Nicholas V. Ille
Co-founder & Editor — DFS Memorials
Nicholas Ille is the co-founder, author, and network director of DFS Memorials. Since launching the network in 2012 with Sara Marsden-Ille, Nicholas has built and managed the 80+ funeral home and cremation provider partnerships that make up the DFS Memorials referral network across the United States and Canada. He oversees provider vetting, network standards, and ongoing relationships with local funeral professionals. He established US Funerals Online & Canadian Funerals in 2003 and continues to research and publish industry information across all 3 websites.
Recent Articles Published
How Long Does Cremation Take? A Complete Timeline From Death to Receiving Ashes
How long does cremation take? The process itself takes 2–3 hours, but most families receive ashes in 7–14 days. Here's the full timeline and what affects it.
March 31, 2026
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Death: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Don't know what to do after a loved one passes? This step-by-step guide walks families through the first 24 hours after a death — from making calls to planning next steps.
March 30, 2026
Pre-Planning Your Cremation With a DFS Memorials Provider: A Complete Guide
Pre-planning your cremation with a DFS Memorials provider gives you control over your final wishes, protects your family from emotional and financial pressure, and may allow you to pre-sign your own Cremation Authorization Form. Here is everything you need to know.
March 30, 2026
How to Plan a Celebration of Life After Cremation: Ideas, Checklist & Examples
Planning a celebration of life after cremation? This complete guide covers venue ideas, planning checklists, meaningful activities, and real examples to help you honor your loved one.
March 28, 2026
What Is Anticipatory Grief? How to Cope When a Loved One Is Dying
Anticipatory grief is the grief that begins before a loss. Learn what it is, why it happens, how it differs from grief after death, and how to cope when a loved one is dying.
March 28, 2026
Can You Fly With Cremation Ashes? TSA Rules, Approved Urns & What to Bring
Yes, you can fly with cremation ashes — but TSA has strict rules. Learn which urns are approved, how to carry ashes on a plane, and what documents to bring.
March 28, 2026
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As Featured In
Cremation Association of North America [CANA] – From Tradition to Transformation: Women, Doulas, & the New Shape of Cremation & Death Care.
2/4/2026