Immediate Need
When a death occurs:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are here for you every step of the way and committed to helping you grieve, cope and move forward. Please call us day or night, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week at (505) 843-6333, and one of our professional staff members will be there to assist you. We will treat your loved one with the utmost dignity and respect.
If a death occurs in a nursing home or at a hospital:
The care personnel or medical staff at the facility will pronounce death.
If a death occurs at home:
If the person was under hospice care, contact the hospice nurse first. Upon arrival, he or she will pronounce death.
If the person was not under hospice care, and the death was expected (old age or illness):
Call the non-emergency police number (Albuquerque (505) 242-2677). Once the police arrive, they will contact the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). OMI makes the decision when to release the body into our care.
If the person dies at home, and it was NOT an expected death:
Call 911 immediately. Police and emergency staff will proceed from this point. Usually the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) will be involved and will release the deceased to our care once their investigation is complete.
What happens next:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve and care for you and your loved one. As you prepare to make the arrangements for your loved one, we are here to help make the process as easy as possible. Here is a checklist of suggested items to bring to the first meeting with us:
- Advance Plan Information – if arrangements have been made
- Cemetery ownership deed – if property is owned already
- Social Security Number – preferably the Social Security Card
- Birth Certificate – if you don’t have this document, we will need date and place of birth and the parents’ names, including mother’s maiden (birth) name
- Military Discharge (DD-214) – we will be glad to assist you with applying for benefits
- Items for a video tribute – can include up to 30 photographs, drawings, notes or artwork
- Copies of favorite music for service
- Information for the obituary
- Clothing – a full compliment of clothing (including undergarments and the outer clothing) are normally used. Shoes, jewelry and other personal items are optional.
In addition, we will need detailed information about the person for whom you are making arrangements. You may fill out this form or provide the information in person during your visit.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions. You can reach one of our funeral directors any time at (505) 843-6333.
- Golden Apple Teach...