Cremation

This is the process of eliminating all carbon content in the body by exposing it to high temperatures for 2-3 hours. The remaining material consists of bone fragments which are then refined to a granular powder and placed in an urn container. While the cremation process is complete at this point, decisions still must be made regarding the type of service desired to commemorate the individual, and the choice of a final resting place.

Regarding the funeral, when cremation is chosen you have many service options open to you.

You may choose to have your loved one present in a casket and conduct the cremation following the service.
You might prefer to have the cremation take place before the service and then have the cremated remains present at the service.
Another option available is to hold a memorial service some time after the cremation and a private family service is held. In this instance the remains are typically not present.
Of course, you may wish to hold the service at a different location from the funeral home such as a church or a place of particular meaning to the deceased e.g. a local golf course.

All things are possible. Your funeral director is there to explain all of the options. For more on the specific service types visit the Products and Services section under the Funeral Homes area.

Where will the remains rest?

Cremated remains can be buried in an urn space, placed in a columbarium above ground or, if you are not ready to make a decision regarding a final resting place at this time the remains can be taken home. Some individuals express a desire to have cremated remains 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 funeral director can help you understand those implications.

Memorialization

Another decision which will eventually need to be addressed relates to the choice of an appropriate memorial. By memorial or memorialization we are refering to the choice of a marker, monument or inscription. This is a decision which many will defer for a few months after the death until the individual is ready to contemplate a fitting memorialization. Typically the cemetery is the primary source for assistance in identifying the many options available to you; however a funeral director can provide valued guidance. You can find more information on this topic in the Cemetery section.