Alexa, I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you were able to help. Barbara ________________________________ From: Alexa <kaseysworld2@yahoo.com> To: laorlean@rootsweb.com Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2012 5:43 PM Subject: [LAORLEAN] Genealogy To The Rescue - Working with the Coroner A friend died yesterday in her sleep.  She was the only surviving member of her immediate family.  She was an only child, and her only child died last year.  Her husband died five years ago.  Her family was originally from South and North Carolina. We were told by the Jefferson Parish coroner that her body couldn't be released for 30 days unless we could locate a family member.  It we wanted her cremated, they'd have to have all adult relatives okay it, per Louisiana law.  However, if we left her with the coroner for 30 days, we could take care of the remains however we legally desired after that time.  They wouldn't even accept her attorney's instructions without a relative's permission. So, being an avid, longtime genealogist, when I got home last night after dealing with her death yesterday, I dug out her dad's obit from 10 years ago.  Checked the usual genealogical records for names of siblings and discovered a few family trees on Ancestry.com.  Only one of several listed my friends' parents, while listing my friend and her son as "private - still living".  I sent the owner of the tree a message through Ancestry and I received a telephone call from my friend's cousin this morning - less than 12 hours after sending my message!  The cousin lives in New Mexico. Her cousin called the coroner, and everything seems to be taken care of. I spoke to the inspector in the coroner's office and she was thrilled I was able to help out so quickly.  When I told her I used my genealogical skills, she said she never thought of that - even though her aunt is their family historian. Now my friend will be laid to rest in New Orleans with her loved ones in a timely manner. Looks like we need to spread the word about what we can do.  It's not just our families we can find.  We can actually be HELPFUL, not just nosy.  <wink> Just thought I'd share. Alexa Genealogy research since 1974 Ancestral hauntings - I ain't afraid-a no ghosts...   ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LAORLEAN-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message