Cremations, Burials & Graves

How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?

It isn’t. At least it doesn’t have to be different. The extent and the content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family. They may choose as much formality or as little as they feel the want to have and they also have more options when cremation is chosen. Quite often a memorial service is held after cremation has occurred or perhaps the family will want to gather at a convenient time for the final committal of the cremated remains.

Is a casket required?

Not exactly. While a traditional casket is not required, most crematories — including those affiliated with CANA (the Cremation Association of North America), like ours — do require that the body be enclosed in a rigid container that is suitable for cremation. This ensures the safety of crematory staff and provides a respectful covering for the body.

Families may choose a standard casket if they wish, but a simpler cremation container is also acceptable. The body is cremated in the same container in which it arrives at the crematory.

How is cremation accomplished?

The enclosed body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it is exposed to intense heat. Through a combination of heat and evaporation, the body is reduced to its basic elements—commonly referred to as cremated remains or cremains.

Despite often being called “ashes,” cremated remains are actually processed bone fragments. They do not resemble traditional ash in either appearance or chemical makeup.

After the cremation, the remaining fragments are carefully collected and processed to reduce them to a finer consistency. While often described as a uniform material, it’s normal for the remains to contain some variation in texture or small bone fragments.

The final remains are then placed into either a permanent urn or a temporary container suitable for transport. For an adult, the amount typically ranges from three to nine pounds. However, in the case of infants, young children, or fetal remains, the quantity may be significantly smaller—or, in some cases, there may be little to no recoverable remains. This is due to the natural development of bone structure and other factors, and while it can be difficult, it is a normal aspect of the process.

Isn’t cremation an end in itself?

Some people may regard it as such, but most families feel that the cremated remains of someone they love should be afforded a resting place that can be identified by the name and dates. This is memorialization. Most families find that a memorial, regardless of its size, serves a basic human need to remember and to be remembered.

What choices of memorialization are available?

There are many meaningful ways to memorialize a loved one after cremation, depending on the family’s wishes, beliefs, and lifestyle.

Many families choose a special urn to hold the cremated remains permanently. The urn can be kept in a columbarium, which is a structure designed to hold urns in niches—recessed compartments that are often enclosed with an ornamental front engraved with the person’s name, and dates.

Urns may also be buried in a cemetery plot, either in a traditional grave or in a smaller plot specifically designed for cremated remains. Some cemeteries, including ours, allow more than one set of cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space, offering flexibility for family arrangements.

In addition to cemetery options, some families choose to keep the urn at home, often placing it in a meaningful spot such as a mantle, shelf, or private memorial area.

For those looking for more personal or creative forms of memorialization, options also include memorial jewelry (which may hold a small portion of remains), keepsake urns, or incorporating ashes into items like artwork or biodegradable memorials.

What about scattering cremated remains?

Scattering cremated remains can be a meaningful and symbolic act for many families, but it should be approached with care and thoughtful consideration.

In most areas, scattering is legal, but it must be done in a designated, environmentally appropriate location, and always in accordance with local laws and property permissions. It’s important to know that scattering cannot be done just anywhere, even with the best intentions.

Some crematories and cemeteries, including many CANA-affiliated facilities, offer dedicated scattering gardens—beautiful, permanent spaces set aside for this purpose. These locations often provide families with the option of placing a personal memorial, such as a plaque or marker. Using a dedicated site also ensures that the location won’t be developed or repurposed in the future.

While scattering can offer a sense of freedom or a return to nature, it may not be the right choice for everyone. CANA (Cremation Association of North America) encourages families to consider some form of permanent memorialization, even if remains are scattered, so future generations have a place to visit, reflect, and remember.

It’s also worth noting that for some, the act of scattering can be emotionally difficult. Releasing what physically remains of a loved one may feel more intense than anticipated. Families should consider carefully who will perform the scattering and be sure that person is emotionally prepared for the experience.

How does the cost of cremation compare with burial or entombment?

Generally, the basic cost of cremation is less than that of a traditional burial. However, the total cost can vary depending on the services chosen. Families have a wide range of options—both before the cremation (such as viewings or ceremonies) and afterward (such as urn choices or interment).

Because of this flexibility, it’s difficult to make a direct cost comparison. With cremation, families often have more choices and can tailor services to fit their needs and budget.

For the most accurate information, it’s best to speak directly with the funeral home of your choice to review available options and pricing.

