Touching the Body during a Home Funeral

Given that most exposure to death in our culture comes from horror movies, we may approach touching a dead body with some trepidation. But according to Jerri Lyons, founder of Final Passages, a home funeral guidance organization, it is more natural than you might think. The body will be still, unlikely to show any movement other than subtle changes due to natural processes. The skin will feel cool to the touch but much like before in texture. It will also be paler due to the lack of blood circulation. The muscles will initially stiffen due to rigor mortis but will begin to soften after 12 hours. This near-life-like state can be maintained for up to four days with proper cooling. Changes in skin, such as crackling, puffing or darkening, indicate the disposition should be imminent.

Lisa S.
August 24, 2010