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What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is a straightforward and simplified process that happens after death, excluding any funeral or memorial service held before the cremation. It is the most cost-effective method of cremation and offers a way for families to manage the practical necessities that follow a death, giving them the freedom to plan a memorial or celebration of life event in their own time, if they choose to do so.

The Direct Cremation Process

The process begins with the removal of the deceased from the place of death – which could be a hospital, hospice, nursing home, or residential setting – and transporting them to the crematory. Once the required legal documentation is complete, including death registration and cremation authorization, the body is cremated. The remains, often referred to as ashes, are then returned to the family in a simple container.

Direct Cremation Advantages

There are numerous reasons why people choose direct cremation:

Affordability

The cost is significantly less than traditional burial or cremation options because it excludes embalming, casket, funeral service, or burial plot costs.

Simplicity

There’s no need to plan a service or coordinate with a funeral home immediately, which can be a relief during a grieving period.

Flexibility

Families can choose to hold a memorial service, scatter the ashes, or keep the remains at any time and place that suits them.

Environmental Considerations

Cremation requires fewer resources compared to traditional burials, making it a more eco-friendly option for those concerned about their environmental footprint.

Making the Choice

Choosing direct cremation doesn’t mean you’re limited in how you can celebrate and honor the life of your loved one. Whether it’s a traditional service, a private ceremony, or scattering ashes in a significant location, the choices are numerous.

Direct cremation is about simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and freedom to memorialize your loved one in a way that feels right to you and your family. It allows you to manage the practical aspects of death while giving you the flexibility to celebrate a life lived in a time and manner that suits you best.

At Historic Union Cemetery, we understand that every individual’s end-of-life journey is unique. That’s why we are here to provide information and guidance, helping you make the choice that feels most appropriate for your circumstances. If you have any questions about direct cremation or other funeral-related inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Remember, whatever choice you make, it is about honoring and remembering your loved one in a way that brings comfort, peace, and healing to those left behind.

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Office
730 Potomac Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93307

Union Cemetery Funeral Home – (FD2325 / CR214)
IRS Registered 501C3 Non Profit Organization – Federal Tax ID #95-1314280

For more information on Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Matters you may contact:
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, CEMETERY AND FUNERAL BUREAU
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite #S-208 Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7870 or 1-800-952-5210

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