Is a funeral director necessary?

Yes. In Massachusetts, crematories generally cannot transport bodies themselves and require a licensed funeral director to handle transportation, using a vehicle specifically designated and registered as a hearse. Funeral directors are also responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and completing legal requirements, such as securing cremation approval from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Funeral directors are among the licensed professionals authorized to perform these tasks and, in many cases, are the only individuals legally permitted to do so.

In most cremation cases, the funeral director provides the same professional services as they would for a traditional burial, including transportation, documentation, and coordination of services.

In Massachusetts, funeral homes are not permitted to operate their own crematories. By law, only cemeteries may own and operate crematories. This differs from some other states, where funeral homes may own and run crematory facilities directly.

Is embalming necessary?

No, embalming is not required for cremation. However, certain factors—such as timing, public health considerations, specific types of services (like open-casket viewings), legal regulations, or religious customs—may make embalming either appropriate or necessary in some cases.

As a point of information, pacemakers and similar medical devices must be removed prior to cremation, as they can pose a serious hazard when exposed to the high heat of the cremation chamber.

Are more people choosing cremation today?

Yes. More and more people are choosing cremation each year. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the U.S. cremation rate was projected to be 63.4% in 2025, and this trend is expected to continue—reaching over 80% by 2045.

Because cremation is now such a common choice, it’s important for families to discuss it ahead of time. Decisions about cremation and memorialization should ideally be made before the time of need, so everyone is aware of the individual’s preferences.

Most funeral homes offer pre-arrangement and pre-payment options, as well as guidance on planning memorial services. By making these decisions in advance, families can avoid added stress during a time of grief, and ensure that the person’s wishes are honored.

Before Cremation Takes Place

Before cremation can occur, several legal, procedural, and personal steps must be completed:

Ceremonies and Viewings

Any scheduled ceremonies, rites of passage, or viewings with the deceased must take place before cremation.

Authorization and Permits

All required authorization forms and permits must be completed and signed by the appropriate parties.

Medical Devices

The crematory must be informed if the deceased has a pacemaker, prosthetic, or any mechanical or radioactive device or implant, as these must be removed by the funeral director before cremation for safety reasons. If not removed, and damage occurs, the person(s) authorizing the cremation may be held responsible. Funeral homes should also be informed if the deceased was recently treated with radioactive medication.

Personal Belongings

All personal possessions or valuables (such as jewelry) should be removed prior to cremation—either by the family or the funeral director. Anything not removed will either be destroyed in the cremation process or disposed of in a non-recoverable manner, in accordance with applicable laws.

Casket or Container Requirements

The body must be cremated in a combustible, leakproof, rigid, and covered container, if a casket is not used. Metal caskets are not permitted. Non-combustible parts of caskets (like decorative handles, rails, or hardware) may be removed to prevent damage to cremation equipment and will be discarded.

Waiting Periods

State laws may require a waiting period after the time of death before cremation can legally occur. For deaths occuring in Massachusetts, this waiting period is 48 hours, while Rhode Island deaths require only 24 hours.

Witnessing the Cremation

If the family wishes to witness the placement of the body into the cremation chamber, the crematory must be notified in advance through the funeral home to allow for proper scheduling. Additional fees may apply, along with restrictions on the number of attendees and the length of time they may remain on-site. The family may also be required to sign a viewing request form and/or waiver during the scheduling process or before the ceremony.

The Cremation Process

Individual Cremations

All cremations are performed individually. In some cases, family members may be cremated in separate machines simultaneously, side by side, but not in the same chamber.

Cremation Procedure

The cremation begins with placing the casket or container into the cremation chamber, where it is subjected to heat and flame at temperatures between 1,400°F and 1,800°F. This process reduces the body to bone fragments and any non-combustible materials that were not removed beforehand.

Repositioning

It may be necessary to briefly open the chamber during cremation to reposition the remains and ensure thorough processing.

Duration

The cremation typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size and weight of the individual.

Cooling and Removal

After a cooling period, the cremated remains are carefully swept from the chamber. While every effort is made to collect all remains, a small residue may remain in the chamber, resulting in incidental and unavoidable commingling.

