When someone you love passes away, there is a moment many families find particularly difficult.
It is the moment you have to let them leave your care.
Perhaps you have been sitting beside them for hours. Maybe you have been caring for them for months or years. You knew what made them comfortable, the little things they liked and all the familiar details that belonged to everyday life with them.
And now you are being asked to trust someone else.
Families sometimes ask us quietly:
“Where will they go?”
“Who will look after them?”
“What happens once they leave us?”
These are not small questions.
When your loved one comes into the care of Dils Funeral Services, we understand that we are not simply taking responsibility for funeral arrangements.
You are entrusting us with someone who means everything to you.
What Happens When Someone Passes Away?
The first steps will depend on where your loved one has passed away and the circumstances surrounding their passing.
There may be medical or legal requirements that need to be completed before they can be transferred into the care of a funeral home.
You are not expected to understand all of those processes.
That is where your funeral director can help.
We can explain what needs to happen next, what information will eventually be required and, just as importantly, what you do not need to worry about immediately.
Once the appropriate requirements have been completed, arrangements can be made to bring your loved one into our care.
Where Will My Loved One Be Cared For?
Dils has its own mortuary and preparation facilities at our North Harbour funeral home in Albany.
Having these facilities within Dils allows our team to continue caring for your loved one while helping your family prepare for the farewell ahead.
But we know that knowing where someone is does not always answer the question families are really asking.
Often, what they really need reassurance about is:
“Will they be treated gently and respectfully?”
They will.
The person who comes into our care remains someone’s partner, parent, grandparent, child, sibling or friend.
That never becomes routine.
Do We Have to Start Making Decisions Straight Away?
No.
There will eventually be decisions to make, but you do not need to have a complete funeral plan before speaking with us.
Your funeral director will help you work through the choices gradually.
Some of the things you may eventually discuss include whether your loved one will be buried or cremated, where the funeral will be held, who might lead the service, what traditions or personal details are important and whether you would like to spend private time with them before the funeral.
You may already know the answers.
Or you may simply say:
“We don’t know yet.”
That is completely okay.
The purpose of funeral arrangements is not to test whether you know what to do.
It is to help you discover what feels right.
Can We Choose What Our Loved One Wears?
Yes.
And for some families, this becomes a very meaningful decision.
There is no requirement to choose formal clothing simply because it is a funeral.
Think about the person you knew.
Perhaps Dad had a shirt everyone associates with him.
Maybe Mum had a favourite dress.
Perhaps they rarely wore anything except jeans and would feel completely unlike themselves in something formal.
Dils allows families to choose clothing for their loved one, including favourite or familiar outfits.
Sometimes something as simple as a familiar cardigan, shirt or piece of jewellery can make seeing someone again feel more like the person you remember.
Can We Spend Time With Them Before the Funeral?
Yes.
Some families find it important to spend private time with their loved one before the funeral.
Others prefer not to.
There is no correct choice.
Dils provides private viewing areas where families can spend time together if they wish.
You might stay for a few minutes.
You may want considerably longer.
Some people talk to their loved one.
Some sit quietly.
You might hold their hand, bring a flower, play a favourite song or simply be present.
And if you decide that viewing is not right for you, that decision will be respected too.
What Happens if We Choose Cremation?
If cremation is right for your loved one and your family, your funeral director will explain what happens before and after the cremation.
Dils operates Schnapper Rock Cremations at the North Harbour Chapel in Albany.
For some families, knowing that their loved one can remain within the care of Dils throughout the process brings additional reassurance.
A viewing room is also available for families who wish to witness the casket entering the cremator or where cultural or religious traditions make this important.
What if We Choose Burial?
If burial is your family’s choice, Dils can help coordinate the cemetery arrangements and explain the different decisions that may need to be made.
You do not need to understand cemetery processes before meeting with us.
We can help you navigate them.
Please Ask the Questions That Matter to You
Funeral directors work with these processes every day.
Families do not.
So please never worry that a question is too small or too obvious.
Ask us where your loved one is.
Ask what happens overnight.
Ask whether you can see them.
Ask what to expect.
Ask whether you can bring Mum’s favourite clothing.
Ask what happens during cremation.
Understanding what is happening can bring a little reassurance during an unfamiliar and emotional time.
Funeral Care Across Auckland’s North Shore and Hibiscus Coast
Dils Funeral Services has locations in Albany, Birkenhead and Stanmore Bay, supporting families across Auckland’s North Shore, the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland.
When someone you love passes away, there are many practical things that eventually need to happen.
But behind every arrangement is something much more important.
The person you have entrusted to us is someone you love, and we will never lose sight of that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after someone passes away and a funeral director is called?
The funeral director will explain the immediate steps and arrange for your loved one to be transferred into care once the appropriate medical or legal requirements have been completed.
Where will my loved one be cared for?
Dils has mortuary and preparation facilities at its North Harbour funeral home in Albany.
Can we choose what our loved one wears?
Yes. Families can choose clothing that feels familiar and appropriate.
Can we see our loved one before the funeral?
Yes. Private viewing can be arranged if this is something your family would like.
Do we have to have a viewing?
No. Viewing is entirely personal.
Does Dils have its own crematorium?
Yes. Schnapper Rock Cremations is located at the North Harbour Chapel in Albany.
Can Dils arrange burial as well as cremation?
Yes. Dils can assist families with both burial and cremation arrangements.
Where does Dils Funeral Services operate?
Dils has facilities in Albany, Birkenhead and Stanmore Bay and supports families across Auckland’s North Shore, Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland.
