10 Most Popular Stories of 2024

We founded Afterall to guide families through essential questions at the end of life. We’re thrilled to have launched our site in 2024, and we’re so glad to be able to help family caregivers, hospice and medical professionals, death care experts, and community members navigate this important time in life.

We are thrilled to see people finding valuable information on our website and wanted to share our most popular articles of the year as a closer look into what matters to our readers.

1. Everything You Need to Know About Veteran Funeral Traditions

Our most popular article in 2024 was about Veteran funeral traditions. We know that it can be daunting for family members who did not serve in the military to understand the culture and provide the appropriate send-off. In addition to the free information we provide online, a trusted funeral provider can help you understand the benefits owed to a military family member who served their country and some of the etiquette around their final goodbye.

2. Filing Taxes as a Widow/Widower: A Comprehensive Guide

You know the saying about death and taxes. For widows or widowers, filing taxes is often an unwelcome final certainty after losing a spouse. But with a little help and knowledge, you can check this task off your to-do list with confidence.

3. 8 Tips for What to Wear to a Spring Funeral

Speaking of confidence, for many people, it can be tricky to know what’s best to wear to a funeral. As the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer, it can be even more challenging. Our tips can help you feel more comfortable while still showing respect.

4. Barbara Karnes Shares Lessons from ‘School of Grief’

The beloved pioneer and author of “Gone from My Sight” is a renowned expert in hospice care, yet when her husband died in 2023, she found she had more to learn. Barbara Karnes shared her insights with us in this interview.

5. Veterans' Burial Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide

The federal government’s Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many funeral-related benefits as a gesture of gratitude for their service. Veteran families can request flags and medallions and receive money for their disposition. While the benefits are only available after death, a Veteran can explore ahead of time whether they can be buried in a national cemetery. Our comprehensive guide can help families navigate the complexities of Veteran benefits. Your local funeral director can be a great resource, too.

6. Going Out Green: The Earth-Loving Trend in Burials You Need to Know About

The popularity of “green” options for burial and cremation is on the rise. More and more consumers are choosing environmentally conscious options for their final resting place. Some may skip a headstone or choose a biodegradable casket. There is no one way to have the most “green” option, but armed with a little information, we hope to empower you to explore what might appeal to you.

7. Free Self-Service Obituary Writer

Writing a loved one’s obituary can be intimidating. Summing up a spouse, friend, or family member’s life in just a few paragraphs can feel overwhelming. But Afterall is here to help. We have an easy-to-use template that can get you started, and by putting your obituary online, it will be easy to share with friends and family. We also have tips from writers and ten more tips to help you smooth the way to sharing the story of your loved one’s life.

8. Ash Scattering Rules in Top 10 National Parks

Our national parks hold special memories for many people. For a nature lover, a favorite national park might be the perfect setting for an ash scattering ceremony. Some parks don’t allow it, and many require a permit. Our article can walk you through what you need to know if your loved one wants to say goodbye in the majesty of a national park.

9. What Taylor Swift and The Tortured Poets Department Teach Us About Loss

Taylor Swift’s latest album delves into grief and loss using the now-famous stages of grief outlined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book “On Death and Dying.” We can find inspiration from Swift’s music and, in it, a message that while coping with loss may feel unsurmountable, ultimately, we can move forward.

10. Honoring Moms: 9 Personal Ways to Memorialize Mothers

As we share in our article, memories, stories, and legacies remain long after a mother, mother-in-law, or stepmother passes. Sharing stories, special recipes, and volunteering in her honor are all ways of remembering a special mom. You can also create a special memorial with a personalized gift from our memorial store. As we explain, grief is a personal journey that takes time to navigate. Whether she passed away recently or many years ago, a mother’s influence remains tangible, and memories continue to shape your life.

We’re happy to have shared these important stories with you, but even more importantly, we’re glad to be able to continue to be a resource for anyone needing more information about the end-of-life journey in 2025 and beyond.