“Favorite Bodies,” by Lydia Davis

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Published: 2026-09-10T11:07:03.026Z • Permanent link

Global attention has turned to the peculiar profession of morticians, thanks to a recent revelation from an interview with a prominent figure in the industry. Specifically, the mortician in question is Henry Lee, a well-respected figure in the US funeral service industry. Lee's comments, published in a recent article, shed light on the often-overlooked world of morticians and their surprisingly nuanced approach to death care.

According to Lee, the mortician's role extends far beyond the mere preparation of the deceased for burial. Rather, they play a pivotal part in shaping the deceased's final appearance, often referred to as their "favorite body." This term refers to the carefully crafted image of the deceased that is presented to the grieving family and friends. Lee explained that this image is not merely a reflection of the deceased's physical appearance, but also a representation of their personality, values, and life story.

Lee's revelation has sent shockwaves through the funeral service industry, forcing many to reevaluate their approach to death care. For instance, the company Eulogy.com, which offers personalized obituaries and funeral services, has taken notice of Lee's comments and has since implemented a new "favorite body" policy, allowing families to select from a range of carefully curated images to best represent their loved one.

The implications of Lee's comments are far-reaching, affecting not only the funeral service industry but also research communities and markets worldwide. One of the primary concerns is the potential disruption to the traditional funeral service model, which has long relied on a standardized approach to death care. Companies such as Funeraria del Pacifico, a leading funeral home chain in the US, may need to adapt to this new paradigm, potentially leading to significant changes in their business practices and customer relationships.

Furthermore, the "favorite body" concept raises important questions about consumer choice and agency in the death care market. Research institutions such as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) will need to reassess their guidelines and recommendations in light of Lee's revelation, potentially leading to a shift towards more personalized and consumer-centric approaches to death care. This, in turn, could have significant implications for the broader funeral service industry, forcing companies to rethink their business strategies and marketing tactics.

Lee's comments must be understood within the context of broader trends in the death care industry. The past decade has seen a significant shift towards more personalized and bespoke approaches to death care, driven in part by advances in technology and changing consumer preferences. The rise of online obituary platforms, for example, has democratized access to death care information, allowing families to share their loved one's story with a wider audience.