Hi, All. Time for a new experience,

[elleng]

and seeking thoughts and maybe some advice.

My husband of 29 years passed on, on Tuesday I think. We've been separated for about 7 years, and 'legally' separated for about 2. The family is fairly widely disbursed, and some here may recall 'problems' among family members as well as a lengthy 'dispute resolution' process between me and my husband. I am now in the position of 'decider in chief' for arrangements, which still have to be coordinated with and signed off on by daughters. (A BIG dispute was 'resolved' last night: Which/where funeral home.) My husband and I were in touch recently, working on family and health matters in a constructive way.

I have no experience in planning funerals, some in planning a wedding, and a lot in planning major railroad mergers, so I may ask folks here for some help. At the moment I'm working on my first cup of coffee of the day (decaf!,) and will probably follow with particular questions.

Family will be coming in to DC area from Ohio and upper NYState and maybe Iowa, and DC area folks will join us in Annapolis at the funeral home managed by a family friend.

He will be cremated, so starting to learn something about that process.

Issues: Should find h/motels to suggest for out-of-towners in/around Annapolis, and decide on schedule of events, like 'viewing/visitation,' and gathering, and memorial service.

Any thoughts and experiences appreciated. FORTUNATELY he was not Jewish so we don't have to rush TOO MUCH, but thinking of Sunday/Monday for events.

Thanks