When direct cremation is requested we will provide the following services anywhere in the State of Maine:

• Removal of the remains from the place of death
• Sanitary care of the remains
• Placement of the remains in a minimum container for the cremation process
• Hold the remains for the 48 hour waiting period
• Cremation
• Return of the cremated remains to the place designated at the time of arrangements
• Secure and filing of the following documents:
• Certificate of Death
• Burial / Transit Permit
• Medical Examiners Permit for Cremation
• Social Security Report of Death
• Veterans Administration forms that may apply
• Placement of obituary notices in requested newspapers (some additional charges may apply).

                                               Cremation Questions

Why do people select cremation?
 Cremation is simply a matter of preference and choice.  People have various reasons for selecting Cremation influenced by ethnic background or family tradition.  The concept that cremation is selected because of perceived lower funeral costs or lack of land for earth burial is totally inaccurate.  In rare instances are land a concern, and funeral costs are based on fixed expenses, and a family's selection of merchandise and services.

What is cremation?
 Cremation is another form if disposition of human remains at the time of one's death.  In Cremation a person's body is reduced to small pieces of bone fragments by a process of intense heat.  The end result is referred to as cremated remains, ashes, or sometimes cremains.

If I choose cremation, can I also have a viewing and funeral service?
 Yes, Cremation may follow a traditional funeral service that includes visitation, viewing, and a service with an open or closed casket. 

Is embalming necessary?
 The purpose of embalming is to disinfect and preserve a body for a limited period of time.  If there is to be viewing with visitation and funeral services with the body present, embalming is very important.  There may also be health, legal, or religious reasons that make embalming desirable or necessary.

Do I have to purchase a casket?
 Some form of rigid container or casket will be needed to transport the body to the crematory and place it in the cremation chamber.  Generally this is made of a combustible material such as wood. 

Is an Urn necessary?
 Cremated remains are often returned in a small, plain container. If the remains are to be scattered a traditional "urn" is not necessary, unless the family wants a keepsake.  However, if the Urn is to be buried in a cemetery, some cemeteries have what is known as a rigid container requirement, which may facilitate the need for an urn.  Lastly, some families may wish to purchase an urn to keep the cremains within their home versus burial.