Owning My Story: What It Means to Be a Woman Leading a Funeral Home

Owning My Story: What It Means to Be a Woman Leading a Funeral Home

When I first stepped into the funeral profession, I didn’t fully realize how much this work would shape my life—or how much I would shape it in return. Growing up in the funeral industry. As a woman, stepping into ownership and leadership came with its own set of challenges, lessons, and profound rewards.

Owning and leading a funeral home isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling, a commitment to serve others in their most vulnerable moments. Along the way, I’ve learned that being a woman in this role is about much more than managing day-to-day operations or directing services. It’s about bringing heart, resilience, and a fresh perspective to an industry where compassion and professionalism must coexist.

Breaking Stereotypes with Every Step

When I took on this leadership role, I knew I was stepping into a male-dominated field. There were moments of doubt, both from others and, truthfully, from within myself. Would families trust me to guide them? Would the industry take me seriously? Over time, I realized that my strengths as a woman—empathy, intuition, and a deep sense of care—weren’t weaknesses at all. They were exactly what families needed.

Balancing Tradition and Progress

The funeral industry carries a legacy of tradition, and I respect that deeply. But today’s families want something more—they want personalized services, creative memorials, and sometimes, just a conversation that feels real and human. As a woman, I’ve leaned into that shift.

Leading a funeral home has taught me to balance the old with the new, honoring time-tested practices while also embracing innovation. From pre-arranged funeral planning to incorporating personal touches like favorite songs or unique rituals, I’ve found joy in helping families create meaningful goodbyes that truly reflect their loved ones.

Facing the Challenges with Grace

Let’s be honest—this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been days when the weight of the work feels heavy, moments when I’ve had to prove myself in ways that my male counterparts might not. Balancing the demands of running a business with being a mother, a friend, and a woman who wants to have a life outside of work hasn’t always been easy.

But through those challenges, I’ve grown stronger. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, lean on my faith, and surround myself with people who believe in my vision. I’ve also learned that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, not just for me, but for the families and community I serve.

Why It Matters

At the heart of it all, leading a funeral home is about making a difference. It’s about more than planning services or running a business—it’s about building trust, offering comfort, and helping people find peace in some of the hardest moments of their lives.

As a woman, I bring my whole self to this role—my heart, my intuition, and my determination to leave every family better than I found them. That’s the legacy I want to build, not just for myself, but for other women who dream of stepping into this profession.

Looking Ahead



Being a woman leading a funeral home isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about building bridges. It’s about showing families and communities that women can lead with both strength and sensitivity, that compassion is powerful, and that tradition can evolve without losing its soul.

For every woman who has ever wondered if she belongs in a space that wasn’t built for her: you do. You have the ability to shape this industry, to bring something new, and to lead with the kind of heart this work needs.

Owning and leading a funeral home has taught me more than I ever imagined. It’s taught me to value connection, to embrace the hard days, and to celebrate the moments when I can truly make a difference. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.