Planning Ahead

Losing a loved one is an emotional event made a bit easier with some preparation. Preparing in advance for the end of life will help ensure that family members are able to make informed decisions, have access to information needed to manage the process and make any wishes known.

This two-session presentation will review legal aspects such as required documents and how to avoid pitfalls as the estate is executed. It will also cover preparation for memorial services and the information that may be helpful to share with loved ones in advance. The team of experts will help guide the class through basic planning steps and answer your questions.

Kurt Edenbach is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He completed his professional training at Gupton Jones College in Atlanta. Kurt has worked full time as a licensed funeral director since 1997 and holds a R.I. insurance license to assist with providing preplanning options for the community. He also invests time in furthering the profession as a member of the R.I. Funeral Directors Association and an active member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, as well as an adjunct professor at the FINE Mortuary School in Massachusetts. Kurt is the funeral director/co-owner of Memorial Funeral Homes.

Joan Galvin began her career as an intensive care nurse in Chicago in 1967. She then married and relocated to Aquidneck Island and raised six sons with her husband, Tom. She continued her career serving as a school nurse for over 15 years and working in Home Care. After retirement, Joan completed her training as an end-of-life doula that supports patients and their family members and facilitates the relationship between loved ones and medical workers. She realized that in making many final choices we can help our families when there is so much to be done.

Cristina Offenberg, Esq., earned her law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly, Franklin Pierce Law Center) in 1993 and is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and Newport County Bar Association. She gives back to the community through her nonprofit involvement in community organizations and handles pro bono elder law matters through the RI Bar Association. She is the past president of the board of directors of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County and the Middletown Education Collaborative. 

Kim Shute has experienced loss first-hand after her husband of 19 years died suddenly of leukemia at the age of 48. Since her husband’s death she has dedicated herself to helping fellow grievers through bereavement both professionally and personally. Kim is the director of community relations at Memorial Funeral Homes.