AWFD Member Blog

A Reprint from 2009

July 28, 2010

In honor of our upcoming 1 year anniversary, I’m sharing a draft of an article (with some minor revisions and additions) I wrote for Mortuary Management late last year. While I’m a year older, the sentiments and perceptions remain the same! And so does the invitation…come join us! There’s power in numbers – as well as comfort and validation. We’re here for you…. The Association of Women Funeral Directors Comes into Its Own (more…)

Have You Ever Seen…

July 27, 2010

Victorian Mourning “hair” art? It’s truly amazing. Consider these lovely pieces, from Things Gone By. This first image is from their private collection, and the owner describes it: 12 inches by 14 inches; depth is almost 2 inches; frame is shadow box style, but that I mean that the hairwork itself is recessed down into the frame.  The original glass still covers the hairwork. I can’t even imagine how long it took the woman (and you know it was a woman, caught in the web of Victorian mourning seclusion practices) to create this image – all from the hair of her beloved. This second piece is wearable art. A brooch (what a fine word), described as “a beautiful Victorian mourning brooch   featuring a blonde Prince of Wales feather in the center.     Mourning jewelry containing blonde hair is hard to find and highly sought after. The Prince of Wales hair work feather is set upon opalene glass and is adorned with seed pearls and tiny strands of gold wire. On the back, is a locket with contains either finely woven blonde hair or fabric. This brooch has a hook on the back so that a portrait miniature or watch could be hung from it.   The black enamel is in perfect condition.” Now, I’d like to share with you a modern day memorial brooch, available to your client families through Shine On Brightly. In my podcast conversation yesterday with Adrienne Crowther, the founder of this remarkable company, I learned about the commitment she shares with us – to help families honor, and remember their loved ones. The artists she works with share that commitment too; consider this elegant pendant necklace – and the similar brooch – each with the hair of the deceased clearly visible. The artist who creates these works of art is Angela Bubash, who (more…)

Monday Morning Inspiration

July 26, 2010

From two literary women…each named Zora. The first is Zora Neale Hurston, the  American folklorist, anthropologist, and author during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Of Hurston’s four novels and more than 50 published short stories, plays, and essays, she is best known for her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. (more…)

Shine On…Brightly!

July 23, 2010

When the AWFD was in its infancy (we’re a year old on August 18th), I was contacted by Adrienne Crowther, the founder and CEO of Shine On Brightly. We had an engaging conversation, and then (to be honest), I dropped the ball; got caught up in building the association. As women are, Adrienne was tenacious, contacting me again just a couple of weeks ago. We have a podcast scheduled for next week, so you can get to know her, and the wonderful memorial product options the company provides grieving families. Let me say this – there’s nothing like them. Now, Funeria is a remarkable firm too; but they focus on funerary urns and personal memorials. Shine On Brightly has an eclectic selection of memorial paintings and glass, textile arts, jewelry, and of course, urns – for pets as well as the cremated remains of a beloved human companion. So, (more…)

Funeral Home Website Design and Hosting Companies

July 22, 2010

When I came into this field some seven years ago, there weren’t one-third as many website design/hosting companies specializing in funeral home marketing as there are today. Just for giggles, I went online, and did two Google searches. One, “funeral home website hosting companies,” and the other “funeral home website (more…)

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The AWFD Partners with Paradigm Associates

We're always on the lookout for companies which share our fundamental beliefs and goals. This new partnership reflects our mutual desire to help funeral home owners build thriving businesses built on strategic thinking, leadership development, and employee engagement.
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Why Are Women Joining?

  • Member resources and discounts
  • #1 resource for connecting and promoting women in funeral service
  • Exclusive membership community of success-minded women who are serious about networking and helping others.
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Meet the Directors

Learn more about the wonderful women of funeral service with our new audio series. Each brings unique gifts and perspectives to the field.
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