Post-Cremation Processing

After removal, non-combustible materials (e.g., metal fragments) are separated from the bone fragments using visual or magnetic methods and disposed of in a non-recoverable manner. The remains are processed into a to reduce them to a finer consistency. While often described as a uniform material, it’s normal for the remains to contain some variation in texture or small bone fragments.

Amount of Remains

For an adult, the amount of cremated remains typically ranges from 3 to 9 pounds. For infants, young children, or fetal remains, the amount may be significantly smaller—or in some cases, there may be little or no recoverable remains. This is due to natural bone development and other biological factors.

Urn or Temporary Container

If an urn is provided and is large enough, the cremated remains will be placed into it. Otherwise, the crematory will return the remains in a temporary plastic or cardboard container.

After the Cremation Has Been Completed

Return of Remains

The urn or container with the cremated remains is returned to the funeral home designated on the cremation authorization form.

Final Disposition Options

If a final resting place has not yet been decided, you may wish to consult with your funeral director. Common options include:

• Placement in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium
• Burial in a family plot, dedicated urn garden or cremation grave
• Scattering at sea or on land, in accordance with state or local laws

Memorialization

For those choosing scattering, families often opt for a permanent memorial, such as:

• Engraving in a Book of Remembrance
• Placement of a memorial plaque
• Planting a tree in honor of the deceased

These provide a physical place for family and friends to remember and reflect.

Keeping Remains at Home

While cremated remains may be kept at home, families are encouraged to plan for an eventual permanent resting place. It’s important to decide what will happen to the remains when the person currently in possession is no longer able to keep them.

It is strongly recommended to make cremation arrangements before the time of need. Planning ahead allows you to make thoughtful decisions without the pressure of time or the emotional stress that often accompanies a loss.

The first step is to document your wishes in writing. Be aware that in many states, you may not legally authorize your own cremation in advance. In such cases, your next of kin may be required to give final approval—and in some instances, they may even override your stated preferences. Therefore, it’s essential that your next of kin are informed of and in agreement with your wishes.

We recommend consulting a licensed funeral director to determine whether your state allows self-authorization for cremation, and if so, what documentation and approvals are required by the crematory.

Many funeral homes offer the option to pre-arrange and even pre-pay for cremation or burial services. This not only helps to ensure your wishes are carried out, but it also helps relieve your loved ones of the financial and emotional burden of making these decisions during such a difficult time.

What to Ask When Choosing a Cremation Provider – And How We Answer

Choosing a cremation provider is a deeply personal decision. Families deserve transparency, professionalism, and dignity throughout the process. Below are some of the most important questions to ask—and how we at Woodlawn North Purchase confidently answer them.

1. Are you a member of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA)?

Yes. We are proud members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and fully adhere to their Code of Cremation Practice, which promotes industry best practices, ethics, and education.

2. Do you perform cremations on-site?

Yes. All cremations are performed on-site at our own facility, ensuring complete control over the process and maintaining the highest level of care, dignity, and identification integrity.

3. Do you require identification of the deceased prior to cremation?

Yes. We require the following before proceeding:

• The funeral home’s confirmation of the deceased’s identification
• A completed disposition permit
• Medical Examiner’s authorization (may be completed off-site or during their routine visits to our facility)
• Family authorization for cremation
• The decedent’s name written on the casket or cremation container by the funeral home.

These safeguards ensure that all required legal and procedural steps are met before cremation takes place.

4. Is witnessing the cremation allowed?

Yes. We do allow witnessing of the cremation by family members or a designated individual. This must be scheduled in advance through the funeral home, and some restrictions (including time limits, attendee limits, and a signed waiver) may apply.

5. What is the average time between receiving the deceased and completing the cremation?

The turnaround time is typically 1–2 business days, but it depends on authorization by the Medical Examiner:

• If approval has already been granted, cremation may occur quickly.
• If the deceased must be viewed and approved by the Medical Examiner during their next visit to our facility, this may add a short delay.
• If a hold is placed on the case by the Medical Examiner, timing will depend on the resolution of that hold.

We strive to move the process forward as efficiently and respectfully as possible.

6. Do you have refrigeration facilities to hold the body prior to cremation?

Yes. We have on-site refrigeration to properly store and preserve the deceased prior to cremation, in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

7. How do you track and verify the identity of the deceased throughout the cremation process?

We use a multi-step, redundant identification and tracking system, including:

• A metal disc engraved with a unique, non-repeated cremation number that is assigned at the time the deceased enters our care
• This disc accompanies the body into the cremation chamber, stays with the remains throughout cooling and processing, and is included in the final urn
• The cremation number is also logged and verified across multiple pieces of physical and digital documentation
• The decedent’s name and cremation number are entered into our computer system and are cross-referenced throughout the entire process

This system ensures absolute accountability and traceability from start to finish.

