by Paul G. Huffman
For those who choose burial over entombment or cremation, you will make the added selection of a burial container to protect the casket. The available selections include burial liners, lawn crypts and vaults. To make this decision wisely, you not only need to consider the differences among them, but also what it is you’re protecting the casket from. Read more
What is a “traditional” funeral?
In early America, home funerals were the practice everywhere, and each community had a group of women who came in to help with the “laying out of the dead.” Visitation was held in the front parlor followed by a procession to the church and cemetery. Read more
by Frances Newton This article has appeared twice in The Reader’s Digest and was recommended by the president of the Raritan Valley Memorial Society, Roberta D’Angelo.
Father was 87 when he died. And I, at 41, had never before seen death, knew nothing of funeral rites. Read more
In England, almost all crematories are on the grounds of a cemetery, with an attached chapel for services. Consequently, the British are much more open and knowledgeable about cremation. That tradition has followed to this country, most noticeably in Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. Read more
WHAT IS CREMATION? Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes and bone fragments through the use of intense heat. The process usually takes from two to four hours. The cremated remains are then pulverized to break up larger bone fragments to a granular texture. Read more
Death provides many of us with a one-time chance to make a valuable gift to humanity. All major religions approve of body and organ donation for medical and dental teaching, research, and transplants. According to public opinion polls, most people believe that such donations are desirable. Read more