Funeral Home Cremates Woman's Remains, 13 Years Later Gets Unexpected Call
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A funeral director has shared her shock when a woman walked through the funeral home doors, asking to collect cremated remains—thirteen years after the person had died.
Melissa Schmidt, from Long Island, has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 12 years, and shares her inside view of the profession online under the handle @funeralbabe. But despite over a decade of experience, there are still surprises.
"It honestly caught me off guard, but it certainly wasn't the first time and I'm sure not the last," 34-year-old Schmidt told Newsweek. "We always hope families come back, but after more than a decade, you assume the remains may never be claimed."
When the woman finally came in for the ashes, she explained that the delay came from a miscommunication within the family—something Schmidt said is common.
Pictures of funeral director Melissa Schmidt in the Reel where she revealed the unusual moment.
Pictures of funeral director Melissa Schmidt in the Reel where she revealed the unusual moment.
@funeralbabe/Instagram
"Grief, family dynamics, or even just not being ready can delay someone's ability to pick up cremated remains," she said. "We've held cremated remains for months, years, and in some cases, decades. It's heartbreaking, but also very human."
According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation is the most popular choice for people after death in the U.S. In 2024, the cremation rate in the U.S. reached 61.8 percent, and CANA predicts this number will rise to 67.9 percent by 2029.
Given that the U.S. sees approximately 3 million deaths annually, this percentage means that roughly 1.85 million people were cremated in 2024.
Schmidt shares the reality of her job with her thousands of followers online, posting the video of the moment the remains were finally collected on Instagram, where it has since been viewed 1.1 million times.
"They said 'I think you have my grandma' and I said 'Ma'am... she's been here longer than I have'," she captioned the video.
Read more
I'm an autopsy tech, here are 6 things you should never do—trust me
I'm an autopsy tech, here are 6 things you should never do—trust me
Revealing more about why she posts on social media, Schmidt: "I like pulling back the curtain and giving people a deeper understanding while also bringing some empathy and perspective. I've been overwhelmed, in the best way, by how many people resonated with it or felt seen by it."
In the comments, people shared their reactions. "I can't imagine someone waiting all that time to pick up a loved one," wrote viewer Breephoenix. While others could relate to the idea of leaving ashes for a while before picking them up.
"One of my colleagues left her dad at the funeral home for 4 years as she thought it would be better to collect him on what would've been his 90th birthday," wrote M_alicexo. While Ginia_bear said: "Happened in my family, I'll say one of the biggest factors was the grief process."
"What matters is that they are still there and ready to be reunited with family whether it be for forever or the very last time," wrote Combat.gauze.
For Schmidt, sharing this moment gave others an important look at something many people don't know much about. "I shared it because people often have no idea how this part of funeral service works," she said. "When they finally came in, it was unexpected and quietly emotional. It reminded me that grief doesn't follow a timeline."
This isn't the first time a funeral director has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the job. In 2023 one worker shared the unexpected things she finds among cremated remains, while another undertaker revealed the things that people don't know about what happens after death.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
5 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Sociologist's Simple Morning Rule To Improve Her Brain Health Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Be honest, how often do you wake up and look at your phone first thing in the morning? It's become the norm to wake up and start the day by checking messages, doom scrolling social media, and perhaps catching up on overnight headlines. Many of us wouldn't even think twice about this, but sociologist Caitlin Begg of New York City, now refuses to start her mornings this way. Like most of us, Begg, 30, used to look at her phone first most mornings, but she told Newsweek that she felt that her "screen time was too high," especially after the pandemic. "Smartphones are an important and useful part of daily life, but I didn't want to be over reliant on my phone," Begg, the founder of Authentic Social, an applied research lab at the intersection of sociology and technology, said. As a result, she made a conscious effort to improve her habits in 2022. She made a new year's resolution to be more creative, and it became clear that the best way of increasing her creativity was to reduce screen time. She also came off TikTok to see if that led to any significant changes—unbeknownst to her, that was something she'd maintain for three years. Caitlin Begg, 30, discussing her reasons for reading nonfiction every morning. Caitlin Begg, 30, discussing her reasons for reading nonfiction every morning. @caitybegg / TikTok After decreasing her social media usage, Begg, who also hosts the podcast Progression to Analog, was able to fall back in love with reading. For several months, she would pick up a book instead of her phone at various points in the day, even if only for a few quick pages. "My 'aha' moment came in September 2022, on a rainy morning in