Cremation in Westwood, New Jersey

Westwood, New Jersey, is a charming borough in Bergen County, known for its picturesque parks, historic architecture, and strong sense of community. When it comes to end-of-life arrangements, cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many families in Westwood. In this article, we will delve into the world of cremation in Westwood, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions during a difficult time.

Understanding Cremation: A Brief Overview

Cremation is a process that involves the combustion of a deceased person's body, reducing it to its basic elements. The resulting ashes, also known as cremated remains, are then returned to the family for further disposition. Cremation is a popular choice for many reasons, including its environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in terms of memorialization options.

Cremation Laws and Regulations in New Jersey

In New Jersey, cremation is regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science. The board sets standards for crematories, funeral homes, and mortuaries, ensuring that they operate in a safe and dignified manner. In Westwood, cremation facilities must adhere to these regulations, which include requirements for proper identification, handling, and disposition of human remains.

Types of Cremation Services in Westwood

When it comes to cremation services in Westwood, families have several options to choose from. These include:

- Direct Cremation: This is the most basic type of cremation, where the body is cremated without a funeral service or viewing.

- Cremation with Memorial Service: This option includes a cremation followed by a memorial service, which can be held at a funeral home, church, or other venue.

- Cremation with Funeral Service: This type of cremation includes a traditional funeral service, followed by cremation.

- Witness Cremation: This option allows family members to witness the cremation process, providing a sense of closure and finality.

Cremation Costs in Westwood

The cost of cremation in Westwood can vary depending on the type of service chosen and the cremation provider. On average, direct cremation can cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while cremation with a memorial service or funeral service can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. It's essential to research and compare prices among different cremation providers to find the best option for your family's needs and budget.

Cremation Providers in Westwood

Westwood is home to several cremation providers, including funeral homes, crematories, and online cremation services. When selecting a cremation provider, it's crucial to research their reputation, pricing, and services offered. Some popular cremation providers in Westwood include:

- [Funeral Home/Cremation Service 1]

- [Funeral Home/Cremation Service 2]

- [Online Cremation Service]

What to Do with Cremated Remains in Westwood

Once the cremation process is complete, families must decide what to do with the cremated remains. Some popular options in Westwood include:

- In-ground burial: Cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery or memorial garden.

- Scattering: Ashes can be scattered in a designated scattering area, such as a park or garden.

- Columbarium: Cremated remains can be placed in a columbarium, a structure designed to hold urns.

- Home storage: Families can choose to keep the cremated remains in an urn at home.

Planning Ahead for Cremation in Westwood

Planning ahead for cremation can help alleviate some of the emotional burden on your loved ones during a difficult time. By pre-planning your cremation, you can:

- Lock in costs: Pre-planning allows you to pay for cremation services at today's prices, avoiding future inflation.

- Ensure your wishes are respected: By making your wishes clear, you can ensure that your family carries out your desired cremation plans.

- Reduce stress: Pre-planning can help reduce the emotional stress on your loved ones, allowing them to focus on grieving and celebrating your life.

Cremation in Westwood, New Jersey, offers families a range of options for honoring their loved ones. By understanding the cremation process, laws, and regulations, as well as the types of services and providers available, you can make informed decisions during a difficult time. Remember to plan ahead, research your options, and seek support from loved ones and professionals to ensure a dignified and meaningful farewell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cremation?

Cremation is a process of disposing of a deceased person's body through high-temperature burning, reducing it to its basic elements, typically ashes and bone fragments. It's an alternative to traditional burial and has become increasingly popular in recent years.

How does the cremation process work?

The cremation process typically involves several steps: preparation of the body, placement in a cremation chamber, exposure to high temperatures (usually between 1400°C to 1800°C), and reduction of the remains to ashes and bone fragments. The entire process usually takes around 2-3 hours.

What happens to the body during cremation?

During cremation, the body is exposed to extremely high temperatures, causing the soft tissues to vaporize and the bones to calcify. The resulting ashes and bone fragments are then processed into a fine powder, often referred to as "cremated remains" or "ashes."

Is cremation environmentally friendly?