8. How are the cremated remains returned if an urn is not provided?

If an urn is not supplied prior to cremation, we place the cremated remains in a temporary container, which may be made of plastic or cardboard.

Only the funeral home designated by the family on the cremation authorization is permitted to collect the cremated remains. This ensures proper chain of custody and that the remains are returned to the correct family, as we generally do not meet with families directly.

9. What happens to medical implants or prosthetics after cremation?

Any prosthetics, implants, or similar materials are removed and recycled through a specialized facility equipped to handle biohazardous materials. This is done in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner.

10. Are your crematory operators certified?

Yes. Our crematory operators are trained and certified by Matthews Environmental Solutions, a leading provider of cremation technology and operator education. This ensures that every operator follows strict procedures for safety, care, and respectful handling of both the deceased and the cremated remains.

Have More Questions?

If you or your funeral provider have additional questions, we are happy to provide more information about our process, policies, and standards. We believe that every family deserves full transparency and peace of mind.

Cremation requires strict legal documentation, including:

• A Cremation Authorization Form, signed by the next of kin
• A Disposition/Transit Permit
• A Medical Examiner’s Cremation Authorization*

These documents are prepared and submitted to us by the funeral home on your behalf.

*For deaths in Rhode Island, the Medical Examiner’s authorization form is provided to us directly by the funeral home. For deaths in Massachusetts, the Medical Examiner’s authorization may be provided ahead of time, or the Medical Examiner may view the body at our facility and then provide their authorization.

If the death occurs out of state, additional paperwork may be necessary to comply with local laws.

Please note there is a mandatory waiting period after the time of death before cremation can legally be performed:

• 48 hours for deaths occuring in Massachusetts
• 24 hours for deaths occuring in Rhode Island
• Waiting periods vary by state for deaths outside these states

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in certain cases. Their involvement helps ensure that every death is properly reviewed, especially when it occurs suddenly, unexpectedly, or without a physician present.

Before a cremation can take place, the medical examiner must authorize it. This is because cremation is irreversible and permanently destroys any potential physical evidence. The examiner’s role is to confirm the identity of the deceased and ensure that the death is not suspicious or the result of criminal activity.

Depending on the circumstances, the OCME may perform:

An external examination — a review of medical records and a visual inspection, which is often sufficient.

A full autopsy — an internal and external examination, if needed to determine the cause of death.

Reasons the Medical Examiner’s Review Is Important

Preserving evidence

Cremation permanently eliminates potential forensic evidence, so this review ensures no information is lost in cases of possible homicide, suicide, or accident.

Confirming cause and manner of death

Verifies that the death is natural or not suspicious before cremation is authorized.

Identification

Confirms the identity of the deceased before final disposition.

Public health

Sometimes the cause of death can reveal public health concerns that affect the family or community.

Medical Examiner Procedure

A medical examiner must physically view each decedent before cremation is authorized.

Rhode Island deaths

The RI Medical Examiner must authorize cremation before the decedent is brought over state lines and into our care.

Massachusetts deaths

Depending on the case, the decedent may be viewed and authorized either at the OCME facility before coming into our care, or after arrival at our crematory. One of the Massachusetts Medical Examiners visits our crematory regularly to examine the individuals in our care. If satisfied with their findings, they may authorize cremation during their visit.

It’s important to note that we, the crematory, are not associated with the Medical Examiner’s Office. They are not located within our building (except during their brief visits for examination), and we have no control over their schedule or the timing of cremation approval.

What Does It Mean if My Loved One Is “On Hold”?

Sometimes, the OCME may place a temporary hold on a case while their investigation is in progress. This means cremation cannot proceed until they complete their review and issue authorization.

A hold may last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on what information or testing is needed. In some cases, the OCME may take the decedent into their care for further examination or autopsy.

Your funeral director will be notified if your loved one is placed on hold. They will stay in communication with the medical examiner’s office and keep you updated if any delays affect scheduled services. Once the medical examiner has completed their investigation and issues authorization, cremation can proceed.