The month of February has many things going on to enjoy during the winter months, such as the Superbowl, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents Day weekend—maybe even an extra day off for some.

This month I honor my mom Jill, a strong woman who taught me so much as a young woman. I miss talking to my mom, who died on Feb 12, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. She was a woman who taught me how to have fun in life, give back to charities and use the creative side of the brain in both our personal and professional life.

Most of all, my mom taught me to be resilient after a tragedy and crisis in life. When my dad, the owner of our funeral home died, she was only 51 and I was 30. Mom was incredibly supportive and helped me find the confidence in myself to continue our family business and make it successful over the years. Mom was my biggest cheerleader but also someone who would share her opinion if she thought I was headed in the wrong direction. She helped me raise my children, was a wonderful grandparent who doted on her grandchildren, and still found time to travel and give back to our community.

Mom also encouraged me to not work 60- 80 hours a week and to take more time for my children and myself too. This was hard to do as a young business owner in our profession who was growing her business and was a single parent raising two children. My mom never gave up on me, she pushed me constantly to slow down more over the years and really focus on the quality of life. I am grateful for these life lessons. I have tried to pass them on to my children and others in our profession. We all know that funeral service is not a 9-5 job and that it takes time, dedication, and a good work ethic. Deaths, Funeral ceremonies, graveside, and cremations services don’t just occur Monday-Friday from 9-5 and never will. However, as my mom encouraged me, I encourage you to consider what matters most.  Work to find ways to enjoy time for yourself and your family and leave your work behind you when you can on days off. You will never regret this decision as the years go by.

I begin this month’s first blog and podcast, celebrating and honoring strong women who inspire us who were our role models growing up.

Your Funeral Coach Talks podcast is debuting a new series called “Elevating Women in Funeral Service”. This coming Friday, February 17^th, I interview Alicia Carr, a women business owner of Kelco Supply Company, a family-owned business serving our profession since 1939. Alicia shares that what’s most important is to listen to the changing needs of their ever-changing customers. These last three years Alicia enrolled, graduated from mortuary school, passed her National Boards, and is now serving her internship to become licensed and better understand the profession she serves.

I enjoyed my interview with Alicia who has been in her family business for over 30 years. She had a strong mother as a role model with whom she worked with. Alicia speaks about her learned work ethic, her hands-on training, her business transition to purchase her family business to becoming an owner, and some of the keys to success. I hope you will listen in!

I’d love to hear your stories about strong women who inspire you if you care to share them on our Facebook page!

My best to you always,

Lisa Baue

Lisa@yourfuneralcoach.com
Yourfuneralcoach.com