Morgue services: professional preparation of the body for burial
The death of a loved one is always a heavy emotional experience. During this period, relatives have to address many organizational issues, often without understanding which steps are necessary and why they are performed. One of the key and mandatory stages before a funeral or cremation is morgue services.
Morgue services provide professional, hygienically correct, and respectful preparation of the deceased for the farewell ceremony, burial, or cremation. The quality of these procedures directly affects the appearance of the deceased, compliance with sanitary standards, and the peace of mind of the family on the day of the farewell.
ANGEL funeral home provides a full range of morgue services in Riga and Jūrmala, supporting the family at every stage and handling all organizational issues.
Caring for a dignified farewell begins with respect for every stage of preparing the deceased.
Below we will explain in detail what morgue services include, how the deceased is prepared, when embalming is required, and why it is important to entrust these procedures to professionals.
What morgue services include
Morgue services are a set of procedures aimed at preparing the body of the deceased for funerals, cremation, or repatriation. They are performed by qualified specialists in compliance with all sanitary, ethical, and medical standards.
- Transportation of the deceased – careful transport in specialized vehicles;
- storage of the body in controlled conditions – maintaining the required temperature and sanitary standards;
- sanitary and hygienic treatment – preparing the body in accordance with medical requirements;
- dressing and placing in the coffin – careful preparation for the farewell ceremony;
- makeup – restoring the appearance;
- embalming (if necessary) – preserving the body for long-term storage or transport.
Each stage is carried out carefully and with respect for the memory of the deceased.
Transportation and storage of the deceased
Transporting the deceased to the morgue
The first step is transporting the body to the morgue. Specialized vehicles are equipped with everything necessary for safe and proper transport. Staff act calmly and professionally, understanding the delicacy of the situation and the emotional state of relatives.
ANGEL funeral home provides round-the-clock transportation of the deceased – from home, hospital, nursing facility, or other place of death. We are available 24/7:
Morgue storage conditions
After transport, the body is placed in specially equipped morgue facilities. Storage is conducted:
- at a controlled temperature;
- in compliance with sanitary standards;
- in conditions that ensure preservation until the farewell ceremony, burial, or cremation.
This is especially important if several days pass between death and the ceremony.
Sanitary and hygienic preparation of the body
Sanitary procedures
Sanitary preparation includes:
- washing and disinfecting;
- care of skin, hair, and nails;
- ensuring the deceased looks neat and presentable.
These procedures are performed in accordance with all medical standards and are aimed at creating a dignified appearance before the farewell.
Cosmetic preparation and makeup
Makeup helps correct visible changes caused by illness, age, or injuries. Professional cosmetics and techniques are used to preserve a natural and calm appearance.
Makeup is especially important if an open-casket farewell ceremony is planned.
Dressing and placing in the coffin
Choosing clothing for the deceased
The deceased is dressed in clothing provided by relatives or selected from the assortment of ANGEL funeral home. We offer:
- underwear, headscarves, dresses, shirts, suits, shoes of various sizes;
- classic and subdued models;
- clothing that complies with religious and cultural traditions.
Placing in the coffin
After dressing, the deceased is carefully placed in the coffin. Special items – pillow, shroud, and other elements – are used to ensure a dignified appearance and proper positioning.
ANGEL funeral home also offers a wide range of coffins of various shapes, materials, and price ranges – from modest classic models to more elegant options, allowing families to choose according to their wishes, traditions, and the overall format of the farewell ceremony.
Embalming the body: when and why it is necessary
What is embalming
Embalming is a conservation and sanitary procedure that slows natural processes and preserves the appearance of the deceased for a longer time.
When embalming is recommended
Embalming is performed:
- for long-term storage of the body;
- for delayed funerals;
- for international transportation (repatriation) if required by the receiving country;
- to improve appearance after injuries or severe illness.
The procedure is performed only by qualified specialists and in agreement with the family.
Morgue services for cremation and repatriation
Before cremation, morgue services include sanitary and cosmetic preparation of the body, as well as arranging it for the farewell ceremony.
For repatriation, special attention is given to sanitary requirements and preparing the body in accordance with international transport standards. ANGEL funeral home ensures full compliance with all requirements, relieving the family of additional concerns. We operate 24/7 and are always ready to answer your questions:
Why it is important to entrust morgue services to professionals
A professional approach guarantees not only proper execution of all procedures but also peace of mind for the family on one of the most difficult days.
It ensures:
- strict compliance with all sanitary, medical, and legal requirements for preparing the deceased for burial or cremation;
- dignified and neat appearance of the deceased, which is especially important for relatives during the farewell ceremony;
- careful and respectful handling at every stage, without haste or formal approach;
- family confidence that everything is done correctly, without violations or unpleasant surprises;
- emotional calm for relatives on the day of farewell, allowing them to focus on memory and goodbye rather than organizational details.
This is why morgue services should be performed by experienced specialists who understand not only the technical aspects but also the deep human significance of the process.
Morgue services and ANGEL funeral home
Full range of services
ANGEL funeral home helps find a morgue, which in turn provides the following professional services:
- Transportation of the deceased;
- storage in the morgue;
- sanitary and cosmetic preparation;
- dressing and placement in the coffin;
- makeup and embalming.
ANGEL funeral home provides a full range of related ritual services: preparation of all necessary documents, organization of farewell ceremonies, traditional funerals or cremation, selection of funeral accessories, transport services, and assistance with repatriation from abroad.
Such a comprehensive approach allows the family to receive all necessary support in one place and be confident that every stage will be performed professionally and respectfully.
Available in Riga and Jūrmala
Our services are available in Riga and Jūrmala. We operate 24/7 and are ready to help whenever it is especially needed.
Our branches:
ANGEL funeral home understands how challenging the period of loss is. We handle all issues related to morgue services so that you can focus on saying goodbye to your loved one.
Contact us anytime for a consultation – we operate 24/7:
