Peter Cook & Dudley Moore did a sketch as the VERY adult entertainers Derek & Clive about Cancer. The premise was that like with death, people use euphemisms not the word.
But why do people put RIP. Return If Possible on gravestones?
Well I think anyone speaking to you about it should take your feelings into account. It wouldn’t cost them anything to use less direct language if that was appropriate, even if they wouldn’t normally do that.
I really can’t bring myself to use the word dead if I am talking about my sister. I much prefer to say she passed away (to Heaven) or died. Dead us such a harsh and final word, I dont believe death is the end. Of course this is my comfort
I quite agree @SilverTabby and “passed” is one I too really don’t care for.
Here’s where I for once appreciate Shakespeare with " shuffle off this mortal coil" being an edequate alternative if you really must use something more clourful without actually saying “dead” or even “deceased”.