In this episode of the Boldly Becoming Podcast, host interviews Margaret Edie, owner of Morrissett Funeral Home. Margaret shares her journey from growing up as a "prison brat" to working in hospice care and eventually becoming a funeral director. She discusses her experience with military services at Arlington National Cemetery and her unique approach to funeral services, focusing on life celebration rather than tradition. Margaret emphasizes the importance of pre-planning, educating families about their options, and normalizing conversations about death. She also highlights the value of self-care in a demanding profession and encourages listeners to live life fully.
Timestamps
Introduction to Margaret Edie (00:00:44) The host introduces Margaret Edie, a local funeral home owner, describing her as a caring soul she met through networking.
Margaret's Journey into the Funeral Business (00:01:22) Margaret shares her background as a "prison brat," her work in hospice, and the spontaneous decision to become a funeral director.
Early Career and Military Funerals (00:02:28) Margaret discusses her experience working at an Irish Catholic funeral home near Arlington National Cemetery, handling military and high-profile services.
Meeting Her Husband and Owning a Business (00:03:21) She talks about meeting her husband, who was in the Old Guard, moving to North Chesterfield, and eventually owning Morrissett Funeral Home.
The Importance of Death Education (00:05:04) The conversation shifts to the complexities of the funeral industry, including travel insurance for remains and the need for public education.
The Need for Pre-Planning (00:07:32) Margaret emphasizes the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes to avoid family conflict and ensure personal preferences are honored.
A Different Kind of Funeral Home (00:09:23) Margaret explains her funeral home's unique "life celebration" approach, focusing on personal passions and creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.
Navigating Family Dynamics (00:12:18) The discussion covers the psychological skills required for funeral directors to manage family emotions and conflicts during a difficult time.
What Keeps Her in the Profession (00:13:09) Margaret shares that her motivation comes from being a source of strength and guidance for families during their hardest times.
Finding Work-Life Balance (00:13:59) Margaret discusses the challenges of burnout in the funeral profession and the importance of setting boundaries to protect personal well-being.
The Power of Saying No (00:16:22) She explains how learning to say "no" was a New Year's resolution that helped her focus on herself and her needs.
Women in the Funeral Industry (00:18:01) Margaret notes the industry shift towards more female professionals, attributing it to a focus on caregiving over pure business.
Final Words of Wisdom (00:20:06) Margaret's parting advice is to live life to the fullest because you only live once, a perspective shaped by her profession.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Margaret, 'It's the one thing that is going to happen to all of us. There's no way to avoid it.'
Margaret, 'I want to know your dad. How can I celebrate your dad? I want to know about his passions, his hobbies, what really made his life.'
Margaret, 'Being that strength for the family in their worst time is what makes me love what I do, because I help them through the hardest time.'
Margaret, 'It's the final gift to give your family.'
Margaret, 'You only live once. Appreciate the life you have and really live it to the fullest, because why not?'
RESOURCES:
Connect With Me: Carter Cundiff
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FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Boldly Becoming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Connect with Margaret:
Website: www.morrissett.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorrissettFuneralandCremation
Instagram: morrissett_fh
"The greatest gift you can leave your family isn't just your legacy—it's the peace of knowing your wishes."
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