If a death occurs in the middle of the night or on a weekend, as long as the hospital or convalescent facility has been provided the name of the funeral home, we will be notified of the death and respond immediately. If the family has not selected a funeral home, they will, at that point be asked to provide the facility with the name of the funeral home. If the death occurs at home, the hospice nurse would notify both the funeral home as well as the coroner's office.

As soon as the funeral home is notified of the individuals passing the director on duty will respond as directed by the hospital facility, the coroner or the hospice caller.

If a death occurs in or out of Vacaville, please be assured that Nadeau Family Funeral Home can provide service to any family in any community. We arrange services anywhere a family requests. We are equipped to ship casketed remains world wide should the family need assistance.

4.    I’ve never made funeral arrangements before. How will I know what needs to happen and when?

If you are in a position that enables you to contact the funeral director and make pre- arrangements, that is perhaps the most prudent way of proceeding. Should time not allow under the circumstances, it would be a wise idea to contact the funeral home and at least advise them of the imminent passing of the family member. This allows the funeral director and staff to be aware of the family needing assistance and what to expect. Also, at the time the family member calls the funeral home, one of the staff members will advise the caller of the necessary details that need to be addressed. Questions may be asked of the caller so as to enable the funeral home to have pertinent information as needed.

Nadeau Family Funeral Home is prepared to provide families wishing cremation services with exactly what they request. This might be a complete traditional cremation service of remembrance, commonly referred too as a memorial service or a simple direct cremation with no services whatsoever.

6.    So, I've decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?

If an individual wishes to be cremated, traditional funeral services with the visitation may be arranged. The only difference one would realize is that instead of going to the gravesite for burial, the services would conclude at the funeral home chapel or church of the deceased. We also can process to the crematory for final prayer should the family request.

Embalming is not required by law should a family request visitation with an open casket. However, for the protection and preservation of the deceased human remains and for health and safety reasons of those in an open environment, such as a chapel or a church setting, it is highly recommended, though remember, no individual can advise you that embalming is a must.

8.     How much will arrangements cost?

The cost for funeral service arrangements will vary according to families being served and what type of funeral service is planned. Also, caskets will range in price depending on what the family requests of the funeral director in so far as selection. It is very wise to be open and honest with the funeral director and advise accordingly. In order to provide the highest quality and standard of funeral service today, the staff of Nadeau Family Funeral Home appreciates being aware of families need as well as restrictions.

9.    What government agencies help defray final expenses?

Should an individual be involved for instance in a homicide, there is a victim witness program operated by the state of California. The funeral director would secure the necessary paper and help the survivors in completing the forms for financial assistance. There also is a social security benefit of $ 255.00 for the surviving spouse of the deceased. The military agencies do provide benefits depending on the death and if the cause of death is determined to have been brought on as a result of something medically occurring during active military service. Should an active duty individual pass away, that individual would be prepared and handled by the port mortuary at Travis Air Force Base Locally.

10.    Can I rent a casket ?

There are firms that will rent a casket for a traditional cremation service. At Nadeau Family Funeral Home, we have a selection of affordable caskets from which to choose. Families, prefer to select an alternative container for their loved one that will only be used for their family member.

11.    Who is responsible for making funeral arrangements ?

The next of kin is responsible for addressing the funeral arrangements of a deceased individual. In line of succession, the surviving spouse, if there is one, would be responsible. If there is no spouse or a divorce has occurred then the eldest child would represent the family. If there are no children, the deceased's parents would address the issues. Then passes to the siblings of the deceased and so on. A member of out staff will be there to help the survivors through this time.

12.    Will we need to pay the full cost up front?

 Our policy at Nadeau Family Funeral Home is 50% down at the time arrangement and the balance due and payable within the first 30 days after funeral service. We do accept insurance assignments that relieve the family of having to place any monies with the funeral home up front. We accept most major credit cards and will structure a payment plan affordable for any one requiring assistance.

13.    What if we can't do any of the three payment plans?

As previously stated we will work with any family requiring special financial care for the funeral services of their loved one.

14.     What is a Service of Remembrance?

Service of remembrance is one to have the family and friends gather at the church or funeral home chapel for a service presided over by a clergy representative or family members. Friends of the family could also take an active role in overseeing the service. This service of remembrance is typically done when there has been a direct cremation. Some families might choose to have the urn present or opt to have the urn elsewhere. This provides an opportunity for the family to have a meaningful service and bring closure to the death experience. This also allows friends of the deceased to opportunity to share how that individual has touched their lives and will be remembered.

15.     Can funeral services be arranged in advance of need?

Any and all funeral services can be arranged prior to the passing of an individual. Those wishing to arrange for their service would simply meet with the funeral director. The director will provide many options for consideration and once decisions have been made, those instructions would then be recorded in a file for that given individual.

16.    If I arrange my funeral services in advance, do I have to pay for them in advance?

When one pre-arranges their funeral service, this does not mean that they are required to pay in advance. However, to set up a pre arrangement payment schedule, will guarantee the cost of the funeral service less the cash advances as arranged for. There are a variety of ways to set up a payment plan. We want to provide one that will not take away from the everyday living expense of the individual.

17.    What is the role of the Coroner?

The coroner of the county becomes involved in the death of an individual when the deceased has not been seen by a physician in over twenty days. The death becomes reported to the coroner. The coroner will then attempt to locate a physician who is willing to sign the certified death certificate. Also, if the deceased's passing is anything out of the ordinary, the coroner will also become involved and there is the possibility that an autopsy might be required to determine the actual cause of death.

18.    What if our family has no church affiliation?

If the family has no church affiliation, there are many ordained clergy who are always willing to lend their commitment to ministry so as to provide the family with comfort. We always attempt to find someone who we feel will meet the needs of the family. We then arrange for the clergy and family to meet together in arranging the funeral service.

19.    Is there a fee for the clergy or for the use of the church?

Typically, the clergy honorarium is $100.00 for presiding over the funeral service and graveside committal. In the case of the Catholic Rite, the church is provided an honorarium by the family of $100.00. Should the family choose to provide the priest with an offering, that is a decision the family would make and this would be over and above the initial $100.00. In case of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints there is no honorarium required.

20.    How do I get Certified copies of the Death Certificate to settle my loved ones affairs?

At the time of the funeral service arrangement, the funeral director will help you in determining how many death certificates will be required. It is always a good idea to check with the family attorney for advise. Otherwise, the director will be able to secure initial death certificates. Should the family require additional death certificates, simply call the funeral home and one of out staff will proceed to the county office and deliver the ordered amount to the family.