1.Traditional Funeral Or Direct Cremation. Are There Any Options In Between?
In the recent years, the frequency of questions we receive about cremation has been on a steady rise. Many families want to know about the cremation process itself as well as the options and possibilities that exist for commemorating the life that has been lived. This handout addresses some of the most frequently asked questions and discusses a number of available options. It is designed to provide the information needed to make intelligent, educated decisions.

In the recent years, the frequency of questions we receive about cremation has been on a steady rise. Many families want to know about the cremation process itself as well as the options and possibilities that exist for commemorating the life that has been lived. This handout addresses some of the most frequently asked questions and discusses a number of available options. It is designed to provide the information needed to make intelligent, educated decisions.

2.What Is Involved In Personalizing A Loved One’s Ceremony?
Personalizing your loved one’s funeral ceremony is highly recommended. We encourage families to express themselves in a manner that is a reflection of the life that has been lived. These expressions can and should be as unique as the individual being remembered. You can accomplish this through tangible items such as personal photographs or through intangible expressions such as the sharing of favorite memories.

In addition to assisting you with creating a personal and meaningful ceremony, this handout also presents options for a meaningful memorialization. Many unique options exist today to personalize memorialization. The sundial urn is just one example. Our experienced counselors can offer additional guidance and suggestions.

3.What Is Cremation Anyway?
First of all, cremation is not something new and it is not a substitute for a funeral. It’s a process that has been around for thousands of years and is really just another method preparing the deceased for memorialization.

The process of cremation begins with an identification procedure that is designed to provide peace of mind to family members and ensure the integrity of the cremated remains. Because cremation is an irreversible process, positive identification of the deceased is crucial.

Once positive identification has been established and all necessary permits and authorizations have been obtained, the cremation casket or container is placed into the cremation chamber. The casket or container is then exposed to intense heat and flame for a period of approximately 2 to 3 hours. The exact length of time necessary for cremation will vary depending on the size and weight of the deceased and temperatures will range between 1500 to 1800 degrees. During the cremation process all matter will be consumed except certain bone fragments and non-combustible items such as prostheses, casket hinges and jewelry.

After cremation is complete, a cooling period is required prior to the recovery of the cremated remains. Following the cooling period, the cremated remains are carefully gathered from the cremation chamber and all non-combustible items are separated and disposed of properly. The remaining bone fragments are further processed, reducing them to a fine, grayish-white, granular or powdery consistency that generally weights between 4 to 8 pounds. Crematory personnel then carefully place the cremated remains into an urn selected by the family or into a container designed for temporary storage.

4.Is Anything Required Prior To Cremation?
Because of the irreversible nature of cremation, a positive identification of the deceased is necessary prior to cremation. Any other desired viewings, whether public or private, also must be coordinated prior to cremation. In addition, depending on state or local laws, there may be a mandatory waiting period before cremation can take place. In Massachusetts, for example, cremation cannot take place within the first forty-eight hours following death and then only after authorization by the coroner or medical examiner of the county in which the death occurred. Additional permits and cremation authorization forms also need to be completed by the appropriate parties involved.

Certain medical devices such as pacemakers and radioactive implants must be removed prior to cremation. Pacemakers may explode during the cremation process, which can pose potential hazards to both crematory personnel and equipment. Additionally, certain radioactive medications used prior to death may also pose potential health hazards to crematory personnel.

Any personal items you wish to retain, such as jewelry, should be removed prior to cremation. Any items not removed will be destroyed during the cremation process, or otherwise disposed of in a non-recoverable manner.

Finally, if desired, a small number of personal items may be placed with the deceased prior to cremation. These items will remain with the deceased and will be consumed during the cremation process. Specific requests are generally not a problem, but must be identified prior to cremation for proper coordination.

