An alternative to full-body, or casketed burial, cremation is the process of eliminating all carbon content by exposing the body to extremely high temperatures. After approximately 90 minutes, all organic matter is consumed leaving behind bone fragments, (known as “cremated remains” or “ashes”), which are then processed into fine particles and placed in a temporary container or an urn provided by the family. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, the human remains are handled with respect and with dignity.

Cremation is simply one method of preparing the deceased for memorialization. After cremation, the ashes are usually placed in an urn for final disposition and memorialization. If the ashes are to be buried or entombed at a cemetery, then interment rights must be purchased.

One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of your loved one’s ashes. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or crematorium chapel, a visitation centre or a place of special interest to you or your loved one, such as a golf course.

You need to decide what you will do with your loved one’s ashes.

Ashes can be buried in an urn space, placed in a columbarium above ground, buried in a family grave or lot where space permits or, if you are not ready to make a decision regarding a final resting place at this time, they can be taken home. Some individuals express a desire to have their loved one’s ashes scattered. This can be done, however, there are legal considerations depending on the location, and importantly, the decision to scatter has lasting implications which should be understood. A service co-ordinator can help you understand those implications.

Another decision that needs to be addressed is what kind of memorial do you want. By memorial or memorialization we are referring to the choice of a marker, monument (a headstone or tombstone) or inscription. This is a decision which many will defer for a few months after the death until they are ready to contemplate a fitting memorialization. The cemetery is your primary source for help in identifying the many options available to you. For more information on memorials, please speak with a service co-ordinator.