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Karen Roldan

Karen Roldan has been in the funeral industry since 2006, and a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2008. She is currently licensed in the states of Indiana and Pennsylvania. She attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL, and graduated with an associate degree in Mortuary Science. Karen enjoys wring about the funeral industry because her passion is helping families in their deepest time of need. She feels being a funeral director is a calling and she is proud to fulfill this role. Karen is a wife and the mother of four sons. She, her husband and their youngest son call Pennsylvania home.

Latest from Karen Roldan

Memorial Ideas- Feat Image

How to Memorialize a Loved One (50+ Creative Ideas)

It hurts so badly to lose someone we love. But you can help work through the pain and the grief by memorializing your beloved.

Pick one major project or a few smaller ones. You can do a major, more intentional tribute each year on their “death anniversary” date, or a few small projects at various times throughout the year.

There are many ways to pay tribute to your loved one. Today, we’ll look at 50 creative memorial ideas.

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How to Avoid Exploding Casket Syndrome

Exploding Casket Syndrome & How To Avoid It

Death will find all of us at some point along the way. It’s natural to be curious about what happens in the process of dying and after death.

One of the most bizarre concerns about the modern funeral process is truly weird: Exploding Casket Syndrome.

When you first hear this, the initial thought is “That’s totally fake.” But unfortunately (and quite interestingly)… it’s not.

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Funeral Repast: Pin It Image

Funeral Repast: How to Celebrate Your Loved One with Food

Once the service is over, the family and close friends can have a funeral repast as they share a meal, reminisce, grieve, and enjoy one another’s company.

This is frequently done as a post-funeral reception, but it can also be a private meal at someone’s home or at a local restaurant. No matter where or how it is done, nothing brings people together quite like food.

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Do's & Don'ts for Writing Obituaries

Obituary Examples: How to Write a Beautiful Tribute

Here are some obituary examples and tips on what to write as you try to sum up your loved one’s beautiful life in words.

I’m both a professional writer and a funeral director. I’ve seen all types of obituaries, and can give you helpful guidance on writing an obituary, what to include, and how to hit the right tone.

Here’s how.

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10 Things to Know About Absent Grief

Absent Grief: 10 Things to Know When You Can’t Grieve

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things you will ever go through. Working through your grief is going to help you heal.

But what if you can’t grieve? What if it feels like your emotions have been put on hold? Is this normal, or should you seek help?

There is such a thing as absent grief.

Grieving is normal. We will all go through it at some point in our lives. Read and learn how to work through this journey called grief.

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Beautiful Memorial Candle Ideas

Memorial Candles: 21 Ways to Light a Candle for Someone

Memorial candles are often used in funerals, “life celebration” services, and memorial spaces at home. Something is comforting and hopeful about lighting a candle in memory of a loved one.

But what does this ritual mean? Why do people use a candle for death, and how can you incorporate candle lighting into your memorials?

In this article, we’ll explore these questions and show you some of the most meaningful and creative ways to light a candle for someone.

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Funeral Guide: Preserving Flowers

How to Preserve Funeral Flowers (+ 20 Keepsake Ideas)

Today we’re going to tell you how to preserve funeral flowers, and what to do with those flowers to honor your loved one.

Friends and loved ones have sent you hundreds of dollars worth of flowers. Even though we know flowers are meant to wilt and fade away, you still want to do something with them.

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Posting Funeral Announcements

Funeral Announcements: How To Write, Print, & Post

There are times when words are hard to find. Announcing a loved one’s funeral is one of the most difficult of those times.

You probably have a lot of questions. How do you announce the funeral? What information should be included? Is a funeral announcement the same thing as an obituary? When should you post or publish it?

Death brings out so many questions, and you have found the right place to have these questions answered.

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Funeral Budget Guide When You Can't Afford the Funeral

What Happens If You Can’t Afford a Funeral?

Funerals are expensive – and the costs are rising yearly.

What happens if you can’t afford a funeral or cremation? Who is responsible for paying for the funeral, anyways?

Where can you turn for help? How do you lay your loved one to rest with no money?

Continue to read and find out the answers to these questions and more.

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