Prior to the Civil War, caring for the deceased was largely done by women in the home. Women were the ones who cleaned, dressed and perfumed the bodies. They were also the ones who cooked meals, welcomed visitors and supported the grieving family. 

However, the Civil War brought about changes in death care. Embalming became a common practice in order to be able to transport bodies over long distances. Around this time, funeral homes started to become more common as well. While women were still involved in death care, their roles changed. Men were far more likely to be undertakers and embalmers, though many women still worked alongside husbands, brothers and sons in family-run funeral homes. 

In more recent years, though, this has started to change as women are encouraged to join the profession. And many women feel they are a natural fit for a profession that requires compassion, communication skills, and strong organizational skills. In the early 1970s, only 5 percent of mortuary students were women. These days, more than 60 percent of mortuary science students are women. 

However, some women continue to face barriers to working in the death care industry. Negative perceptions of their abilities can make it difficult for some women to find the necessary internships to complete their training. Stereotypes still exist such as thinking that women aren’t strong enough to lift caskets. Fortunately, many of these stereotypes are changing and women continue to challenge them by entering the profession. 

Being a funeral director is definitely not a 9 to 5 job. Calls can come at any time of day or night, even on holidays. But for many funeral directors, their job is a calling. And knowing that they are able to help families celebrate the lives of their loved ones is immensely rewarding. 

During Women's History Month, we honor the women in the funeral industry who continue to work hard every day to serve our families and make a difference in our communities.