Attended Cremation

Why Families choose to attend the cremation of a loved one

As more people choose cremation, our funeral directors are frequently asked, can you witness a cremation? Yes, that is an option for family members. Witnessing a cremation is not for everyone, though families may choose this service for a number of reasons:

For Hindu and some Buddhist traditions, cremation rituals include participation from immediate family members. The main rituals are performed by a priest in Schaudt’s Chapel followed by a procession of the loved one and the family members to the crematory.

In the crematory, the eldest male relative is typically instructed to turn on the cremation machine, also known as the retort, while the family members chant. Once the priest concludes his rituals, the family helps place their loved one in the cremation chamber. It is symbolic for the family to help guide their loved one to the afterlife.

Some family members want to say their final goodbyes due to distance or the pandemic. The attended cremation service gives the family about 15 minutes to spend with their loved one in the crematory prior to the cremation.

This also allows the family to place personal items with their loved one: photos, letters, a crucifix, flowers, etc. Some families will recite prayers, poems, or a personal eulogy. If the family is comfortable witnessing the cremation, the crematory operator directs the family where to stand while the operator opens the door and places their loved one into the cremation chamber.

Some family members may find comfort in assisting in the process. They are welcome to open the door and/or help place their loved one inside the chamber, then close the door.

Due to some misinformation or unfortunate scandals in the funeral industry, some families may be skeptical about the cremation process. For family members who are concerned they will not receive their loved one after cremation, the attended cremation is an option.

They can spend time with their loved one and then see them enter the cremation chamber. To ensure 100% confidence, we also welcome families back to witness the removal process of their loved one’s cremated remains from the retort. This gives them the closure and confidence that it is their loved one’s remains that return to them in an urn.

If you have any questions related to witnessing the cremation of a loved one, please reach out.