1. Death and Dying Terminology

2. Death Certificate
A legal document completed by the proper officials (doctor, funeral director) certifying the death

3. Deceased
One who has died

4. Autopsy
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine the cause of death

5. Mortician
Person who handles preparation of the body for burial

6. Embalming
The process of injecting the body with a preservation fluid to delay composition

7. Cremation
Reducing the body to ashes through the use of intense heat

8. Funeral
Ceremony held in connection with the burial of the deceased person

9. Memorial Service
A service very similar to a funeral service except that the body of the deceased is not present

10. Eulogy
A speech given at funerals telling about the life of the deceased person

11. Interment
The at of placing a casket and remains in the ground

12. Mausoleum
A building constructed for housing a casket or caskets above ground

13. Epitaph
Inscription on stone or marker in memory of the deceased person

14. bereavement
Period of time after one dies when one feels their loss

15. Calling hours
Visitation with the family

16. Wake
Same as calling hours; a time when friends can come to see the body and express their sympathy and sorrow to the family

17. Obituary
Written notice of a person’s death usually with a short biographical acount

18. Casket
A padded, decoratively lined box in which the dead body is placed

19. Vault
A protective concrete or metal enclosure in the ground into which the casket is lowered at burial