Kates-Boylston Publications

09/18/2026

EXCLUSIVE: NFDA Executive Director Christine Pepper discusses the proposed merger with Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the path toward a potential 2027 integration and how the organizations plan to preserve what makes Selected unique.

The proposed merger of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the National Funeral Directors Association represents a significant change for both organizations – but NFDA Executive Director Christine Pepper says the

09/18/2026

EXCLUSIVE: What could the proposed merger of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and NFDA mean for members?
Selected Executive Director Rob Paterkiewicz discusses the proposal, the future of Selected's identity and programs, and plans to preserve its valued peer community.

Selected Executive Director Rob Paterkiewicz discusses the proposed merger with the National Funeral Directors Association, what it means for Selected members, and how the organizations plan to preserve Selected’s identity,

09/18/2026

Ready to learn from some of the most intelligent and inspiring women in deathcare?
Join us next week in Celebration, Florida, for Momentum: A Women's Leadership Accelerator! Don't miss Wanda Sizemore's session, "Building Your Professional Brand," plus five more powerhouse sessions.
✔️ Six impactful sessions
✔️ Five CE credits
✔️ One powerful day of learning and networking
Don't miss your chance—link in the comments!

09/18/2026

"The overdose was the day everything landed in someone else's lap."
In this powerful and deeply personal story, a funeral director challenges the profession to look beyond the death certificate and consider how it can better support families affected by addiction—before and after a loss.

I’ve prepared strangers for their final goodbye. Then I prepared my mother. I’ve walked families through the aftermath of addiction. Then I had to walk on my own.

09/18/2026

After nearly 30 years at Matthews International—including 20 as CEO—Joseph C. Bartolacci reflects on the company's growth, the evolution of cremation and the future of memorialization. Read FSI's exclusive interview to discover why he believes the industry's greatest opportunities are still ahead.

The outgoing president and CEO of Matthews International discusses how the company evolved during his tenure, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the memorialization industry.

09/18/2026

Justin Keiper explores how a $250,000 tree-canopy restoration grant will help Historic Easton Cemetery continue serving as a place of beauty, connection and storytelling.

As a funeral director, I’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. In doing so, I’ve developed a deep

09/17/2026

🚪 Why are heaven's gates left ajar on historic headstones? The answer lies in a forgotten bestselling novel. Discover the story in "Cemetery Shapes: Gates Ajar" by Tui Snider.

It's easy to forget that headstones, epitaphs, and funeral customs are just as susceptible to the whims of pop culture as clothing, haircuts, or music. In the April 2025 issue,

09/17/2026

Precoa Honors New Million Dollar Producers with Annual Trip

PORTLAND, Ore. – Precoa, the profession’s leader in preneed funeral planning, recently welcomed 42 new million dollar producers to its home office.

09/17/2026

OGR Future Leaders Forum Equips Emerging Professionals to Lead Independent Funeral Service

INDIANAPOLIS – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) brought together the next generation of independent funeral service professionals during the 2026 Future Leaders Forum, sponsored by Full-Circle Aftercare,

09/17/2026

Jackie Short reveals how her healthcare leadership experience will shape Landmark's growth and why technology should strengthen, never replace, the human connection in funeral service.

Landmark Funeral Group's chief operating officer discusses her new role and the evolution of the funeral-services industry, and offers valuable advice for small businesses.