The Last Goodbye

Course | Registration opens 1/21/2025 8:00 AM EST

Penn State York, 1031 Edgecomb Avenue York, PA 17403-3398 United States
Main Classroom Bldg, Conference Center, 31 B and C
Members and nonmembers
3/20/2025 (one day)
9:00 AM-10:30 AM EST on Th
$20.00
$8.00

The Last Goodbye

Course | Registration opens 1/21/2025 8:00 AM EST

In this course, you will learn about what everyone should know before a loved one takes their last breath. Some of the subjects addressed will include the following: Cremation, since 2015 the preference of most Americans; protecting yourself, avoiding family disagreements and potential litigation; anatomical gifting; demographics of faith groups (Pew Research); hospice care, the half factor (stats from the National Hospice & Palliative Care Association); and Contemporary ceremony options after a passing (this will include brief videos as examples). Questions welcome, and answers will be provided. 

Ernie Heffner

Ernie Heffner is a second-generation funeral director licensed since 1975. In 1994, he established the first crematory in York County onsite at a funeral home. He has been a featured speaker nationally on end-of-life care and has provided the commencement address at leading mortuary colleges. In addition to providing continuing education for licensed funeral directors and Pennsylvania RNs, twice each year for decades, he provides a four-and-a-half hour lecture for students at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. In 2019, he was honored to receive the Lasting Impact Award from the International Cemetary, Cremation, and Funeral Association Educational Foundation.