Cremation
Although cremation dates back to ancient times, it has only recently become a more common choice throughout the United States and Canada.
In the cremation process the body is placed in a rigid container of combustible material-This container can range from a specially designed corrugated cardboard box to a wood casket. The container is placed in a cremation chamber where it undergoes about three hours of direct flame and intense heat (1400 -1800 degrees). The container is consumed and the body is reduced to skeletal fragments. Although they are often referred to as “ashes”, they are really bone fragments, which are processed to a consistency similar to coarse beach sand. These cremated remains or cremains as they are called, weigh between four to eight pounds and are approximately 200 cubic inches in volume. Once the cremation process is completed the cremains are placed in a cardboard or plastic container. They can be mailed directly to the family from the crematory or we can pick them up and hold them for the family. Our local crematories are in Rosedale, Fairmount, Evergreen and Rosehill Cemeteries.
Because cremation is irreversible, the State of New Jersey requires that a minimum of 48 hours must elapse after a death before cremation can take place. In addition, the death certificate must be completed and authorization(s) from the next of kin must be obtained.
Cremation can follow a traditional funeral where the visitation, funeral service and committal take place in the funeral home or church. If the family wishes, the committal can take place at the crematory where they can also witness the casket or container being placed in the cremation chamber. We offer the use of a rental casket with a cardboard insert so that a traditional viewing may be held without the need to purchase a casket.
Another option is cremation followed by a memorial service. In this case, the cremation takes place first and family and friends gather at some later time for a memorial service. This service can take place at the funeral home, a house or worship, or other location of special significance to the family.
Burial in a cemetery
Cremains may be buried in an existing family grave or plot with the permission of the owner. Many cemeteries allow interments of cremated remains even if the plot is full, i.e. has no space for another casket interment.
Some cemeteries-including Rosedale, Glendale and Fairmount- have designated sections for the burial of cremated remains. The cremains are placed in a small vault with a bronze plaque on top inscribed with the name and dates of birth and death. National veterans cemeteries as well as the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown have in-ground burial sites for the cremated remains of honorably discharged veterans. A bronze memorial plaque is provided at no cost to the family.
Scattering
Rosedale, Glendale and Fairmount have dedicated areas for the scattering of cremains . In the center of this area there is often a monument where the name of the deceased can be inscribed.
Cremains can be scattered by the family in an area or body of water that held special significance to the deceased and his or her family. However, unless the area is extremely remote, it’s advisable to check local ordinance before scattering cremains.
Entombment in a Niche
Another choice is entombment of the cremains in a niche in a columbarium which can be located in a cemetery or a mausoleum. The cremains are placed in a niche (a compartment within the columbarium with a glass, marble or granite front). An engraved urn is placed behind a glass front niche while granite and marble niche fronts are engraved with the name and dates of the deceased. The national and state veterans cemeteries provide niches for cremated remains also at no charge to the family.
Placement in an Urn
Memorial Urns are permanent containers for the cremated body. We offer a wide range of styles and prices appropriate for burial, niches, scattering, keepsakes or discreet placement in a home. Your personal plans for the final placement of the urn can play an important part in your selection process. Some urns are ornately designed for display purposes while others are very basic in style. Many of the urns can also be personalized with engravings or laser designs.
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