Cremation

Trusted and Dignified Cremations

Cremation is another option in the range of choices for a family to consider.  It may be an alternative to a burial, yet should not be considered a total substitute for a funeral. You can have a viewing, a Mass or Funeral Service, public or private, any number of combinations are possible.

We are proud to offer our own on site crematory in Portsmouth. By having our own cremation facility, we can ensure your loved one never leaves our care, and every effort will be made to accommodate family requests or scheduling needs.

As with burial options, cremation services can be personalized. From serving your loved one’s favorite ice cream to releasing butterflies, displaying memories through photo boards or even playing a tribute video, cremations should have the same focus in mind, celebrating the unique life lived. Learn more about the Celebrations of Life.

Some request direct cremation, eliminating “all the bother of funeral services” for family members, but that is often a shortcut to the valuable or necessary experiences for the survivors. Funeral services aren’t provided just for the deceased; they are intended to help support and comfort the living. 

After the cremation is complete, the family must decide on a final resting place for the cremated remains.  A cemetery lot with other generations of family, a scattering on the ocean, or keeping the urn at home for some time, are all common choices for families.  Today we see many unique ideas that can provide a unique remembrance with the cremated remains, please look to this article about these new options we have available.

Your Cremation Questions, Answered

Cremation is a contemporary disposition, and therefore there are still many questions to be answered. Here are some questions Memorial Funeral Home funeral directors commonly answer to give you insight on the cremation process.

The cremation process depends on the size of the individual and the cremation casket or container used, but usually takes approximately 2 to 4 hours.

The temperature reaches between 1100 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not a traditional casket, yet an alternative enclosed, rigid container constructed of wood or cardboard is required, which is cremated with the body. They are like a casket, but purpose built for cremation. It needs to meet standards of safety, respect and dignity.

An intentional final resting place is an important decision. You may choose to keep the cremated remains at home, scatter them at sea or on land where allowed, or bury them in a cemetery or place them in a niche or mausoleum. You can keep a portion of the remains as a remembrance in a small urn or in a keepsake. There are many other new options available, please ask your funeral director.

The cremated remains are surprisingly heavy, often 4 to 5 pounds, not including the urn.

The size of an adult urn we recommend is 200 cubic inches, approximately the size of a 6" cube, but many urns vary in size and shape.

Cremation is accepted by many religions. If you are uncertain whether cremation is favorable within a specific religion, contact us for help.

Yes. Planning ahead the details and payment of your cremation can be done with our help, at your convenience. Securing legal directives in advance can eliminate some issues later, if family lives far away or there is no legal next of kin available.

Have more questions on cremation? Contact us now.

Get More Cremation Info, Right in Your Inbox

Cremation is a beautiful option for your end-of-life plans, but do you know the process involved? We’ve made that simple!

Subscribe to our complimentary emails about cremation. Over the next week, we will email you on variety of subjects: proper identification processes, ways to personalize your cremation, walk you through the cremation process itself, and present some options for memorialization.

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