Here's to the Hereafter: Celebrating Life With a Party

Should you plan a final party?

CNBC

It’s a “No Tear Zone” at the celebration of life party for Ursula Stock, who had made arrangements to hold a party instead of a funeral.

Planning your own celebration of life may seem extreme, but Grady-Savard said it was a must for her. She's seen what can happen when things are left unsaid.

"I have had several family members pass away," she said. "Family members that didn't have things planned for them and as a result, it caused a lot of friction. Some family members wanted this music, some wanted that music, some wanted an open casket, some closed casket. This could have been avoided if arrangements and decisions were made ahead of time and not in crisis mode."

"People should be doing this now, when you can enjoy it, when you're young and healthy and it's not threatening," Moore said.

Back in San Jose, one of Ursula Stock's friends reminisced about a wild plane trip they took together. Many people laughed; a few wiped away tears.

Michael Stock looked toward the "No Tear Zone" sign and smiled. "I'm breaking the first rule," he said. "No tears."

Watch the premiere of "Death It's A Living" Thursday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. EST/8CST on CNBC.