Final disposition of ashes (cremains).....

At all of my presentations, I'm always asked by folks in attendance about

the final disposition of ashes (cremains). 

The crematory processes your loved one's remains and encases them in a

plastic bag with a twist tie, and then inserts them usually into a hard plastic

box with a lid that snaps shut. This is how they are usually returned to

the funeral home that handled the death for the family.  However... if you

purchase an urn at the time of arrangements...many times that urn can be

sent to the crematory with the body.. and the cremains can be loaded

directly into the urn... saving that extra step of removing from the plastic

box and loading the urn at the funeral home.  And many times, families

will purchase what they call 'keepsakes'....small containers the size of

your fist. Sometimes a family will want to split cremains up and often

times will want two, three or four keepsakes filled with cremains. 

Keep in mind that the average body will produce about one to one and

one half quarts of cremains... so there is quite a bit there to deal with.

In New York State... when a person is cremated, the death certificate will

list the crematory as the place of disposition.... not a cemetery you have

in mind. NYS considers the crematory the final resting place... no matter

what happens to the cremains after they leave their property.

There is a certificate of cremation which is sent back with the cremains.

That certificate must accompany the urn or box of cremains if they are

to be buried in a formal cemetery setting. 

Yes, lot's of questions about cremation. Do not be afraid to ask your

local funeral director if you have other questions... many times he can

give the details right over the phone, saving a trip to his establishment.

My motto: it's always best to find out ahead of time...so, pick up that

phone and give him or her a jingle, your director is anxious to be of

help to you!