Maine. I woke up and my phone was dead across the room, and I couldn't find my charger," Begg said. She continued: "My book, Society of the Spectacle [by Guy Debord] was right next to my bed, so I decided to sit by the window and read. It had taken me months to read the first half of the book, and I finished the final half in a few hours that morning. I noticed that my brain felt different and lighter without morning screen time. I no longer had phone brain." Doing something analog rather than digital had such an instant impact, so Begg tailored her morning routine to ensure she carried this on. For almost three years, she has started every morning by reading nonfiction before looking at any electronic devices. Indeed, Begg no longer keeps the phone in her bedroom, as she tries to give herself as much space from electronics as possible. She and her husband have even bought an alarm clock, meaning they don't have to rely on phones to wake them up. This aligns with a 2018 study from the University of East London which concluded that going to bed without smartphones in the room improves sleep quality, relationships, focus, and wellbeing. Some mornings, Begg only has time to read a page or two, while other mornings she can read for over an hour. Either way, she makes sure that's the first thing she does each day because it's helped to increase her happiness and creativity, while also reducing anxiety and screen time. Of course, there are some mornings when it's harder to maintain, but Begg feels far more present, finds it easier to focus, and it's helped her to get through hundreds of books since 2022. "This habit has radically transformed my life," Begg told Newsweek. "One of the reasons why checking your phone in the morning is so harmful has to do with sleep inertia—the transitional phase between sleep and being awake. Essentially, if we begin our day scrolling, it can lead to higher screen time throughout the day." Think about it this way—your alarm has just gone off, you can hardly open your eyes, so you grab your phone to delay having to get out of bed. You've barely even woken up and yet you're bombarded with information to process. This can leave you feeling drained before you've even started the day, and in some cases, it can activate your stress response. Ever wondered why you feel pessimistic or in a bad mood before you've even had your morning coffee? Having recently returned to social media, Begg shared a video on TikTok (@caitybegg) about the positive impacts of reading first thing each morning. In just a matter of days, the video has gone viral with over 305,100 views and more than 29,400 likes at the time of writing. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to help others make positive changes and improve their relationships with their smartphones. "It's very important with these types of habit changes that they integrate into your general lifestyle, so it can vary from person to person. The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive. So many people have commented saying they'd like to make similar changes in their own life," Begg said. Reading certainly isn't for everyone, but that doesn't mean there aren't other analogue ways of achieving this wellbeing boost. Begg also recommends meditating, exercising, making breakfast, or even just showering and getting ready "without going on your phone." Changing that routine in some way could make a world of difference.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
Small Earthquake Rattles NYC and New Jersey Saturday Night
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A small earthquake shook the New York metropolitan area Saturday evening, registering a magnitude of 3.0 according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor struck in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, less than eight miles west of Manhattan's Central Park, at a depth of approximately 6.2 miles underground. NYC Emergency Management quickly issued guidance on social media to residents following the seismic event, confirming that tremors were felt across parts of New York City. The agency reported no major impacts at the time while coordinating with partner agencies to monitor for any potential damage or aftershocks. Why It Matters While earthquakes are relatively uncommon in the Northeast, this event highlights the region's ongoing seismic activity in one of the nation's most densely populated urban centers. The earthquake's proximity to Manhattan underscores the importance of emergency preparedness planning and public awareness in metropolitan areas not typically associated with frequent seismic events. A magnitude 3.0 earthquake is reported to have occurred in or near New Jersey. Tremors may have been felt in parts of New York City. NYC Emergency Management is monitoring for impacts and coordinating with agency partners. