Meet a Funeral Home Manager: Ashley Young
How long have you worked at Lombard Funeral Home? How did you first get into the profession?
I've been part of the Lombard Funeral Home family for four months now, but have been working in the industry for five years, but in many ways, I feel like this profession has always been a part of me. I actually grew up around the funeral industry, so it was something familiar and deeply respected in my life from a young age. However, it wasn't until I moved back home from Texas that life truly led me into this calling. When I returned, I began working as an Office Manager in one location, and over the past five years, I've grown into my roles as a Funeral Director and, eventually, a Funeral Home Manager here at Lombard. It's been such a meaningful journey-one that combines both my personal roots and my passion for helping families during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
What is your job like? What are you responsible for in a typical week?
My role as Funeral Home Manager is a wonderful mix of leadership, service, and care. Each week, I oversee the daily operations of the funeral home, guide families through arrangements, and make sure that every service reflects the unique life we're honoring. I also manage our dedicated team, coordinate with vendors and cemeteries, and ensure that everything we do upholds our standards of compassion and professionalism. Beyond the day-to-day details, I spend a lot of time focusing on how we can better serve our community-through outreach, remembrance events, and partnerships that help families even after the service has ended. It's a role that requires heart, patience, and a deep sense of purpose, and I truly love every part of it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of this work is connecting with families and learning about the people we're celebrating. Every story is different, and every life leaves behind something beautiful. It's incredibly rewarding to help families create a service that reflects their loved one's personality, accomplishments, and spirit. I especially love the small moments-when a family member smiles through tears because a memory we've shared in the service captures exactly who their loved one was. Those moments remind me that what we do matters. It's not just about arranging a funeral-it's about helping people heal through remembrance.
What do you wish more people knew about funerals and cemeteries?
I wish more people understood that funerals are truly about life, love, and connection. They're not just about saying goodbye-they're about celebrating a person's story and the impact they've had on others. A well-planned service can bring peace, healing, and even joy as families come together to honor a life lived. Cemeteries, too, hold such importance-they're places where memories live on and where families can return to reflect, find comfort, and continue their bond with their loved one. I always encourage people to see funerals not as an ending, but as a meaningful beginning to the healing process.
What was the most memorable burial that you've helped with?
There have been so many meaningful services over the years, but one that stands out was for a local veteran whose family wanted to celebrate not just his military service, but his love for the outdoors and his incredible sense of humor. We incorporated personal touches like his favorite music and displayed items from his fishing trips. The ceremony was full of laughter, tears, and heartfelt stories that painted such a vivid picture of who he was. Moments like that remind me that funerals are about capturing the essence of a person's life-and that it's okay to celebrate, smile, and remember with love.
Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for people who are grieving?
Grief is such a personal journey-there's no "right" way or timeline for it. My best advice is to give yourself grace and time. Allow yourself to feel what you feel and reach out when you need support. Talk about your loved one, share stories, and keep their memory alive in ways that feel meaningful to you. Whether that's attending remembrance events, creating traditions in their honor, or simply taking quiet moments to reflect, it all helps with healing. Grief doesn't end, but it changes-and over time, love becomes the thing that stays strongest.
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with our audience?
I'd like families to know that we're here for them-before, during, and long after a service takes place. As a funeral professional, our mission is to provide comfort, guidance, and care every step of the way. We take pride in being part of this community and in building relationships that extend beyond the walls of the funeral home. Every family we serve leaves a lasting impression on us, and we will carry them in our thoughts and hearts for many many years. It is always a true honor to be trusted during such an important and emotional time.
