Almost everyone has attended a funeral, which is not an experience that most of us ever wish to attend. This is just a place where no one wants to go. A lot of people come to pay their respects for one reason or another. But have you ever wondered who prepares the deceased for the viewing or just assumed the funeral home "took" care of this sensitive matter?
Well there are people who obtain a degree to specialize in this area, and we may think of this as a "dirty job" or just a job we could never do. However, in reality this is a job that is just as important as the next. Although it is not one we wish to indulge on, I wanted people to know that through my own personal loss of my mom, I was very impressed with how they had her look just as she did prior to passing. I always believed that this was just a "dirty job" someone did. I now see it differently.
As a mortuary beautician there are several "behind the scene" tasks that are completed before the decedent is viewed. They prepare the embalmed bodies for interment: Manicures nails, using files and nail polish, and performs other grooming tasks, such as arching and plucking eyebrows and removing the facial hair, using depilatory cream and tweezers.
They will shampoo, dry, style the decedent's hair, and apply cosmetics on face to restore natural appearance all from a photograph provided, or verbal or written description obtained from family. This includes dressing and arranging the body in the casket. In some cases they may select casket or burial dress, arrange floral displays, and prepare obituary notices. May record personal effects delivered with body and information about deceased. |
This is not a glorified or high paying job, but for some this is a way for them to restore a "perfect" memory in the most emotional and trying time to a family of the loved one who has passed on.
I have inserted a salary chart for a manager of a funeral home. I was quite surprised to learn that this "dirty job" actually paid as well as it did. (provided by www.payscale.com)
Salary Chart
Median Salary by Degree/Major Subject
Job: Manager Funeral Home
Very interesting.... although I don't believe that I could do this job, I realize it is an important part of the whole "saying goodbye" process. I have been to several funerals and I know how upsetting it can be when the deceased doesn't look anything like they did in life. I think being able to remember your grandmother or grandfather in a beautiful condition will help you keep their memory alive and pleasant memories in your heart. I am grateful that there are people who have this ability and passion to make the final days beautiful days.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a job that would require someone who sees their job from a big picture perspective. It's not so much about working with dead bodies as it is about showing respect for someone who probably touched a lot of lives when they were alive. It's also about bringing comfort to people left to deal with loss.
ReplyDeleteI am a cosmotoligist in PA , you have inspired me to check out this field, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was in the industry for 8 years. I loved every minute of it but it was definitely tough in many ways. Now i'm selling cosmetics to local funeral homes in the area. Contact me if you are looking to add products to your firm.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Ryan
raoul19@verizon.net