If you had told my seventeen‑year‑old self that the sewing projects I muddled through in high school Home Ec would one day come in handy at a funeral home, I would’ve laughed you out of the room. Back then, I was focused on getting a passing grade and not stitching my fingers together. I certainly wasn’t imagining a future where fabric choices and draping techniques would become part of my daily vocabulary.
And yet—here we are.
Over the years, I’ve done a surprising number of special‑request casket interiors. Favorite colors, favorite patterns, meaningful textures, even fabrics that tell a story only the family understands. I’ve lined, tucked, pinned, smoothed, and improvised. I’ve turned yards of material into something that feels intentional, personal, and deeply loved. And every time, it reminds me that the smallest details can carry the biggest emotional weight.
Families light up when they see something that reflects their person. A leopard print throw. A bold red interior. A soft blanket that lived on their couch for years. These touches don’t change the reality of loss, but they soften the edges. They make the space feel familiar. They say, “We remember who you were.”
I never expected Home Ec to follow me into funeral service, but I’m glad it did. Because personalization isn’t frivolous—it’s comfort. It’s connection. It’s one more way to honor a life in a way that feels true.
And if that means I’m still out here draping fabric like it’s second nature, well… I’ll take it.
The Morte Girls 