Alexandra Kathryn Mosca is a writer, funeral director, and funeral service activist. In 2018, along with a respected colleague, Alexandra co-created The Morte Girls as a platform for keeping dignity in funeral service. Dismayed at what they were seeing in the media, the two women made it their mission to highlight the positive aspects of traditional funerals.
That’s only the latest focus in a life that has been filled with adventure and accomplishment. Alexandra has worked as a model and actress, been the subject of a Jeopardy question, stumped the panel on To Tell The Truth, and sat for interviews with some of television’s most iconic talk show hosts. All the while, she has continued to serve the public in her capacity as a funeral director, arranging and directing funerals, as well as preparing the deceased for visitation. She wrote about these experiences, and more, in her memoir Grave Undertakings (New Horizon Press, 2003). The book tells of Alexandra’s unique career as a female funeral director, beginning at a time when a female presence was uncommon. Grave Undertakings has inspired young women from around the country to forge their own careers in funeral service.
In the intervening years, Alexandra has become well-known and respected in her industry through her writing. She authored two more books, both about New York’s most notable cemeteries, becoming known as a cemetery historian in the process. A topic near and dear to her heart, she is a leader in the effort to bring awareness to the importance of cemeteries.
Cemetery profiles are among her favorite research and writing projects as she continues to be a regular contributor to funeral industry publications. Among her writing specialties are Funerals of the Famous for which she has covered the funerals of Mayor Ed Koch, Gov. Mario Cuomo, comedienne Joan Rivers, and Justice Antonin Scalia—just to name a few. She is also sought after to profile her noteworthy industry colleagues.
With her special blend of wit, sensitivity, and a seasoned perspective, Alexandra continues to make her mark by writing about funeral industry concerns, debunking myths about funeral service, and funeral fads.
Featured Articles
The Art of Giving a Eulogy – Share the Best Stories and Get Personal About It March 2020
Whether done in the funeral home, at the graveside, synagogue, or church, I believe that eulogies add an important element to a funeral. Cyrus Copeland, the author of three books on the subject, offers advice in this piece.
Second Act: From Funeral Director To Author Forbes, November 3, 2019
Much to my pleasant surprise, an article I recently wrote for Next Avenue was picked up by Forbes. Always remember that it is in your power to make your dreams come true–sometimes in unexpected ways.
The history of us: Tombstone tourism connects visitors to Long Island’s past, Newsday, October 20, 2019
There are so many outstanding cemeteries on Long Island. My article for Sunday’s Long Island Life’s section features 10 of them.
Five Things I’ve learned in my long career as a funeral director Life. Death. Whatever., May 6, 2019
I was pleased to share my view of funeral service, gleaned from the work I’ve done, the experiences of my colleagues, and the perspective of the thousands of families I’ve served over the years. Despite what you may read in slanted press articles (with the fringe and/or inexperienced being used as sources to further a false narrative), funerals are as important as they ever were.
