No one is ever prepared for the death of a loved one. What they are even less prepared for is executing the last wishes of the deceased. When planning a funeral after the passing of a loved one, it is important to follow their requests. More and more people are choosing cremation instead of a traditional burial after they pass. If you are in charge of Cremation Planning for someone who recently passed, there are a few things to know to make the process easier.
Something many people don’t know about cremation is that family members are often allowed at the crematory when the body is brought there. This allows them a time to say their final goodbyes, and it offers closure for them to witness the event. There is also a false belief that those who are cremated won’t receive a proper funeral. This is simply not the case. Most families still prepare a funeral service for the deceased. If the funeral is scheduled before the cremation, the option for an open casket may be offered. For funerals occurring after the cremation, an urn filled with the ashes will be beautifully displayed, along with photos of the loved one. Either way, your family will have the chance to pay their respects to the deceased in a traditional funeral setting.
Part of Cremation Planning also includes deciding what to do with the ashes after they are sent to the crematory. The will of the deceased usually states what they want to happen with their ashes. Other times family members will decide. In some instances, the ashes will be buried in a small cemetery plot. This allows cremated remains to rest in peace with other family members who have passed beforehand. Some people wish to have their ashes scattered in an area that brings them joy and peace. Family members often find a sense of closure as they scatter the ashes. Others may choose to divide the ashes amongst the family or store them safely at home.
No matter the wishes of your loved one, Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services will help you execute them. If your family member has opted for cremation over a traditional burial, be sure to speak with the mortuary about any questions or concerns you may have regarding the cremation process. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates!