I think you said it all in one sentence

"I think our society has failed to accept death as a part of life."

That dosnt mean we cannot cry someone's death but accepting that everyone die's someday, old or young, is the first step to not feeling so horrible.

Also, funerals shouldnt be all dark clothes and staying silence. It should be colorfull with music. Lets celebrate the departure of someone dear to us as they make there way to the next step (whatever it is...based on our beliefs).

But like they say, sometimes it takes a slap in the face to understand.

Expressing your thought's and emotions to people is the right way to go, I think.
So keep doing what you do :)