Welcome to the NYSFDA Board: Carrie-Lynne Sorvari, Region 6 Director
What led you to choose a career in funeral service?
I did not grow up in funeral service. As I was finishing college and looking to embark on a different career path, I realized that the work I was doing, while important, did not feel fulfilling to me. A trusted mentor recommended I look into funeral service. After a period of discernment and a few shadowing opportunities, it was clear I had found the work I was called to do.
When did you begin your career in funeral service?
I began working in funeral homes in 2013 and began my schooling later that year.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is that no two families are the same, and so, no two days are the same. I can go into each day with a new perspective. Each day and each family provide a new opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about the profession?
This field of work curates incredible teams of workers. I enjoy the bonds I’ve made with my coworkers over the years.
What part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?
What drives me each day to be at my best is knowing I am helping to make a difference for a family. Learning about the person I am caring for and feeling like I am getting to know them through the stories their family shares has impacted me in profound ways. I have learned many lessons by just listening to the shared experiences of the families I have served.
What characteristics do you believe make for a good funeral director?
Funeral directors need to be adaptable, ready to change directions at any given moment. We need to listen to hear and not to respond. Above all we need empathy and the ability to stay present so that we never forget the impact we have on the families we serve.
What has being a funeral director taught you about life?
I have learned to let the little things go much more easily. We never know what can happen at any moment. I have learned to try and appreciate all the good moments I experience and not dwell on things I cannot control.
Why did you first join NYSFDA and what prompted you to seek a leadership position?
I first joined NYSDA as a new employee of my firm. Over the years, I have seen what an asset and valuable presence in our industry NYSFDA is. This year I was honored to have participated in the Northeast Funeral Service Partnership’s Leadership Academy and that sparked a desire to be more active in the future of funeral service. I strongly believe in the power of what we do and want to be directly involved in continuing to elevate funeral service to the public and provide the support that funeral directors need to continue to serve their communities with excellency. As times change this will take a team of diverse perspectives and I am excited for this opportunity to be a part of such an outstanding group of funeral directors.