Generations Cremation

Loss is something that every one of us will inevitably endure at some point in our lives. In those moments of grief and mourning, it's necessary to find moments of peace and solace. The act of laying our loved ones to rest is an intimate part of the grieving process and Generations Cremation provides a service that allows for a respectful and dignified farewell. We explore in this blog post what this process entails and why it might be the preferred option of many.

Understanding Cremation

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing a body to bone fragments through the application of intense heat. The remains, often referred to as ashes, are then returned to the family, who may decide to keep them, scatter them, or intern them in a cemetery or memorial garden.

Why Consider Cremation?

There are many reasons why people opt for cremation. These range from it being less expensive than a traditional burial, more environmentally friendly, allowing for alternative memorial ceremonies such as scattering of ashes, and enabling a more portable way to keep a loved one’s remains close.

Generations Cremation Explained

Generations Cremation takes pride in offering an affordable, direct cremation service that respects and honours your loved ones. You can rely on them to handle the funeral process with the utmost respect and professionalism.

Services Offered

• Transportation of the deceased from the place of death to the crematorium
• Filing of the necessary legal documents
• Cremation process
• Return of the cremated remains to the family

Generations Cremation Example:

To further understand the process, let’s look at an example. When Mary's father passed away, she contacted Generations Cremation. Upon reaching out, they immediately arranged for transport and took gentle care of his remains. Once the necessary paperwork was completed, her father was cremated. A few days after, Mary received her father's ashes in a beautiful urn. Generations Cremation treated her family with respect and care at a time when they needed it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Generations Cremation?

Generations Cremation is a service provided to families who choose cremation as the form of caring for their loved ones' final remains. It refers to the compassionate, respectful, and professional process of cremating the deceased, often with the intention of continuing a family tradition or preference for this method of farewell.

Why do some families choose cremation?

Families may opt for cremation for various reasons, including cultural or religious beliefs, environmental considerations, the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional burial, or the simplicity and flexibility it offers in memorializing the deceased.

How does the cremation process work?

Cremation involves exposing the body of the deceased to high temperatures, typically between 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which reduces the body to ashes and bone fragments. These are then processed into a fine powder and returned to the family in an urn or another container of their choice.

Is cremation a quicker process than burial?

The actual cremation process itself can be completed within a few hours, whereas preparation for a burial, such as embalming, casket selection, and arranging a burial plot, can take longer. However, memorial services and final disposition plans may extend the timeframe.

Can we have a funeral service if we choose cremation?

Absolutely. Many families hold a traditional funeral service before cremation or a memorial service afterward, with or without the cremated remains present. The choice of service type is flexible and can be personalized to honor the deceased.

What type of container is used for cremation?

By law, a rigid, combustible container must be used for cremation. This can be a simple cardboard container, a wooden casket, or a cremation casket designed specifically for this purpose.

How are the remains returned to the family?

Cremated remains are typically returned to the family in a temporary urn provided by the crematorium or a personalized urn purchased by the family beforehand. They may also be returned in a biodegradable container if the family intends to scatter the ashes.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Most crematories allow for family members to witness the beginning of the cremation process in a specially designated area. This can be arranged in advance with the crematory staff.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

Cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, or incorporated into various keepsakes and jewelry. It is important to follow local regulations when choosing a final resting place for the ashes.

Is embalming required for cremation?

Embalming is not required for cremation, especially if the cremation will take place within a short time after death. However, if there is a public viewing or funeral service with the body present beforehand, embalming may be necessary.

How do we know the ashes returned are those of our loved one?

Crematories have strict identification procedures in place to ensure the integrity of the cremation process. Identification checks are conducted at multiple points, and a unique identifier stays with the body throughout the process to guarantee the returned ashes belong to the correct individual.

Can multiple bodies be cremated at once?

No, legally and ethically, crematories must cremate one body at a time. This is also essential for keeping the integrity of the ashes returned.

Are there any items that cannot be cremated with the deceased?

Yes, certain items, such as pacemakers, prostheses, batteries, and some materials, can be hazardous during the cremation and must be removed. It's advisable to discuss with the crematory what can and can't be cremated with the body.

How long does it take to receive the cremated remains?

The time frame varies depending on the crematory's schedule, but it typically takes several days to a week after the cremation to receive the ashes, allowing for processing and preparation of the remains.

What is the cost of cremation compared to burial?

Cremation is often less expensive than traditional burial because it does not require a burial plot, headstone, embalming, or a costly casket. However, costs can vary significantly based on additional services and memorialization options chosen.

Can cremation be included in pre-need arrangements?

Yes, many individuals choose to plan and pay for their cremation in advance as part of their end-of-life arrangements. This can alleviate the stress and financial burden on family members at the time of death.

Is a casket required for cremation?

A traditional casket is not required for cremation. A simpler and less expensive alternative, such as a basic cremation container or casket, is often used. The choice depends on whether there will be a viewing or ceremony before the cremation.

Can cremated remains be divided among family members?

It is possible to divide cremated remains among family members. Specialized keepsake urns or jewelry can be used for this purpose to ensure each family member has a portion of the remains to memorialize their loved one.

Are there environmental concerns with cremation?

Some environmental concerns include the emission of greenhouse gases and the use of non-renewable fossil fuels during the cremation process. However, many facilities are implementing greener technologies and practices to mitigate environmental impact.

Are there religions that forbid cremation?

While cremation is accepted by many religions, there are some, such as Orthodox Judaism and Islam, that traditionally do not allow cremation. It's important for individuals to consult with their religious leaders to understand the practices and beliefs related to cremation.

Can military veterans have a cremation with military honors?

Yes, military veterans are entitled to have a cremation with military honors, including the playing of taps, a flag-folding ceremony, and the presentation of the American flag to the next of kin. Coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs can help arrange these services.

In light of losing your loved ones, decisions can be overwhelming. Generations Cremation offers a simpler, intimate, and cost-effective option that can bring comfort. Please share this article with others who may be navigating through similar situations. You may also explore other resources on the Eulogy Assistant website to further understand other aspects related to the loss of loved ones.