Cremation Answers
What is your reason for Choosing Cremation?
"I would rather leave my money to my children than spend it on a funeral."
"It's a nice feeling knowing that my survivors will not have to
go through the ritualistic scene of a funeral."
"We are running out of burial space...cemeteries are using up our scarce land."
"When my time comes...I just want to keep it simple"
There are many reasons for choosing cremation services. Consumers are increasingly changing their belief systems and feelings towards traditional funeral services. Cremation is not only a considerate alternative, it is an environmentally responsible choice. In addition, funeral cremation services can include any or all of the elements of a traditional burial including visitation, wake, and church services, either before the cremation or with just the cremated remains present, and even burial of the cremated remains in a cemetery. We can assist with anything from just handling the cremation process (what is referred to as a “direct cremation”) to any level of formal funeral arrangements.
If anything, cremation gives your family more choices. The services you choose can be as elaborate or simple as you desire. At Collins Funeral Home, we are happy to explain all the cremation options in detail and to answer any questions or concerns you may have about funeral cremations. Please also view the excellent video about cremation options provided by Wilbert. A link to the video can be found at the bottom of this page.
Below are some answers to common questions about cremation:
What Is Cremation?
What Funeral Services Are Available With Cremation?
Is A Casket Needed For Cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by OSHA is the OSHA approved minimum cardboard leak-proof container which is cremated with the body. Other OSHA approved cremation containers are available for purchase as well. The only time a casket is required is when the family chooses public funeral services with the body present prior to cremation. The basic containment materials are provided by our funeral home and are included in our direct cremation package. Any of our wood construction caskets are suitable for cremation though if desired.
Where Is The Cremation Performed?
While there are no crematories located or zoned in Norwalk, we have a close working relationship with Mountain Grove Crematory in Bridgeport. Mountain Grove Crematory is one of the premiere crematories in the region and is part of the prestigious Mountain Grove Cemetery, founded in 1849. The crematory we use is a dedicated, free standing, facility with a professional staff. It is not a funeral home basement unit, nor is it shared with pet cremations. Our funeral directors personally transport the deceased to the crematory building and return the cremated remains to our funeral home.
Is Embalming Required Prior To Cremation?
No it is not. The only time embalming is required is if the family chooses public funeral services with an open casket prior to the cremation process or in some instances where the body is to be shipped long distances before cremation.
Can The Body Be Viewed Without Embalming?
Yes, immediate family members are permitted to briefly view the deceased prior to cremation at no additional charge.
Is Cremation Accepted By All Religions?
No. Today most religions allow cremation except for Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox and a some Fundamentalist Christian faiths. The Catholic Church accepts cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teachings.
Can An Urn Be Brought Into Church?
Nearly all Churches that allow funeral cremations allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service. In fact, if the family is planning on a funeral memorial service, we encourage the cremated remains be present as it provides a focal point for the service. Please check with the clergy of the church you are working with or ask us to, in order to determine what is proper and customary for that church.
What Can Be Done With The Cremated Remains?
There are many options. Remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on land or at sea. In the case of burial in a cemetery, many cemeteries allow one or more urns to be buried in the same plot as a casket.
Do People Choose Cremation Only To Save Money?
No. While some people select cremation for economy, many choose this option for other reasons. Cremation is simple, environmentally friendly, and offers flexibility in the timing of the funeral services.
How Long Does The Actual Cremation Process Take?
It depends on many conditions including the size of the individual. For an average size adult, the cremation process takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F the cremated remains also take several hours to cool completely. For planning purposes, please also be aware that in Connecticut, there is also a mandatory 48 hour waiting period from the time of death before the cremation process may be started.
What Happens After The Cremation is Complete?
All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, implants, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished by a visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller metallic objects. Remaining bone fragments and ash are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into an urn, selected by the family.
You may also find this video helpful for deciding on the type of cremation services you wish to host. -Video provided by Wilbert Burial Vault