I came that you may have life and have it to the full. — John 10:10
The news about a death is first entrusted to those most intimate with the deceased, as well as those who fulfill essential functions for the dead and the living. These concentric circles are organized ways of passing on feelings and facts; they then become involved in supporting and helping, usually through their direct presence and activity.
1. First Ring | Inner Circle
immediately upon death, depending on circumstances — ● Hospital / Hospice personnel ● Police / Emergency personnel ● Physician / Coroner / Medical Examiner ● Pastor / Parish minister ● Funeral Director, who will notify cemetery [With staff always on call to assist your family, the funeral director will coordinate the details involved in journey from the deathbed to the cemetery.]
2. Second Ring
● Immediate family and closer extended family ● Closest friends
3. Third Ring
● Relatives ● Neighbors and other friends ● Employer
4. Fourth Ring
● Acquaintances ● Community members ● Personal attorney ● Executor / Administrator of Will ● Union and/or organizations of membership ● Insurance agent ● Newspaper ● Others