The Morte Girls

Author: themortegirls

Care You Can’t Buy: The Value of Relationship in Funeral Service

People often assume choosing a funeral director is a simple, transactional decision—pick a place, sign a few papers, and the rest somehow takes care of itself. But from where we stand, behind the arrangement desk and beside the grieving, the choice is far more intimate than most people realize. And when a family chooses a…
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The Power of Legacy: Stories from the Eppig Mausoleum

This morning, I saw that my article, “A December Gathering,” is now the most-read piece on Kates-Boylston’s (the parent company of ‘American Cemetery & Cremation’ magazine) website. I was surprised at first, but upon reflection, it makes sense. Writing about the Eppig mausoleum at St. John Cemetery was one of those rare times when my…
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The Importance of Accurate Representation in Funeral Service

In funeral service, we live with the reality that our work is misunderstood. Misinformation circulates easily, and unfortunately, even our own national organization sometimes adds to the confusion. Recently, a member service representative sent out a message that included this laughable line: “Much like nurses, you’re often on call and navigating long days that rarely…
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When Newsletters Miss the Mark: A Funeral Director’s Perspective

Every week, our state association, the NYSFDA, sends out a newsletter intended to inform and support funeral directors. In theory, this should be a valuable resource—something that keeps us connected, updated, and empowered in our work. In practice, however, the content often feels misaligned with the realities of our profession. This week’s edition was no…
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Understanding Mourning Colors Across Cultures

Mourning clothes are more than fabric. They are a way to show emotion, grief, and respect. Throughout history and across cultures, the colors people wear during loss have held deep meanings. These colors can show sorrow, honor, change, and spiritual beliefs. Each color tells the story of both the person who has died and the…
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Heels in the Embalming Room: Breaking Stereotypes in Deathcare

Recently, while taping a podcast, the host asked us how we dress as funeral directors and whether what we wear has ever been an issue for us. That got us to thinking. Sure, we wear a lot of black, but there are the heels. Most people don’t imagine stilettos in the embalming room, or expect…
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Redefining Influence in Funeral Service

There was a time when being a funeral director carried a quiet reverence. We served as stewards of grief and guardians of legacy. Now, when asked what we do, we hesitate—not out of shame, but because public perception is changing, and not always for the better. What troubles us most is seeing social media posts…
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Celebrating National Book Month: Why ‘Let’s Call Her Barbie’ Matters

In August, I wrote a National Book Lovers Day post for my personal website about a favorite new book—’Let’s Call Her Barbie’. So, when American Funeral Director magazine asked me to share a top new book for National Book Month, my answer was easy. Barbie was more than a doll; she was, and remains, a…
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Choosing Meaningful Outfits for Funerals

“My mother’s signature color was emerald green. She said it both honored her Irish heritage and made her feel like royalty,” the daughter of the deceased told me a few days ago. At the arrangement conference, when she handed me a silk wrap dress –one of her mother’s favorites–in that color, I knew exactly what…
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Famous Retail Founders Buried in NYC Cemeteries

There’s a reason why New York City is one of the world’s shopping capitals – so many of America’s best-known shopping destinations got their start there. Stores like Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany’s, and F.A.O. Schwarz are all synonymous with high-end shopping, and the final resting places of their founders can be found in some of the city’s…
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