Cremation Services

Why choose cremation?...

When considering cremation, it is important to understand that cremation is neither an alternative to, nor a rejection of a traditional funeral. Instead, cremation is merely one form of bodily disposition from which you can choose. In other words, if you select cremation for yourself or someone you love, you can still hold a wake/visitation and/or a religious or secular ceremony before cremation if you wish. You also have the ability to hold services following cremation, whether that a religious ceremony, memorial service, or a celebration of life at a meaningful location.

Some of the many reasons people choose cremation in lieu of burial are:

• Personal preference - some people 'just know' they wish to be cremated
• Spiritual beliefs - religions that were once opposed to cremation have begun to take a more relaxed position
• Environmental considerations - while optional, it is not necessary to have a burial vault, cemetery lot or headstone
• Finances - cremation can be a much less expensive alternative to a traditional casket burial
• Flexibility - services can occur at a timeline convenient for survivors
• Personalization - cremated remains may be divided for burial, scattering, or for keepsake portions/jewelry
• Ease of transport - cremated remains are easy to transport in an increasingly transient world

Viewing: A Personal Choice...  

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."

Private family viewings may be facilitated for family members who may still wish to have that final, sacred time. This may occur immediately prior to public visitation/services, or before the cremation process takes place. In the latter circumstance, embalming is generally not required.

Hospice organizations are increasingly trained to support and guide families who may wish to wash or dress their deceased loved one as a final act of care. In these instances, private family viewings may also occur at the place of passing, prior to us bringing your loved one into our care.

In considering your own wishes, bear in mind those family members or friends who may want or need to have that time. It is a decision that can only be made once. It can be as simple as just allowing space for that opportunity. If no one wishes to view, that is perfectly fine - the important thing is that they were given the option to do so.