April 2007
Our community recently lost a wonderful person. Jo Ann Scott has given permission to reprint this information about her experience after her husband, Larry, passed away suddenly.
Larry always thought it was important to let others in the community know if he had been through an experience in Mexico that might interest or affect them in someway. So, with that in mind and after being asked, I share with you the details of setting up the funeral services and the expenses associated with the services. Please bear in mind this is my experience only.
When he arrived at Clinical Del Mar by ambulance and after it was determined they could not resuscitate, this was 30 – 00 a.m., I was asked immediately what to do with the body, what funeral home do you want to come pick up the body, a decision had to be made right then? Of course, being in a total state of shock, I did not know what to say much less what to do. Luckily for me, our good friends Santana and Marlene were there along with all our Mexican neighbors and my good friend Cindi and her son. Marlene was talking on her cell phone most of the evening to Sherry getting sound advice and reassurance from her and Santana then recommended we call Renacimento Funeral Home for the services. After he made the call to Renacimiento, it seemed like 15 minutes and they were there to pick up the body it was very quick. After talking to the U.S. Counsulate’s office in Hermisillo, we all left the hospital. I must say that the Balboa Ambulance staff and the staff at Clinical Del Mar did everything they could for Larry and I would highly recommend them to all of you. We, of course, have been to Clinical Del Mar a couple of times in the past and have always been pleased with the care received.
Next day, 00 a.m. Santana and Marlene pick me up, off we go to the Ministerio Publico Office to fill out reports and such. Next to the Renacimiento Funeral Home to meet Margarita Valle Osuna. I remember feeling such anxiety as I thought it was going to be such an ordeal dealing with a funeral service in Mexico. Margarita pretty much had everything in order and we were only there 15-20 minutes, she was so professional and helpful. She explained they would prepare the body for the 24 hour viewing which would start at 00 p.m. that day and would be over at 00 p.m. the next day. The fee for cremation 3,750.00, rent coffin 3,000.00, chapel, 2,500.00, USO Carroza 1,500.00 and the embalzamiento 800.00. The total bill was 13,429.50 pesos.
At 00 p.m. the viewing room was prepared and the flowers started showing up along with all our Mexican neighbors and Mexican friends. They tell me that the Mexican tradition is to sit with the body for the full 24 hour period, after seeing them all sit there with Larry for two days I can honestly say it is so. Santana spent the night with him. What wonderful neighbors and friends we have, I can remember speaking with my mom on the phone and I told her I thought Elvis must have snuck into Larry’s room with all the people and flowers there, wow! At 00 p.m. sharp, the funeral home rang the room which was a cue to vacate as they were coming in. Most of our neighbors were there waiting to form a recession line to follow the casket to the crematorium facility but I did not arrange for that, so the funeral car left very quickly and the neighbors went home.
The next day, I met Margarita at the U.S. Counsulate’s office and she delivered to me the ashes and 6 Mexican death certificates. I had to sign for all and had to turn in Larry’s passport to Patty to send off to have canceled but she assured me it would be returned to her after canceling. Patty also ordered 10 translated death certificates for me to pick up in her office in 4-6 weeks. Patty and Margarita gave me a certified letter attached to the death certificate so that I could take Larry’s ashes on the plane that next week to Texas which I did and went through customs easily. I would not hesitate to recommend Renacimiento Funeral Home to you and I am sure you all already know how helpful Patty is at the U.S. Counsulate’s office.
Then we had a celebration of Larry’s life at the Purple Onion (thank you Howard and Roy) Saturday afternoon which was wonderful. Santana and Brent singing with the restaurant full of friends telling stories about Larry and his motorcycle parked right in front of the stage along with him! I am sure I have left some things out but this should give you a general idea of what happens here and how much it cost. You should have handy birth certificate and passport, I had our marriage certificate but I don’t recall if it was necessary. The best piece of advise I can give you all is if you have not meet your neighbors, do so right now, if you have not told your friends and family how much they mean to you, do so right now as tomorrow may never come.
I would never have been able to make it through this in Mexico without all my friends and extended family. Larry and I came to Mazatlan 2 ½ years ago to live in a foreign country. As I reflect on all the kindness that has been shown to us, it is easy for me to realize why we consider this our home. I cannot begin to list everyone’s name that I need to thank, you know who you are and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Jo Ann
Death is an accepted part of life and the culture is very supportive during this unfortunate time. When my mother passed away in 2003, all I was required to do was go to the Consulate with her birth certificate (she had no passport nor an FM3), and her death certificate. These papers were retained by the Consulate, sent to Washington and then returned to my mother’s address in the USA. It was just as easy at the funeral home, Renacimiento, (982-5708) where they had obviously dealt with foreigners’ deaths, however not certain they are bilingual. As she was cremated which is inexpensive, there was no dealing with airlines. However, I did have to help a guest send her husband’s body home and there was no excessive paperwork involved. The funeral homes are well versed in this area. BTW funeral costs are tax deductible here in Mexico.
If the death is suspicious in any way, all this is subject to scrutiny by the authorities.
Lani Wooll
Fighting bad Spanish and bad food since 1992 (Sorry folks, it’s taking longer than I thought)
More info on death in Mexico
If someone dies here with no legal representative, here is what happens.
In general, the Consular Agent office (we don't have a Consulate) in Mazatlan is the place for a US citizen with any questions on deaths or births. They can also help out with tax issues and notarizing important documents.
Consular Agent in Mazatlan
DavidShafer March 21, 2005
New regulations
The TSA has new guidelines on transporting cremated remains on an airline. If you plan to bring cremated remains here for burial or take cremated remains to the US, you need a special container.
DavidShafer April 05, 2005