October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Digital Death - What Happens Online When You Die?

Famous Father's Who Chose Cremation

Walt Disney – This loving father and word famous animator died of cancer in 1966. Disney opted for a low cost cremation and his cremated remains were buried in California  

Bud Abbot – Father of two adopted children, Abbot (of Abbot and Costello) was cremated after his passing in 1974, and his cremated remains scattered over the Pacific Ocean.

Albert Einstein – Died April 18, 1955. His name is synonymous with Genius, but he was just Dad to his three children. In his will, Einstein elected to be cremated and his ashes scattered in an unknown location.
Fact: Einstein’s brain was removed and preserved for scientific study.
Fact: In the 1970’s his brain was reportedly still in the hands of the doctor who removed it just hours after his death.  Later gossip spread that it was stolen from a garage sale.

George Harrison – The “quiet” Beetle was also a patient, supportive father. Cremated immediately after his passing in 2001, Harrison’s ashes were scattered over a river in India.
Fact: The Harrison family cremated his remains within hours of death, not notifying the public of his passing until after it was completed.

Sigmund Freud – The father of psychoanalysis was also a father to three boys and three girls. Freud passed in 1939 of cancer and his cremated remains are located in an urn at the Columbarium at Golders Green Crematorium, London.
Fact: Though Freud had six children, he reportedly referred to his youngest daughter as, “my only son, Anna.”

Jim Henson – After his death in 1990 of Pneumonia, the creator of The Muppets was respectfully cremated. Henson’s family, including his five children, scattered his ashes over his ranch outside Santa Fe.

Dezi Arnaz – Latin music sensation and adoring hubby from “I love Lucy,” was cremated after his passing in 1986. His two children, Lucie and Desi Jr., scattered his ashes at sea.

Christopher Reeves – Well known for acting rolls like Superman, Reeves was also a father of three. Cremated after his death in 2004, his ashes were retained by family.

Jerry Garcia – A mostly absent father of four, Grateful Dead lead man, Jerry Garcia was cremated after his passing in 1995.

Loved to Death

The 25 Documents You Need Before You Die...

 

The 25 Documents You Need Before You Die

The financial consequences of failing to keep your documents in order can be significant. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, state treasurers currently hold $32.9 billion in unclaimed bank accounts and other assets. (You can search for unclaimed assets at MissingMoney.com .)

Most experts recommend creating a comprehensive folder of documents that family members can access in case of an emergency, so they aren't left scrambling to find and organize a hodgepodge of disparate bank accounts, insurance policies and brokerage accounts. 

The infograph above gives a rundown of the most important documents you'll need to have signed, sealed and delivered. (Click on the link below the graphic to see a larger version).

Memorial Day - 2012