This startup wants the funeral industry to look more like the wedding industry

Two things are certain: death and taxes (the latter, at least, if you’re not in the one percent). But even though death and funerals are a part of life, they’re still hard to talk about. Despite the most basic fact that you will die, only about 21 percent of Americans have communicated their funeral plans and wishes ahead of time.

These women want to change that.

Farewelling, the brainchild of entertaining expert and event planner Karen Bussen and funeral director Elizabeth Meyer Karansky, aims to make talking about death and dying easier. It’s a digital platform that provides tools and resources — and since it’s 2019, a podcast — for people to either plan a “farewelling” (funeral, memorial) for themselves or a loved one. There are checklists, blog posts, and planning tips sprinkled throughout the site.  Read more...