Cremation is an alternative way to prepare human remains for memorialization. It is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments through the application of intense heat.

What’s involved in cremation?

The body is often enclosed in a rigid container of combustible material. The container is placed in a cremation chamber where it undergoes up to three hours of direct flame, intense heat and evaporation. The container is consumed and the body is transformed into skeletal fragments, not fine ash as some people believe. The skeletal fragments are then reduced to fine granules or powder by pulverization.

Will my family and friends be affected if I choose cremation?

Each person reacts differently to the idea of cremation. In the United States, the number of people selecting cremation has risen in the last few years, indicating that our culture is adjusting to the concept. To safeguard your wishes, it is advisable to record all your decisions in advance.

Is a remembrance service appropriate?

Yes, a remembrance service is a caring and meaningful event during which family and friends have an opportunity to honor their loved one and say a last "goodbye." Viewing the deceased’s body before cremation often helps the bereaved to accept the fact that a death has occurred and resolve grief more readily.

One of the most important aspects of the service is to support and give comfort to the immediate family.

Many families prefer to individualize the service by focusing on a special interest. This may include some aspect of the person’s religion, family tradition, ethnic background, or occupation. The remembrance service will leave your family and friends with lasting memories of the time spent together.

What happens to the remains after cremation?

Cremated remains, which weigh several pounds, are often placed in a memorial urn. Attractive and tastefully designed urns are available, from colorful ceramics to exotic woods and fine metals. There are selections to satisfy every need.

What about a "final resting place"?

By arranging for a permanent memorial location, such as in an endowment care cemetery, the family can satisfy its need to visit and remember a loved one. Evidence suggests that visiting the memorial site often helps in the recovery process.

The memorial urn can be placed in a mausoleum niche where it may be viewed through a protective glass, or positioned behind a memorial plaque. The urn can be buried in a family burial space or urn garden where a marker or monument may be used to memorialize the site. Some cemeteries have special gardens where cremated remains and memorial benches may be placed.

How can I make my wishes known in advance?

By meeting with a funeral or cemetery prearrangement professional in the privacy of your home, you can learn about all of your options, state laws, prices, payment plans, and prearrangement benefits. Your counselor will also make available to you a Communication of Intent. While it is not a legal document, it can be used to record your selection of cremation and memorial instructions. This valuable document informs your loved ones of - and helps them follow through with - your wishes.