24 hour line 0191 586 4322

Care and support

In our care: before the funeral

When someone dies, families need to know their loved one will be looked after in the best possible way. In our care, your loved one is treated with the utmost care and respect.

A funeral director in mourning dress holding a top hat, hands folded

How we look after your loved one

Our mortuaries are very well equipped and maintained to a very high standard, offering a hygienic and respectful place for your loved one to rest before the funeral.

Between arriving in our care and the funeral taking place, your loved one will be washed and put into a clean gown, before being dressed and prepared according to your instructions. Our embalmer is qualified with the British Institute of Embalmers.

Visiting

Our Chapels of Rest are at our Peterlee and Trimdon Grange funeral homes, where you can visit your loved one while they are in our care. Read about our chapels of rest.

Reviews

What families say about us

Many local families choose us on personal recommendation. You can read what families have said about us, in their own words, on Trustpilot.

Read our reviews on Trustpilot
Excellent 5.0 out of 5 from 312 reviews on Trustpilot (as shown on Trustpilot, 9 November 2026)

Tom, Ellen and all at East Durham Funeral Services were so helpful, respectful and professional from our first contact with them, right through to the day of the funeral itself. Nothing was too much trouble and they went out of their way to provide the reassurance and guidance that we needed throughout the whole process. We can't Thank them enough for all their help and the kindness shown to us at such a sad time. We would not hesitate to recommend them to others dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Tony 21 June 2026 Review on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

Questions

Frequently asked questions

See all frequently asked questions

How do you look after my loved one before the funeral?

Our mortuaries are very well equipped and maintained to a very high standard. Your loved one will be washed and put into a clean gown, before being dressed and prepared according to your instructions.

Is your embalmer qualified?

Yes. Our embalmer is qualified with the British Institute of Embalmers.

Can I visit my loved one before the funeral?

Yes. Our Chapels of Rest are at our Peterlee and Trimdon Grange funeral homes. All we ask is that you let us know when you would like to visit, so we can make sure you have the space and privacy you need. Some people like to visit more than once.

We are here whenever you need us

Call our 24 hour line, or any of our four funeral homes.

Call 0191 586 4322
Call us 24 hours 0191 586 4322