Statement from the President of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association
The reports coming from South Chicago Chapel are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families whose loved ones may have been affected. Every family who places a loved one into the care of a funeral professional has the right to expect that their loved one will be treated with dignity, respect, and the highest standard of care.
The circumstances being reported are unacceptable and do not represent the standards, ethics, or values of the funeral service profession in Illinois. Funeral directors are entrusted with families at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. With that trust comes an extraordinary responsibility, one that must never be taken lightly.
As the largest association serving licensed funeral service professionals in Illinois, we have a responsibility to advocate for the protection of families and for the integrity of our profession. We support a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities and believe those responsible for any violations should be held accountable under the law.
We will also work with regulators, lawmakers, and our members to determine what additional steps may be necessary to protect Illinois families and support the funeral homes and funeral professionals who serve their communities honorably, compassionately, and with dignity every day.
The actions alleged in this case should not overshadow the dedicated funeral professionals throughout Illinois who faithfully care for families and their loved ones every day. Their commitment to ethical service and the dignified care of the deceased represents what our profession stands for.
Illinois families deserve nothing less.
Trevor Davies, IFDA President and the IFDA Board of Directors, Illinois Funeral Directors Association
***Courtesy of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association Facebook Page***
Cook County authorities are investigating after more than 50 bodies were found in various states of decomposition at a funeral home on Chicago’s Southeast Side. A statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s office said the medical examiner’s office is working to identify the remains and would notify families as quickly as possible. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said in a statement that the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation handles the physical operations and professional credentials of funeral homes. According to the statement, Mendoza’s office shut down the funeral homeowners’ crematory in suburban Chicago Heights last year, but at-need funeral homes like South Chicago Chapel do not fall under the comptroller’s jurisdiction.
***Courtesy of Total Traffic News***
