A Quincy Memorial is Your
Guarantee of a Quality Memorial
PG 22
Frequently Asked Questions
Quincy Memorials, Inc.

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a
family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would
always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the
commemorative process—the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of
memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A
memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future
generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.

2.  What is memorialization for a cremation?

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Also
available at many cemeteries are cremation niches in columbariums. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the
benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers
the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

3.  What is a columbarium?

A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is
constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.

4.  If I'm going to be cremated, why would I want my remains to be placed in a columbarium, or interred or
scattered at the cemetery? Why shouldn't I just have them scattered in the sea or in some other place of my
choosing?

As long as it is permitted by local regulations, the cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This
can, however, present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to simply pour the mortal remains of a
loved one out onto the ground or into the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to discuss your
wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering
can occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked or public place. Access to the area may be restricted
for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed, or any of a host of other conditions may arise that could
make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your
backyard, what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be
collected back up. Having your remains placed, interred or scattered on a cemetery’s grounds ensures that future generations
will have a place to go to remember. If remains are scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries will allow
you to place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a place to visit that will always be
maintained and preserved.

5.  Why is having a place to visit so important?

Because it provides a focal point for memorializing the deceased. To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs.
Throughout human history, memorialization of the dead has been a key component of almost every culture. The Washington
Monument, Tomb of the Unknowns and Vietnam “Wall” in Washington, D.C are examples of memorialization which
demonstrate that, throughout our history, we have always honored our dead. Psychologists say that remembrance practices,
from the funeral or memorial service to permanent memorialization, serve an important emotional function for survivors by
helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. Providing a permanent resting place for the deceased is a
dignified treatment for a loved one's mortal remains, which fulfills the natural human desire for memorialization.

6.  If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of
the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple
cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

7.  Can I take the cremated remains home?

Yes. The remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf.
Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

8.  How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?

The cost depends on the type of permanent memorial, location of the memorial, urn and placement selected.