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: USGS Earthquake Guidance:… — NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) August 3, 2025 What To Know The earthquake originated in the Ramapo Fault system, a known seismic zone running through New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Despite its minor magnitude of 3.0, the shallow depth allowed the tremor to be felt across the metropolitan region as a brief swaying sensation lasting only seconds. NYC Emergency Management provided comprehensive safety guidance following the event, advising residents to check for hazards such as shifted items, falling debris, or cracks if they experienced shaking. The agency emphasized that no immediate protective action was needed unless damage occurred, while warning residents to remain prepared for possible aftershocks that could follow minutes, hours, or days after the initial quake. The city established clear reporting channels for residents, directing earthquake reports to the USGS and non-emergency damage reports to 311, while reserving 911 calls for life-threatening emergencies only. What People Are Saying NYC Emergency Management posted on X: "Be prepared for possible aftershocks. These may follow minutes, hours, or even days after the initial quake. No immediate protective action is needed unless you experienced damage." The Empire State Building's official X account posted: "I AM FINE" FILE IMAGE: A thunderstorm passes over the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on July 31, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. FILE IMAGE: A thunderstorm passes over the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on July 31, 2025, as seen from Jersey City, New Happens Next? Seismologists will continue monitoring the region for aftershocks, though significant follow-up tremors are unlikely given the earthquake's small magnitude. The U.S. Geological Survey will analyze data from the event to better understand regional seismic patterns and improve future preparedness efforts. NYC Emergency Management will maintain coordination with agency partners while encouraging residents to stay informed through official city sources and NotifyNYC alerts. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Amazon Recall Update: Fatal Warning Issued Nationwide
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recall notices for four products sold online—principally via Amazon—due to serious safety hazards. The recalls underscore concerns about safety oversight for products marketed by third-party sellers on e-commerce platforms, particularly for children's products with potentially hazardous defects. Three of the four recalled products pose potentially life-threatening hazards. Newsweek contacted CPSC via online form on Friday for comment. List of Recalls Magnetic Floating Stackers toys The stackers contain magnets that can loosen and detach from the toy, posing an ingestion hazard to children. The stackers contain magnets that can loosen and detach from the toy, posing an ingestion hazard to children. CPSC/CPSC The recalled magnetic floating stackers toys violate the mandatory standard for toy magnets because they contain magnets that can loosen and detach from the toy, posing an ingestion hazard to children, the CPSC said. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract each other or other metal objects and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. Remedy: replace Recall date: July 31, 2025 Units: 22,850 (Additionally, about 1,977 in Canada and about 190 in Mexico) KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchen Children's clothing can get caught on the plastic or metal hooks posing a strangulation hazard. Children's clothing can get caught on the plastic or metal hooks posing a strangulation hazard. CPSC/CPSC If young children are climbing on the counter or crawling through the opening at the back of the play kitchen, their clothing can get caught on the plastic or metal hooks meant to hold toy kitchen accessories such as play pots and pans, posing a strangulation hazard. One death has been reported. Remedy: Repair Recall Date: July 31, 2025 Units: About 192,000 Amazon Basics Premium Foam Eurotop Mattresses The recalled mattresses violate a mandatory flammability standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard and risk of serious injury or death to consumers. The recalled mattresses violate a mandatory flammability standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard and risk of serious injury or death to consumers. CPSC/CPSC The recalled mattresses violate a mandatory flammability standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard and risk of serious injury or death to consumers, the CPSC said. Remedy: Refund Recall Date: July 31, 2025 Units: About 2,700 An Amazon spokesperson told Newsweek in a statement on Friday regarding the recalled mattress: "Our customers' health and safety is of the utmost importance to us. Amazon notified customers alerting them of this Safety Notice and provided clear instructions for mattress disposal, as well as refunds for their purchase. Customer safety remains our top priority throughout this process." Leatherman Charge Plus and Charge Plus TTi Multi-Tools The tip of the knife blade does not fully fold into the handle, posing a laceration hazard. The tip of the knife blade does not fully fold into the handle, posing a laceration hazard. CPSC/CPSC CPSC said that the tip of the knife blade does not fully fold into the handle, posing a laceration hazard. Remedy: Repair Recall Date: July 31, 2025 Units: About 17,000 What People Are Saying Amazon says on its recall site: "Our Product Safety Team proactively investigates and addresses reported safety complaints and incidents to ensure customer protection from potential product-related safety risks. We closely monitor public recall alert websites and receive notifications from vendors and sellers. Upon discovering a product recall, we immediately halt affected product offerings and promptly inform both customers and sellers involved about the recall." What Happens Next Consumers who purchased recalled products are urged to discontinue their use immediately and follow instructions for returns, replacements or refunds as detailed by the manufacturers or sellers. Anyone with potential safety concerns is advised to review the official CPSC recall database and consult Amazon's recalls page for continued updates. The CPSC also encourages consumers to report any problems with recall processes directly on its website.
