A brother of the deceased would not expect to be notified by a member of the deceased's bowling club or employer. At the very least, notification usually comes from someone with the same level of intimacy. The task of notification is usually broken up into manageable parts and delegated to members of the family or the community. Visitations or encounters with sympathizers are regulated. Normal rules governing the privacy of the bereaved family are put aside.
Neighbors drop in, telephone, often unannounced, to offer condolences.
The visits may not be appropriate in terms of family function but family is not expected to reject or disregard them. There is an obligation to view the corpse and 'say the right things'. Even though there is considerable social exchange between friends and relatives during visitation there is the expectation that upon arriving at the funeral home visitors go immediately to the coffin to view the deceased and offer condolences to the next of kin. Flowers are an expected and usually welcome token of respect and affection but, who sends what kind and the value of flower arrangements is regulated by custom and culture. The presence of an expensive coffin spray, usually arranged for by the spouse, from the deceased's secretary may cause a stir.