Below you will find information pertaining to the cremation process and the professional guarantees our firm extends to your family in your time of need. We hope that you will find this information helpful. If you would like to discuss cremation options further, please feel free to call us at 1-(978)-433-2100.

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) defines cremation as "The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. Cremation includes the processing and usually includes the pulverization of the bone fragments." 

According to the National Funeral Director's Association (NFDA) the public's preference for cremation continues to rise. In 2015, the rate of cremation exceeded that of burial. As the popularity of cremations has grown, so has its acceptance among various religious faiths. Religions that previously frowned upon cremation are now understanding its value to families and adjusting their doctrines to accommodate this choice.

Like burial, cremation is only one element of the funeral process and should be approached that way. When made part of a meaningful funeral service, cremation can play a vital role in the healing journey. Some may feel that by cremating a body, they are somehow eliminating the pain associated with their loss. Cremation is not a way of eliminating your grief, but a process of preparing your loved one for his or her final resting place. Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process – an important step in preparing the remains for memorialization.

Many people often say “It’s just a cremation” and they believe that very little work or preparation is entailed. That is a great misconception regarding this form of disposition.

Cremation is an irreversible process and therefore carries the potential for great liability. Many people feel that they can shop for a cremation provider until they find the lowest price. What they fail to recognize is that the lowest cost provider may NOT be providing the dignity and professional guarantees that our firm will extend. If you shop for a cremation provider based solely on cost, you will find one. Often, these companies cut corners with respect to the transportation, sheltering, and dignified care of a loved one's remains. 

Although there are options with cremation ranging from a full-service wake and religious service, to a cremation with a later memorial gathering, one thing does not change – our commitment to the solemnity of the life that has passed. Our level of care does not waiver regardless of the method of disposition. We remain a dedicated and caring staff of professionals that avail ourselves to a family 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We take the time to meet with you, answer your questions, allay your concerns and provide you with the full benefit of our professionalism and expertise.

Caring for the dead is a corporal work of mercy. It is our calling and we consider it to be a most sacred obligation.

• Treat your loved one with the highest level of professionalism, dignity, courtesy and reverence
• Transport your loved one individually in a private funeral coach with a licensed funeral director in attendance
• Transport your loved one to a reputable crematory that we have personally inspected
• Ensure proper chain of custody between your loved one’s human remains and cremation. We will also ensure a proper timeline for the return of their remains to you
• Assist you and explain your options for services and your loved ones final resting place

• Show disregard for the security of the deceased nor do anything to devalue their humanity
• Utilize third-party contractors, strangers, or unlicensed individuals - We are proud to say that we are truly family owned and operated
• Leave your loved one at an unfamiliar or out of state facility
• Consider our obligation complete until you have received and accepted your loved one’s cremains
• Anything to diminish the dignity of your loved one or our reputation

A common component of North American funeral service is the professional embalming and open-casket viewing (whether public or private) of the dead human body prior to the cremation process taking place. It allows for family and friends to visit with the deceased one final time, pay their final respects, find closure, and accept the loss. 

Viewing is a deeply personal experience and deeply personal choice which may only be made once. Some choose to view the body due to religious reasons, while others choose to do so for personal reasons. Some feel that viewing the body is a natural part of the funeral process, while others feel that it is unnecessary.

According to Dr. Alan Wolfelt, one of North America's leading death educators, viewing and spending time with the body of a loved one is a way of honoring the transition from life to death. As Dr. Wolfelt states, "viewing allows the acceptance of the reality and finality of death."  Whether it is a private family viewing without embalming or large public visitation, we always recommend that families give themselves and others the opportunity to say their final goodbyes whenever possible. COVID-19 has further reiterated this belief, as we found that many families were unable to visit with their loved one as healthcare facilities all but shut down to visitors. 

As funeral service professionals we understand that when we are entrusted with the earthly remains of a loved one, that we are being entrusted with a family’s most prized possession. When preparing a loved one for viewing, we adhere to a strict code of ethics. All of our embalming, cosmetology, restorative art, identification, and sanitary care procedures are performed by members of our family who are duly licensed Massachusetts Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The transportation and care of your loved one will never be entrusted to unlicensed individuals, strangers, or third-party contractors. 

“Behind these doors is the most sacred room in the building. It is where loved ones come to be prepared for the most difficult event in a family’s life. Those that work behind these doors pledge to each family a never-ending commitment of respect, service and confidentiality to those that place their trust in us.” - Author Unknown