Our Story
OWNER / FOUNDER
A FUNERAL DIRECTOR FOR THE PEOPLE
Sahara Farrugio created Smart Funeral Planning in 2021 to provide a comfortable funeral planning experience for the growing number of people who were curious about what to expect when the inevitable occurs. She aims to remove the discomfort and confusion that typically accompanies funeral planning, saying “Death is one of the few things that absolutely every one of us has in common…so why aren’t we talking about it?! Fear comes from the unknown, and many of us don’t have a whole lot of experience with death, so we become afraid of it. Bringing it into the light, out in the open, makes it approachable -- some may even say enlightening!”
Coupling this new ideology with the ability to work with licensed funeral directors, compare multiple funeral providers and service options, while keeping the clients needs and budget front of mind, is what makes working with our team the smartest way to plan.
TRANSFORMING FUNERAL SERVICE
In a fast paced world with smart phones, electric cars, in-vitro fertilization, biotechnology, and mRNA vaccines…it may appear as if everything has been reimagined. Redesigned to make the experience more comfortable, more user friendly, more POSSIBLE. Why should our death be any different?
Smart Funeral Planning aims to remove the discomfort and confusion that typically goes along with making final arrangements. You know what I’m talking about…We’ve all heard the story of a broken widow who goes into the cold, dark funeral home to be greeted by the untrusted funeral director. We’ve seen how funeral home owners calculate the casket displays and make recommendations that steer vulnerable grievers into the packages that are most profitable for them. This tale is as old as time, but it’s no longer the only option.
Discuss your wishes with licensed funeral directors that work for YOU, not the funeral home. With Smart Funeral Planning, Sahara has created a safe, comfortable space that allows our communities to get a non-bias overview of ALL their choices. Working with the funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries that you select, we provide an opportunity to plan and budget for this experience well in advance; so when the reaper does inevitably show up, you’re prepared – emotionally and financially.
We believe you are the only person that should write the last chapter of your book! Share your story with us, and explain your expectations at the time of your death. Let us walk you through the different scenarios and navigate your preferred providers. There are lots of serious legal issues and concerns to address when it comes to rights and regulations surrounding death -- Especially in Connecticut! Don’t assume your family knows your wishes, and even if they do, don’t assume they’ll remember during a time of great loss. Death doesn’t have to sneak up on you – Be better, be smarter, and plan ahead!
What People Are Saying
“Sahara is able to be thoroughly professional while addressing a large audience, small group or just me and my wife. And she has a wonderful personality and she is just plain helpful with her unique knowledge and experience in the very delicate world of discussing and planning for one’s final days. She is, in a word, Terrific. If you get a chance to work with her you won’t be disappointed. A recent address to a fairly large audience was just another wonderful success for her. We give her an A+/5+”
— Whitey & Peggy Wilson, Chester
“As soon as we completed our arrangements it felt like a weight was lifted off our shoulders. Sahara made it so easy and convenient.”
— Jinny Cree, Weston
“We are parents of an only child and wanted to pre-arrange so our child doesn’t have to go through the commotion of planning a funeral. Sahara made it as painless as possible and we are very happy knowing this has been handled.”
— Maria & Ken Shepard, Wilton