5.Are Cremations Done Individually?
Yes. Only one cremation casket or container is cremated at a time. Special exceptions can be made only in cases of close relatives, and then only with appropriate prior written authorization

6.Why Do People Select Cremation?
The reasons for choosing cremation are as varied and unique as the individuals selecting it. Some choose cremation because of their feelings on environmental issues and land usage; others select it to save money or because of their religious beliefs. Cremation for some provides the option of scattering the remains or keeping the remains at home. The reasons for considering cremation are a highly personal reflection of an individual’s beliefs and preferences.

7.Do All Religions Permit Cremation?
Religious positions vary widely regarding cremation. Some require it, others disallow or advise against it, and others take no position at all. Most, however, will allow you to decide. If you are uncertain as to the position your religion embraces, we would advise you to speak directly with your clergy

8.Is Embalming Required?
No, embalming is not required for cremation. Embalming, however, is necessary when a cremation ceremony involves a public viewing. Some families also elect to have embalming performed if there will be an extended delay between the time of death and an identification viewing.

9.Everyone In My Family Has Always Been Buried, But I Want To Be Cremated. What Options Do I Have?
The choice between burial and cremation is a highly personal decision. The following pages of this handout offer some options for you to consider. These options should be used as a guide to help you create a personal ceremony that best suits your individual and family needs. The decisions you make truly do depend on the manner in which you choose to recognize the life that has been lived.

Cremation may actually present you with additional options in funeral planning. You can decide whether to have a public or private viewing or no viewing at all. You can choose to have the casketed remains present for the ceremony or to have a memorial ceremony without the casket present. Some individuals may choose to have a viewing followed by a ceremony at a later date and others may wish to have a ceremony in conjunction with the scattering of the cremated remains. The combinations of options are limited only to your personal wishes.

10.How Do I Personalize A Ceremony?
Families often tell us, “We want to remember him the way he was.” In this comment is the beginning of a personalized funeral or cremation ceremony. By remembering the qualities that made our loved one who they were or the unique way they could make us laugh, we commemorate their life. By sharing these memories during a service, we personalize the ceremony. You may choose to do this through a eulogy or music, or by creating a memory setting complete with a collage of photos and special mementos. Creating a setting that represents an individual’s family, work, hobbies, civic involvement or special interest can be very therapeutic during a difficult time. Don’t discount anything as being “too much of a bother.” Allow your imagination to guide you. Your family, friends, clergy and cremation counselor can help.

11.Are There Any Unique Urns Available?
Yes. And more are being introduced every day! Some urns are designed very traditionally while others are tailored to meet more specific needs. Today, urns are available to meet nearly any request.

12.Is A Casket Necessary For Cremation?
No. A casket is not required for cremation. Most crematories will, however, require a rigid, combustible, covered container. This minimum requirement, also referred to as an alternate container, is required for sanitary reasons and allows for a dignified manner in which to place the deceased into the cremation chamber. The type of cremation casket or container used is really a personal choice. Once selected, the deceased is placed into the cremation casket or container for an identification viewing and any mandatory waiting period prior to cremation.

13.Are There Special Caskets For Cremation?
Yes. There are caskets specifically designed for cremation. These caskets may be used for ceremonies with public or private viewings, identification viewings, or simply to meet the crematory’s minimum container requirement. They are constructed using very little metal and are designed to be compatible with cremation. We offer a wide selection of cremation caskets ranging from solid cherry and oak to corrugated materials.

14.What Types Of Cremation Urns Are Available?
Cremation urns are offered in a wide variety of styles and materials. Your personal plans for the final placement of the urn can play an important part in your selection process. Some urns are ornately designed for display purposes while others are very basic in style. Pewter, bronze, hardwood, ceramic, porcelain, glass and marble are just a few of the materials used for urn construction. Many of the urns can also be personalized with engravings or laser designs.

15.What Do Most People Do With Cremated Remains?
Cremation is only the preparation of the deceased for memorialization and is in many ways a preservation of our past. Through memorialization we remember our loved ones and provide a place of pilgrimage that can be very important to a family later in life. It is a means by which generations are connected. What most people do with cremated remains is a matter of personal choice. The following are some examples of your options.