Honoring the Heart of Deathcare: A Labor Day Tribute to Our DDC Team

Labor Day is a celebration of dedication, resilience, and the people who keep our communities moving forward. At Dearly Departed (DDC), we take this opportunity to honor the compassionate professionals behind every quiet farewell. 

Behind every cremation, every form processed, and every comforting conversation is a team of professionals who do more than a job—they serve with heart. 

Today, we honor the operators and admin staff who represent the soul of DDC. Through their stories, we share what it truly means to work in the deathcare industry. 

"You're not just an employee—you’re family here." – Angel, Admin 

“In my almost one year working here at DDC, I’m so grateful. I’ve learned a lot from my co-workers—handling paperwork, performing administrative tasks, assisting clients.  Working at Dearly Departed is not as easy as it may seem. You really need empathy. When assisting families during their loved one’s final viewing, you have to be emotionally strong.  I’m naturally soft-hearted, so sometimes it’s tough. I can feel their sadness, too.  But I’m truly happy to work at DDC because you’re not treated like just another employee—you’re treated like family. They teach you everything that will help you grow in your job and as a person. Thank you, DDC, for the opportunities, knowledge, and kindness.” 

Angel’s reflection shows that at DDC, emotional intelligence and empathy are just as valued as skill and experience. 

“From fear to fulfillment.” – Reb, Operator    

When I first started, cremation felt like such a heavy responsibility. But as time passed, I came to see the meaning behind the work. It’s no longer dreadful—it’s fulfilling. 

What keeps me going is knowing I help ease the pain of grieving families. That gives me strength. 

I’ve been with DDC for 2.5 years now, and I can say with pride that we have top-tier equipment and an amazing team. This place has changed my view of deathcare—and changed me, too. 

Reb’s story shows how even the hardest roles can become deeply meaningful with the right mindset and mission. 

“We’re the first to receive their grief.” – Ethel, Admin  

“As a DDC employee, I’m so grateful and blessed to be one of its pioneers. In my three years here, beyond the routine paperwork, we admins are often the first people to assist grieving families.  We witness their pain firsthand. We hear the stories—memories of the deceased, good and bad, and what happened in their final moments.  Through all that, our job is to listen and to comfort. And by the time the family leaves DDC, we make sure they feel some peace.” 

Ethel reminds us that even administrative roles in deathcare carry immense emotional weight—and even more meaning. 

“Hindi pa rin madali.” – Jhoven, Operator  

“Sa aking experience bilang isang Machine Operator sa loob ng mahigit tatlong taon—na halos araw-araw akong may kini-cremate—hindi pa rin maalis sa akin ang lungkot ng mga pamilyang naulila, lalo na kapag ang pumanaw ay isang bata.Sinisiguro namin na komportable ang mga customer sa aming facility upang kahit paano ay maibsan ang bigat ng kanilang nararamdaman. Akala ko ay malakas na ang loob ko dahil sa tagal ko sa trabaho—halos araw-araw na ako ang nagke-cremate ng mga labi—pero nang ang sarili ko nang Lola ang kailangang i-cremate, hindi ko pa rin naiwasang umiyak ng todo.  Ganoon pala kasakit at kalungkot ang mawalan ng minamahal sa buhay.  Sa aking mga katrabaho, hindi na kami iba sa isa’t isa. Para na kaming pamilya. Kaya’t napag-uusapan namin agad ang mga concerns at mas madali kaming nagtutulungan.” 

Jhoven’s words are a powerful reminder that even the strongest hearts carry grief—and that shared empathy brings strength. 

Serving with Heart—The DDC Culture of Care  

From the front desk to the crematory floor, our team goes above and beyond to honor each family’s story. Every task is approached with care, dignity, and humanity. 

At DDC, we don’t just work together—we support one another like family. And that spirit of unity shapes everything we do, both for our clients and among ourselves. 

To the Heroes Behind the Scenes   

This Labor Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to the professionals in the deathcare industry—especially our DDC family. Your strength, compassion, and dedication often go unseen, but never unappreciated. 

Thank you for being the calm in the storm, for standing strong in grief’s presence, and for showing us all that real service comes from the heart. 

Happy Labor Day—from your family at DDC. 

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