Question 1

Someone has just passed away. What do I do right now?

Accepted Answer

Call any of the five numbers at the top of this page. We will tell you what has to happen in the next few hours, coordinate the transfer to the mortuary, and leave every other decision until you are ready.

Question 2

What do we do if a death occurs away from home?

Accepted Answer

Contact the consulate or embassy of your country in the place where the death occurred. They assist next-of-kin with conveying instructions and with transmitting funds to cover overseas costs, and once a local death certificate is issued they may prepare a Consular Report of Death. Find out whether you need to travel there yourself, as laws differ on who may claim a body and authorise repatriation. You will then need a funeral director experienced in international repatriation to bring your loved one home. Arrange too for the personal belongings to be collected and returned, including the passport, visas and other travel documents.

Question 3

Do I have to use a funeral director?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All appropriate preparation for funeral purposes must be undertaken by a regulated company — a funeral director with the experience to follow procedures that comply with the appropriate health regulations.

Question 4

Do I really need a funeral? I'll be gone, so does it matter?

Accepted Answer

It matters a great deal to the family and friends who remain. Making arrangements now spares them uncertainty, and spares them disagreements at a time that is already difficult enough.

Question 5

If you are not religious, who can officiate at a funeral service?

Accepted Answer

A funeral director trained and certified in personalised services can conduct a non-religious ceremony that reflects the personality, the lifestyle and the beliefs of the person who has died. Family participation is encouraged throughout.

Question 6

What exactly does Sylva-Pat provide?

Accepted Answer

Caskets built in our own workshop, pallbearers dressed to your specification, a fleet of hearses, limousines and family jeeps, a mobile brass band and live band, professional mourners, wreaths and floral arrangements, and obituary posters and printing. We do not operate a mortuary and we do not arrange cremations.

Question 7

How much does a funeral cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you choose, and we will not guess at it. After our first meeting you receive a written quotation with the items set out separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for and remove anything you do not want.

Question 8

Where are your offices?

Accepted Answer

Our head office is at 1–2 CMO Plaza, Regina Caeli Hospital Road, Awka. We also have a branch at Shop 54 in the same plaza, one at Nkpuota Junction, Adazi-Ani in Anaocha L.G.A., and one at Christ the King Plaza, Nnewi Road, Uga in Aguata L.G.A.

Call us. A personwill answer.

Things familiesoften ask us.