Honoring and remembering a loved one who has passed away comes in a range of unique forms. The person may have left behind detailed plans about their funeral or none at all. Whether it’s your family’s choice or your loved one’s pre-planned decision, cremation continues to be a popular option. To help you prepare for the service, here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about the process.

Cremation FAQ Answered

How does it work?

The body is placed in a chamber known as the crematory or retort. This area is heated to 1,400 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Over the course of roughly two to four hours, the heat will reduce the body to bone fragments. A second process pulverizes the bones to ashes.

Many families choose this option because they find the idea of returning the body to its essential elements appealing.

How is the body prepared?

To prevent explosions, the cremation specialist will remove any pacemakers, implants, prosthetics, and other medical or mechanical devices from the body. Embalming isn’t necessary to preserve the body in this case.

Can I still arrange a traditional funeral?

Yes. You can have a memorial service or even a burial for the urn. Some families choose to rent a casket or use a decorative cloth or flag to accompany the urn for the viewing.

You may also choose to have a viewing before the cremation. In this case, embalming may be necessary for preserving the body in the casket.

What can I do with the ashes?

There are several options for families to keep the remains of their loved ones. The deceased may have left a request on their testament to have their ashes scattered at a favorite place such as the ocean or a garden in their property.

You can also divide the ashes among different urns to give to multiple family members. With a range of different styles for these products, you can find a beautiful one to put on display in your home.

Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, provides compassionate and professional services to people in the surrounding community. If your family has chosen to honor your loved one with cremation, the team will walk you through the process and offer suggestions to ease the stress of planning. Find grief resources online or call (203) 375-2200 to speak to a funeral director.