When you plan ahead, you will be able to compare the many options available. You will be able to compare the services, the products and the prices among different companies. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your cremation and cemetery arrangements, and the type of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family, and you will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional ... Continue Reading >>
How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. Adults may not view a child's behavior as grief as it is often demonstrated in behavioral patterns which we misunderstand and do not appear to us to be grief such as "moody," "cranky," or "withdrawn." When a death occurs, children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance, and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the ... Continue Reading >>
What happens during the cremation process?
The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The residue which is left is bone fragments, known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are ... Continue Reading >>
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. It is your choice. It may depend on if the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body with an open casket, if they wish the appearance of the deceased be enhanced for a private family viewing, if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq) ... Continue Reading >>
Can I take the cremated remains home?
Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq) ... Continue Reading >>
Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a plain cardboard container to a hardwood casket. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq) ... Continue Reading >>
Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq) ... Continue Reading >>
May I make all the necessary arrangements in advance?
Yes, usually all arrangements may be made in advance. When you plan ahead, you will be able to consider the many options available. You will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your funeral and cemetery arrangements, and the type of memorial you prefer. You will be able to make choices that are meaningful to both you and your family. You will gain peace of mind knowing your family and friends will be relieved of the emotional and financial burdens often associated with ... Continue Reading >>
Must an obituary be published in a newspaper?
We will publish a death notice on our website free of charge, or if desired will place a full obituary for a minimal fee. The publication of an obituary notice in a newspaper is a matter of your personal choice. While most newspapers control the editorial format, you have the right to limit the amount of information, if any, provided to them. (Source: ICCFA FAQs: http://consumer.iccfa.com/faq) ... Continue Reading >>
