Portland Cremation Center

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming Increasingly Popular?

Cremation is a funeral practice that involves the burning of a deceased person's body at high temperatures, reducing it to its basic elements. This ancient ritual has been used for centuries, but it's only recently gained popularity in the United States. So, what's driving this trend?

For one, cremation is a more affordable option compared to traditional burials. It's also a more environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces the need for land, resources, and chemicals used in embalming. Additionally, cremation provides families with more flexibility and creativity when it comes to memorialization and final disposition.

The Benefits of Choosing Portland Cremation Center

At Portland Cremation Center, we're dedicated to providing a unique and personalized experience for every family we serve. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us:

• Eco-Friendly Practices: We're committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable funeral practices. Our cremation process uses less energy and produces fewer emissions than traditional crematories.
• Personalized Services: We believe that every life is unique, and every goodbye should be too. Our team will work with you to create a customized farewell that honors your loved one's personality, passions, and values.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: Our cremation center is equipped with the latest technology and designed to provide a peaceful, serene environment for families to gather and say goodbye.
• Transparent Pricing: We believe in transparency and honesty, which is why we provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

We understand that the cremation process can be unfamiliar and even intimidating for some families. That's why we want to take the time to explain what you can expect from start to finish:

Our process begins with the transportation of your loved one from the place of death to our cremation center. We'll then prepare the body for cremation, which includes washing, dressing, and placing it in a cremation container.

The cremation process itself takes about 2-3 hours, during which time the body is exposed to high temperatures (around 1400°C) in a cremation chamber. The resulting ashes are then collected and processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.

Finally, we'll return the ashes to you in an urn or container of your choice, along with a certificate of cremation and a copy of the death certificate.

Memorialization and Final Disposition: Your Options

One of the most meaningful aspects of the cremation process is the memorialization and final disposition of your loved one's ashes. At Portland Cremation Center, we offer a range of options to suit your needs and preferences:

• Scattering Gardens: Our on-site scattering garden provides a peaceful, natural setting for families to scatter their loved one's ashes.
• Urns and Containers: We offer a variety of urns and containers to choose from, including biodegradable options for those who want to minimize their environmental impact.
• Burial and Interment: If you prefer to bury your loved one's ashes, we can assist with burial arrangements at a cemetery or private property.
• Tree Planting: Our partnership with a local tree-planting organization allows us to plant a tree in memory of your loved one, providing a lasting tribute to their life.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Losing a loved one can be a difficult and isolating experience, but it doesn't have to be. At Portland Cremation Center, we're committed to providing ongoing support and resources to help you navigate the grieving process:

• Grief Counseling: We offer complimentary grief counseling sessions with a licensed therapist to help you process your emotions and find ways to cope.
• Support Groups: Join our online support group or attend one of our in-person meetings to connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
• Community Events: We host regular community events, workshops, and seminars on topics related to grief, loss, and end-of-life care.
• Online Resources: Our website features a range of articles, blog posts, and videos on topics related to cremation, grief, and memorialization.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cremation and Funeral Services

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about cremation and funeral services:

1. What is the cost of cremation?

The cost of cremation varies depending on the services you choose and the location. On average, cremation costs between $1,000 to $3,000.

2. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service with cremation?

Absolutely! Cremation provides families with more flexibility when it comes to memorialization and final disposition. You can still hold a funeral or memorial service, and then choose to cremate the body afterwards.

3. How long does the cremation process take?

The cremation process itself takes around 2-3 hours, but the entire process from start to finish can take several days to a week, depending on the services you choose.

4. What happens to the ashes after cremation?

The ashes are collected and processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes. You can then choose to scatter, bury, or keep the ashes in an urn or container.

5. Is cremation environmentally friendly?

Yes, cremation is a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional burials. It reduces the need for land, resources, and chemicals used in embalming.