Things to bring when a friend/neighbor dies

  • Thread starter Thread starter giannand
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
G

giannand

Guest
Hi,
I have a neighbor who died today. The others in my building and I are planning to start the “jello brigade” to make things easier for the family. We’re at a loss–what things have you found helpful or what would you suggest???

In Him,
GiannaND
 
Soup
lasgna
chili
anything that can go in a crock pot
brownies
oatmeal
fish sticks
homemade pizzas
grilled chicken and vegetables
salads
potatos
 
My uncle takes paper products like paper towels, TP, tissues. I like to take something that doesn’t need refrigerated and can be kept awhile, like a case of pop (soda if you call it that) or beer.
 
In a crock pot place a bag of frozen meatballs with and italian seasoned tomoto sauce from a can, let it simmer. Get buns and provolone or mozarella cheese for them to sprinkle on it. They always have a hot sandwich on hand.
 
HouseArrest said:
My uncle takes paper products like paper towels, TP, tissues. I like to take something that doesn’t need refrigerated and can be kept awhile, like a case of pop (soda if you call it that) or beer.
Click to expand...
When Dad died one neighbor brought tea bags, coffee, creamer, sugar, etc. that was very practical considering the number of people who were in and out of the house.

One cousin brought a quart of rye and some mix, again, practical depending on your family – the case of beer above would have been well received at most family deaths I’ve experienced.

If at all possible put anything you take in a disposable container or one that need not be returned. It’s sometimes hard to keep track of the plates/dishes that need to be returned and in my experience it often falls to one person to do it all after everyone is gone.
 
When my SIL’s dad died, we made a run to the store to get disposable plates and plastic forks, gallon zip top bags and those gladware storage containers.

So many people brought food, but, there was a big need of storage items.
 
Big Rubbemaid or Sterlite containers. Last time, we needed a place to store stuff. This worked out well. The containers can be converted to ice chests easily.

Garbage bags. Death makes life messy.

Pizza, homemade or otherwise- I like that one.🙂

Don’t bring Jello! Soon, the refrigerator starts to look like a jiggle contest, and there’s no room for anything else.

If it’s the custom in your area, don’t forget that snacks can always be used at the visitation. I come from a family of eaters, so we make sure the funeral home has such facilities (most around here do). The last visitation six months ago had, with the funeral home providing coffee and tea:
Paper products (plates, forks, knives, spoons, napkins)
Soda pop
Cheese trays with olives (My sister brought those. Very welcome!)
Deli tray
Big sandwich cut up from Subway
Cinnamon buns
Coffee cake
Chips and dips
Breads and rolls
Veggie trays

What can I tell you? My side of the family is Irish and we stay for the whole darn thing.
 
When my dad died, for each night of the wake someone volunteered to bring the meal for that evening. So we got I think lasagna one night, soup and chicken another night. I think a roast and vegetables another time.

The day of the funeral other volunteers brought things, cold cuts, bread etc.

That was really nice of everyone to think of us,.
 
Are there young children? Maybe you can volunteer to watch the kids while the grownups take care of the necessary arrangements, or just have a little room to breathe and grieve.
 
Gift Certificates to local food delivery places.
the case of beer above would have been well received at most family deaths I’ve experienced.
Click to expand...
I LOVE this one :rotfl:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top