Cremation

Cremation is an option that we all have when making decisions regarding the disposition of our body upon death.  It is the process of incinerating human remains in a cremation chamber known as a retort.  The alternative to cremation is burial, which involves interment in a grave or in a crypt (entombment). In considering cremation you have a number of choices: 

Direct Cremation is the simplest and least expensive option.  The decedent is removed from place of death, the death certificate is processed and filed and then the body is cremated.  There is typically no viewing of the remains and no funeral service.

Direct Cremation with a Memorial Service includes the above and a service.  There is no body present, no viewing, but all of the other elements of a funeral service takes place: prayer, scripture, a eulogy, musical selections, floral displays, programs, a repast afterwards, etc.. Cremation can take place before or after the funeral service, depending on whether or not the family wants the cremated remains or ashes present.  

The Traditional Funeral Service with Cremation is a full funeral service followed by cremation.  There is casketing and viewing of the body, a program, limousines, flowers, musicians, speakers, a repast, etc... Wood, Cloth covered or rental caskets are usually chosen when cremation is the disposition. At the end of the service, instead of proceeding to the cemetery for burial, the deceased is cremated.  

The cremation process takes about 1 ½ -3 hours. Then there is a cooling period before the ashes are placed in an urn. The family usually has an opportunity to witness the cremation, if they so choose.  

Urns are made out of a variety of materials such as marble, steel, bronze, plastic, and even cardboard.  Urns come in all shapes and sizes.  Clocks, picture frames, cars and other such items are available as urns. Necklace pendants in many shapes: hearts, crosses, sea shells, etc… are also available, for small or partial amounts of the ashes.  

Once the ashes are placed in an urn, a family can

1) take them home at no cost,

2) have them placed in a niche or buried in a grave at a cemetery (some niches have glass fronts, and pictures, mementos, etc. can be displayed with the urn),

3) have them scattered in a scattering lawn at a cemetery,

4) bury them on private property with the written consent of the land owner, or

5) bury at sea.  Burial at sea  can be done by a company or privately by the family, as long as the guidelines set by the state are followed.  California requires that burial at sea of cremated remains take place at least three miles off the coast.  If family wishes to be present for the burial at sea, companies that specialize in this service will take family and friends out to sea via boat, and perform a ceremony and the burial.   

The cost of cremation is less than that of burial, and therefore the decision to cremate is sometimes driven by financial factors. Whether to cremate or bury is a personal decision that is also influenced by religious beliefs, family tradition, and cultural practices.  Your funeral director is available to discuss these options in detail with you, as well as the cost associated with each. As with funeral arrangements and burial, you have the opportunity to pre-plan, make selections, and pay for cremation in advance.  Cremation is an option.

Gail Valentine Taylor, M.S.W.

Funeral Director

Woods-Valentine Mortuary

(626) 798-8941

gailt@woodsvalentinemortuary.com