Take a moment
There is no need to make every decision immediately. Ask someone you trust to stay with you if you are alone.
A guide for the first hours
When a loved one
passes away.
In the first hours after a death, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. You do not have to manage everything at once. We are here to guide you through the next steps.
W. S. Engledoe & Sons
Family-run in Cape Town since 1943
24-hour assistance
082 49 49 852
When a loved one passes away
In the first hours after a death, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. You do not have to manage everything at once. We are here to guide you through the next steps.
Six steps, one at a time
What to do in the first hours.
Nothing here is urgent in the way it may feel. Work through it at your own pace, and call us at any point — we will pick up wherever you are.
Follow the appropriate process
The next steps depend on where and how the death occurred. Hospital, hospice and care-home staff can guide you. Sudden, unexpected or unnatural deaths require the relevant authorities.
Contact W.S. Engledoe & Sons
Once the required medical or police procedures have been followed, contact us. We are available 24 hours a day to assist with collection and the arrangements that follow.
Gather key information
Where possible, have the deceased’s ID/passport, medical or hospital information and any funeral-plan documents available.
Choose one family contact
Having one person coordinate the funeral arrangements can reduce confusion and help information reach the right family members.
We will guide you
We can assist with funeral planning, burial or cremation arrangements, documentation and the practical details of the farewell.
We are here, at any hour
082 49 49 852
www.wsefunerals.co.za · 12 Spencer Road, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925
Keep a copy
Take the guide with you
One printed page you can keep on the fridge, forward to family or save on your phone.
Where to go next
Once the first calls are made.
These pages cover what usually follows — the paperwork, the choices and the help available to you.
Whatever the hour
You can call before you have any of this ready.
Our team will talk you through what happens next in plain language, and take the arrangements from there.