Oh interesting! My background is northeast US; the wake (a.k.a. calling hours) precedes the funeral, typically the evening prior. There's no food, it's not re

Oh interesting! My background is northeast US; the wake (a.k.a. calling hours) precedes the funeral, typically the evening prior. There's no food, it's not religious (held at the funeral home), and well-wishers stop by for the reasons you mentioned. There's a sign-up sheet for those who will be attending the funeral. There is also a reception at a restaurant immediately after the funeral; this is almost strictly for close friends and family though.