s normal to feel lost or unsure. Knowing what to do when a death occurs can be confusing — yet these steps are essential to begin the grieving process with clarity and peace of mind.
This guide was created to offer clear, compassionate, and practical direction. It outlines the essential steps to follow, the available resources, and advice to help you navigate this time with as much ease as possible.
What to Do Immediately When a Death Occurs
The first steps depend on where the death takes place. Here’s what you need to know:
If the death occurs at home
Call 911 immediately. A healthcare professional from Urgence-Santé will visit to officially confirm the death and provide the necessary documents for what follows, including the transfer of the deceased to the funeral home of your choice. Once the death certificate is signed, you may contact the funeral home to respectfully take over the arrangements.
If the death occurs at a hospital or care facility
In this case, the facility’s staff will take care of confirming the death. It’s important to inform the medical team of your preferred funeral home. They can then be contacted directly to coordinate the transport and begin planning the funeral.
If the death follows medical assistance in dying
In this situation, the attending healthcare provider is responsible for declaring the death and completing the necessary paperwork. It’s entirely possible — and often recommended — to plan the next steps in advance with your chosen funeral home.
💡 To learn more about the full list of official steps, visit the Government of Quebec website: https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/death
Why and When to Contact a Funeral Home
Shortly after a death, it’s advisable to contact a funeral home. Beyond the transportation of the deceased, the team will guide you through both the practical and emotional steps that follow.
The Role of the Funeral Director
Your funeral director becomes your guide and coordinator. They will take care of:
Coordinating with the place of death
Transporting the body
Preparing the deceased (e.g., dressing, embalming if desired)
Handling necessary government documentation
Organizing the ceremony and any custom arrangements
Overseeing the final resting place and burial or cremation preferences
During your first contact, the funeral home will take the time to listen and answer your questions. You don’t need to have everything figured out — what matters is being supported with care.
Documents to Prepare
To make the process easier, gather the following personal information and documents ahead of time if possible:
Health insurance number
Social Insurance Number
Driver’s license number
Date and place of birth
Names of parents
Information about the spouse or former spouse
Marriage/divorce/civil union dates
Date and location of spouse’s death (if applicable)
Clothing for the deceased (including undergarments and socks)
Recent photos (for viewing or visual tribute)
Names to be included in the obituary
Personal items (glasses, jewelry, dentures, etc.)
📁 Tip: Store everything in one dedicated folder to ease communication.
Planning a Meaningful Funeral
A funeral is more than a ritual — it’s a space for memory, connection, and honoring a life lived. There’s no one “right” way to say goodbye. What matters is creating something that reflects the loved one’s spirit and the family’s wishes.
You can choose:
A religious or non-religious service
An intimate or larger gathering
A meaningful location: chapel, reception hall, or outdoors
Personal touches such as music, photos, readings, symbolic objects, flowers, or video tributes add a heartfelt layer to the ceremony.
5 ways to personalize a funeral.
Emotional Support: Take Care of Yourself Too
Grief is a personal journey. There’s no timeline, no “right” way to mourn. What we do know is that support — whether professional or from loved ones — makes a big difference.
Here are some helpful resources:
CLSCs: Some offer free psychological support
Specialized organizations: Deuil-Jeunesse, Maison Monbourquette, Tel-Aide
Mental health professionals: psychologists or grief counselors
Funeral homes: Many offer support groups, grief workshops, or reading materials
Even simple acts of care matter: take a walk, speak with someone you trust, write your thoughts, rest when needed.
When to Contact Services Commémoratifs Mont-Royal
From the very first moments after a death, our team is available to guide you. Our three locations — Mount Royal Cemetery, Des Trembles Cemetery, and Belvedere Cemetery — offer peaceful, full-service environments where every step, from transport to the final tribute, is handled with care and compassion.
📞 Contact us today to speak with a member of our team.
Facing the death of a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. By understanding what to do when a death occurs, leaning on available resources, and moving forward at your own pace, it becomes possible to navigate grief with a little more clarity and gentleness.
The team at Services Commémoratifs Mont-Royal is here to support you — every step of the way, with humanity and heart.
