Meet 12 people who work with death every day
Although many people think of death as a major taboo subject, others are fascinated by it and choose to study for a career in the field. You may be aware of common jobs related to the end-of-life process, such as a funeral director or embalmer. But there are also many other death-related roles involved in determining the cause of death of a loved one and preparing them for a funeral that you may not have heard of.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you may be curious about the people you’ll have to contact and work with soon. To help take the mystery out of the subject and give you an idea of what you’re going to deal with, here are 12 individuals who work with death every day that you may come into contact with.
1. Mortician
Caitlin Doughty is one of the most famous morticians on the planet. A mortician, also sometimes known as an undertaker or funeral director, assists families when it comes to the final arrangements for their loved ones after death.
A mortician helps with admin tasks, such as requesting the death certificate, planning a funeral, and making cremation arrangements. A lot of morticians also work as embalmers, meaning they’re responsible for overseeing all tasks carried out in funeral homes.
2. Forensic pathologist
A forensic pathologist is someone who examines the body when the cause of death isn’t obvious or when the death has occurred under unusual circumstances. If your loved one died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently, a forensic pathologist like 4n6doctora may examine their body to determine exactly what happened and provide you with closure.
3. Pathologists' Assistant
Nicole is a pathology assistant who works closely with the pathologist to examine the cause of death. She performs autopsy examinations, examines body parts removed during surgery, and photographs the body as well as individual organs. She’s also responsible for making sure the pathologist has all the tools and information they need to do their job.
4. Morgue technician
A morgue technician is someone who is in charge of preparing the deceased body for an autopsy. They’re also responsible for helping the mortician with whatever they need. G Dubya works as a morgue technician. He cleans the body before the autopsy, takes tissue samples to the lab for analysis, and prepares the instruments needed for the autopsy.
5. Embalmer
Many embalmers also work as funeral directors. However, Monica is different and is an international embalming technical trainer. She helps people become legally certified to embalm bodies and preserve them before they’re buried. Some embalmers also prepare the body for the casket.
6. Forensic science technician
Kelly Knight — Forensic science professor
Kelly helps people train and become forensic science technicians. This career involves helping to investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence discovered on the bodies of people who have died under suspicious circumstances. If you’re in charge of organizing the burial or cremation of a loved one, it’s unlikely you’ll deal with a forensic science technician unless a crime has been committed.
7. Autopsy technician
Mags — Former forensic autopsy technician
An autopsy technician helps take care of deceased bodies and works alongside morticians and pathologists to prepare them for burial or cremation. Some autopsy technicians, such as Mags, also perform examinations and tests to unveil the cause of death or to look for evidence in criminal cases.
8. Funeral Cosmetologist
Also known as a desairologist, Cassandra is a funeral cosmetologist responsible for making the deceased presentable for viewings. Following the embalming process, a funeral cosmetologist takes over the makeup and hairstyling to make sure the deceased looks their best and has a similar style to the one they enjoyed when they were alive.
Although the makeup and hairstyling is often done by the embalmer or funeral director, a funeral cosmetologist is often more skilled and does a better job.
9. Memorial celebrant
Kate is a memorial celebrant in charge of leading the funeral or memorial service. While funerals are sometimes led by funeral directors or close family members, it’s very useful to have an experienced celebrant who is familiar with the process.
A memorial celebrant can be associated with a specific religion or be non-religious. Most have experience with cultural practices surrounding death, grief, and public speaking, making them excellent in their role.
10. Crematorium technician
As cremations continue to become more popular than traditional burials, more crematorium technicians like Delphi are needed. A crematorium technician operates the machine that cremates the body.
They oversee the entire cremation process and sometimes perform tasks that funeral directors would typically do, such as helping families decide what to do with their loved one’s ashes.
11. Death doula
In a similar way to a birth doula who helps women throughout the birthing process, a death doula helps people through the death process. Jill works closely with people to help them come to terms with their death. She helps all kinds of people, from those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness to those who simply want to get their affairs in order.
12. Obituary writer
One of Hugo’s roles is an obituary writer. It’s his job to capture the deceased’s legacy in a respectful, meaningful way. While many families write their own obituaries, some choose to employ professionals like Hugo to help with the process or do it on their behalf.
A skilled obituary writer knows the best questions to ask family and friends to learn about the individual and what made them special. An obituary is an important part of someone’s legacy and isn’t something to be rushed.
You’ve nothing to be worried about
Working a job that deals with death doesn’t have to be morbid or sad. Most people who are called to this field find caring for the recently departed and those coming to the end of their lives to be a beautiful and meaningful invitation to live life to their fullest.
Don’t worry about the professionals you’ll have to deal with following the death of a loved one. They’re incredibly passionate and respectful people who will do everything they can to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you.