After Svea Istava, an old widow, dies in February 1982, her thirty-something-year-old niece and nephew Estona and Marlyn go to the local undertaker Jack Canon at Canon Chapel to plan her service. The siblings fight in front of Jack, angry about the possibility of all of Svea's inheritance going to Marlyn, who visited Svea frequently. Though Svea lived her life in squalor after her husband died in World War II, rumor has it that she died with half a million dollars to her name. In his own personal life, Jack is taking a humanities class for adults with a town teacher Mrs. Galan. After Jack is the only attendee to the first two classes, Mrs. Galan and Jack plan on having their next class at his own home. Jack develops a crush on Mrs. Galan and is excited to spend time with her alone in a private setting. Jack reflects on his own relationship with Svea. Years back, he thought he might save the widow from the conditions she lived in and marry her, but she did not mind her own squalor. Her neighbor with disabilities Momo came to visit her weekly and was her only faithful friend. Back in the 1960s, Jack learned how to become a successful undertaker from his friend Bud with a plan that focuses on lighting and overselling. In the room with Estona and Marlyn, he continues utilizing Bud's advice as he attempts to sell the mid-range casket for $2300 by pretending that he does not want to oversell them the $4000 casket. By lying to his customers, he appears to be a kind, caring, and truthful businessman. Though the siblings continue fighting, they buy the $2300 dollar casket (instead of the $1500 one) for their bizarre hermit aunt. That night, Jack waits for Mrs. Galan to come over. Momo appears and tells Jack that he wants to see Svea. Jack tells Momo that the viewing is the next day and tries to get him to leave. Mrs. Galan shows up and tells Momo that she can stay. Jack notices that his teacher is glowing and asks if she is late because she slept with Jack. She answers yes she did. They find out that night that Svea actually had no money to her name, and Jack feels relieved to know that the funeral tomorrow will not be packed with people curious about Svea's money. He drives Mrs. Galan and Momo home.