alexandra kathryn mosca
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Me llamo Neuva York
A few years back, I got a call from Francesc Peirón, a journalist at La Vanguardia, the Spanish daily that has been in publication since 1881. He was working on an article about interesting places to see, and people to meet, in NYC. He had come across my book about Green-Wood Cemetery, and asked if…
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What to Know About Choosing a Cremation Urn
Cremation urns have come a long way from the days of ornate, claw-footed brass urns with intricate gothic carvings. Today, there are myriad choices to select from, in a variety of materials, styles, colors, and themes. There are urns for nature lovers, sports fans, veterans, and more. Was your loved one a firefighter, doctor, police…
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What You Need to Know When Considering a Home Funeral
In 1911, when newspaper publisher and journalist Joseph Pulitzer died, he was waked in the library of his Manhattan home. The room was filled with floral tributes and the furniture arranged for the assembly of mourners. Throughout the morning, family, friends, and employees came to pay their respects to the journalistic icon who reposed in…
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How To Feel Beautiful, Stylish and Resilient at 90
I am one of Iris Apfel’s 1.6 million Instagram followers. In a society that worships youth, and in which fashion models seems to grow younger all the time, 99-year-old Apfel is a breath of fresh air. The unconventional style icon’s fabulousness and ageless spirit is on full display in each and every photo. She is proof…
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12+ Things You Should Know About Planning a Memorial Service
Two summers ago, my cousin Elizabeth died. Her death was sudden and occurred less than two weeks after the death of her mother. But unlike her mother, who had a traditional funeral, Elizabeth’s wish was to be cremated and to have her cremated remains scattered. In the interim, her two sisters and I put together a memorial…
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Moonrise at Green-Wood Cemetery
I spend a lot of time in cemeteries–in both my capacity as a funeral director and writer, where I’ve found many a great story with rich historical context. But being in a cemetery after dark is a far different experience. I wouldn’t say it’s spooky, but it does give one a completely different perspective. That…