One of the things you realize as you get older is that there is a whole new generation of Americans working in your profession and molding that profession in a way that you would have never thought of.  Some of that “molding” you may see as good for the profession and some of it you may see as “not so good”, but the fact remains that the new generation believes in what they are doing and the process they are using for doing so.

I’ve learned that the new generations have the best interests of clients in mind just like we did.  I sometimes have to remember that things that were normal for my generation, like Beatles music, was a pretty big change for my parents generation.  And, I try to use that perspective when looking at new ideas coming down the pike.

I’ve also learned that the next generation takes cues from what they have seen out of their own eyes just as I differed from my parents as what I witnessed growing up was different from what they witnessed.  And, I’ve learned that these changes are good. . .if our profession did not change as we moved forward we would be as obsolete as the old “Boot Hill” undertaker.

That brings me to the subject of today’s article, Syracuse mortician Eileen Hollis.  The 31-year old Hollis is a funeral director at her father’s funeral establishment in Syracuse, New York.  Hollis, even at age 31, is a second career funeral director returning to college and graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 2016 after previously graduating from college in 2011 with a different degree.

What sets Hollis apart from many funeral directors is that she earnestly answers death care related questions on TikTok, the video sharing platform.  She says of that, according to this article in Syracuse.com, “I don’t think any question is too crazy. The whole goal now is to help people feel more comfortable in life about death and give them the tools.  It turned into a death education platform and I’m so grateful that I can help people learn about their options.”

Again, according to the article, Hollis has answered questions about autopsies, embalming, hair care, eye caps, superstitions, refrigeration, next of kin, how to dress a body, rigor mortis, and funeral processions.  In doing this Hollis insists that she “maintains the ultimate respect for the dead and their grieving loved ones.”

Hollis maintains that she is just a normal person and has a goal of informing and comforting people.  She says,  “I want people to be able to not feel awkward when they’re standing in line at a funeral service and questioning everything they’re about to say when they’re greeting a family. I just want people to get to a place where they can be there for their friends. Just be there and listen.”

Hollis is part of that new generation of funeral director.  One that communicates not only with their voice but using modern technology as well.  And, people are interested in hearing in that format also. . . . . she has had over half-a-million followers who just want to know more about funeral service.

More news from the world of Death Care:

• South Bend funeral director has spent 60 years providing “compassion and empathy” to families.  South Bend Tribune (IN)
• Memphis funeral homes see business surge amid Covid-19 pandemic and increased homicides.  News video and print article. Fox 13 TV News.  (TN)
• A tangy goodwill gesture:  Funeral home serves barbeque to more than 300 public safety officers.  News video and print article.  WJHL News 11 (TN)

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