Cremation is often considered a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional burial, as it doesn't require land use, embalming fluids, or caskets. However, the cremation process does release some pollutants into the atmosphere, and the energy required to power the cremation chamber contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the benefits of cremation?

Cremation offers several benefits, including: cost-effectiveness, flexibility in memorialization options, reduced land use, and the ability to scatter or store the ashes in a variety of ways. Additionally, cremation allows for more personalization and creativity in the memorialization process.

How much does cremation cost?

The cost of cremation varies widely depending on the location, type of service, and provider. On average, direct cremation (without a funeral service) can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, while a traditional funeral with cremation can range from $4,000 to $10,000 or more.

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation is a type of cremation where the body is cremated immediately after death, without a funeral service or viewing. This option is often chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Can I still have a funeral service with cremation?

Absolutely! You can still have a traditional funeral service, viewing, or memorialization ceremony with cremation. This allows you to pay your respects and say goodbye to your loved one while still choosing cremation as the final disposition method.

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

After cremation, the ashes are typically returned to the family in an urn or container. You can then choose to bury, scatter, or store the ashes in a variety of ways, such as in a cemetery, at home, or in a memorial garden.

Can I scatter the ashes?

Yes, scattering the ashes is a popular option. You can scatter them in a special location, such as a favorite park, beach, or mountain, or in a designated scattering garden. Be sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before scattering.

Can I keep the ashes at home?

Yes, many people choose to keep the ashes at home in an urn or container. This allows for a sense of closeness and comfort, and can be a meaningful way to remember your loved one.

What is an urn?

An urn is a container designed to hold the ashes after cremation. Urns come in a wide range of styles, materials, and prices, from simple to elaborate, and can be chosen to reflect the personality or interests of the deceased.

Can I divide the ashes among family members?

Yes, it's possible to divide the ashes among family members or friends. This can be a meaningful way to share the remains and allow multiple people to keep a portion of their loved one close.

How do I know the ashes are really my loved one's?

Reputable crematories follow strict identification and tracking procedures to ensure that the ashes returned to the family are indeed those of their loved one. This may include using identification tags, tracking numbers, or witness verification.

Can I witness the cremation process?

Some crematories offer the option to witness the cremation process, either in person or via live streaming. This can be a meaningful way to pay your respects and ensure that the cremation is carried out according to your wishes.

Is cremation accepted by all religions?

Cremation is accepted by some religions, but not all. For example, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some Christian denominations permit or even encourage cremation, while Islam, Orthodox Judaism, and some Christian denominations prohibit or discourage it.

Can I pre-plan my own cremation?

Yes, pre-planning your own cremation is a thoughtful and responsible decision. This allows you to make your wishes known, choose your cremation provider, and even pre-pay for the services, giving your loved ones peace of mind and reducing their burden.

What are some cremation memorialization options?

There are many creative ways to memorialize your loved one after cremation, such as: scattering gardens, memorial benches, tree planting, glass art, jewelry, or keepsake urns. You can also choose to create a virtual memorial or online tribute.

Can I bury the ashes in a cemetery?

Yes, many cemeteries have designated areas for burying ashes, often called "cremation gardens" or "urn gardens." You can also choose to bury the ashes in a traditional grave or family plot.

What are the laws and regulations surrounding cremation?

Laws and regulations surrounding cremation vary by country, state, or province. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations in your area, such as those related to cremation permits, scattering, and burial.

How do I choose a cremation provider?

When choosing a cremation provider, consider factors such as: reputation, experience, pricing, services offered, and reviews from other families. It's essential to select a provider that meets your needs and provides the level of care and respect you expect.

What is the role of a funeral home in cremation?

Funeral homes often provide cremation services, including preparation of the body, transportation, and memorialization options. They may also offer counseling, support, and guidance throughout the process.

Can I still have a traditional funeral with cremation?

Absolutely! You can still have a traditional funeral service, complete with a casket, flowers, and eulogies, followed by cremation. This allows you to pay your respects and say goodbye to your loved one while still choosing cremation as the final disposition method.