Q: Can a person be buried on private property in Oregon?

A: The state law is silent on this issue, which means it is not illegal. There are, however, county ordinances that define how and whether final disposition is permitted on private property.

Q: What if my relative died while traveling abroad?

A: Repatriation of the deceased’s remains may take some time and could be expensive. If you can work with the local consulate, this may save you money. Otherwise, contact the U.S. State Department’s Overseas Citizens Services or call (888) 407-4747

Q: What are veterans entitled to?

A: Burial in a National Cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Q: Can a full body really be buried at sea?

A: Yes, but it’s expensive and requires permits and authorization, and must be reported to the E.P.A.

Q: What if I suspect foul play in the death of a relative? Can I request an autopsy?

A: Yes, but if the authorities do not require an autopsy, then the family will have to pay for it.

Q: As a child and executor, am I personally responsible for paying my parent’s credit card debt.

A: No, unless you were a co-signer on the credit card agreement. Debts are paid from the deceased’s solely-owned assets.

About Us

The idea of starting Farewell Assistance came to owner, Janie Malloy, after she observed the mental, physical and financial trauma experienced by a friend who’s widowed father had died in another state. As an only child her friend had to frequently fly back and forth across the country - at first to spend time with him during his illness, then for a ceremony when he died, and finally to settle his estate. Janie began wondering what she would do if she got a long distance phone call regarding her parents, siblings or in-laws, and realized how helpless that made her feel.

She started researching how she could help people who might suddenly be faced with the chaos and panic of dealing with a death in the family. The more research she did on after-death care, the more she felt committed to bringing change to the current death-care industry as a consumer advocate. Because we fear death in our culture, many people do not plan ahead. Only one-third of Americans die with a will in place. Even fewer Americans leave instructions regarding what kind of services they would like. As a result, the uncomfortable and unpleasant task of planning a ceremony in a limited amount of time is often filled by someone who:

• is in shock
• has planned few if any services
• does not know the laws
• is inexperienced in comparing prices and qualities
• isn’t aware of alternatives to calling a funeral home
• often spends more time and money than necessary due to lack of planning

As consumer advocates, Farewell Assistants hope to help individuals plan ceremonies, or plan ahead, therefore expanding their choices so they can spend their money wisely. For example, by calling Farewell Assistance, a person who is environmentally conscious could have a service that reflects their dedication to preserving nature. By avoiding embalming, selecting a biodegradable casket and choosing to be buried in a green cemetery, a service would reflect that individual’s values in life and in death. The differences between Farewell Assistance and funeral homes are:

• Farewell Assistance charges a fee for their services and does not sell products, nor is a commission made for products/arrangements they make for clients.
• Farewell Assistance is not a licensed funeral provider and cannot provide embalming services.
• Farewell Assistance offers temporary personal assistant services before, during and after the death in administrative, financial, legal and tax concerns.
• Farewell Assistance helps refer clients to professionals who can provide legal, emotional, financial, tax and business services related to their needs.

By providing consulting and administrative services for families who live at a distance, do not have the time, or cannot take care of the myriad of details that result from a person’s death, Farewell Assistance is an invaluable service. From feeding pets and finding them homes to coordinating the maintenance, repairs, appraisals and sales of property, from making sure an elderly widow has someone to mow the lawn her husband used to tend to hiring a company to do an estate sale, having one business oversee the details and keep everything organized, efficient and running smoothly can save time, money and prevent emotional stress for families and individuals.

Farewell Assistance was created to help people through one of the most difficult and heartbreaking times in their lives. By educating consumers of their choices, and seeing them through the immediate and long-term processes of finalizing an individual’s affairs, Farewell Assistance intends to provide strength and direction during a time of loss. After all, death is a part of life.

Janie Malloy

Janie Malloy, the founder of Farewell Assistance, likes to strike an emotional connection with her clients. Having earned a degree in Communications from the University of Texas, she successfully identifies and articulates the needs of family members and involves them, as well as friends, neighbors and professionals in the healing process.

Janie values substance as well as style, and applies this aesthetic to the unique celebrations she plans. With a background in both design and event planning, she endeavors to create ceremonies that are as unique as the individual, which creates an atmosphere where the emphasis is on celebrating the life.

Janie believes that bringing empathy and compassion to her work creates a sense of trust and community with the families who hire her, and in return she feels personally valued and spiritually rewarded. Most importantly, Janie’s success relies on making her clients feel confident that the situation is under control, which gives them peace of mind.

Emily Adair

Emily Adair is a very sensitive soul who feels blessed when assisting families during such a profoundly private and personal experience as a home funeral.
Knowing that funeral service was her calling, she moved from Idaho to Oregon in order to attend Mt. Hood Community College's Funeral Services Education Program, where she studied for 2 years. She graduated in 2006 after passing her board exam, and began working with various aspects of funeral service in Portland, OR. Having had a home birth, and being a proponent of natural medicine she felt disenchanted with the sterile corporate funeral practices she encountered during her experiences in the field.

When Emily discovered the truly traditional and ancient art of family home funerals, she knew this was the right path toward fulfilling her desire to help people. Emily is honored to assist families and communities in bringing back the natural, ancient and spiritual practice of Home Funerals.

Many tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought...
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side
When memory paints in colors true
The happy hours that belonged to you.

~ Helen Steiner Rice