Cremation Services

Cremation Services

Overview of Cremation

The number of people choosing cremation has increased significantly in the past few years, yet cremation carries a long tradition and remains largely unchanged. Cremation simply hastens the natural process bodies go through by the application of intense heat.

What is done before or after the cremation is up to you or your survivors. You can relieve the burden these decisions placed on your loved ones by pre-planning your arrangements in advance of need so that your wishes will be honored.

Cremation does not limit choices; it actually provides the opportunity for more choices. It is a process which is performed in a respectful and dignified manner and can be memorialized in many ways.

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Cremation and Funerals

Choosing cremation does not change whether there is a funeral service or not. Traditional or contemporary services are often planned before or after the cremation process. A funeral service followed by cremation may be exactly the same as a funeral service followed by ground burial. They can be elaborate or simple and traditional. Arrangements and ceremonies tend to be as unique as the individual they celebrate. They may be personalized specifically to reflect the life of the deceased, and thus have a special meaning. Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels is able to assist in any and all of your Funeral Service needs. To obtain more information on funeral services click here or call 510-656-1226.

The Complete Cremation Service will be just like a Complete Funeral Service except cremation will follow instead of the casketed burial. This can be accommodated by the use of a rental casket or a casket that is designed to be cremated. Following the viewing, service or ceremony families have the option to witness the cremation. The cremated remains can then be buried, properly scattered, or returned to the family for safekeeping. Urns are used to hold the cremated remains. They can be constructed out of basic materials like plastic, or constructed out of more protective materials like basic or semi-precious metals, ceramics, and woods.

The Immediate Cremation Service can be arranged as an immediate disposition of the body, but is most times followed by a memorial service at the church, funeral home or other location. A Memorial Service is one where the body is not present. We recommend that if you select an immediate cremation that you are allowed a time, if possible, to privately view the body as a family. If the viewing can be done in a matter of a few hours after the death then embalming is usually not necessary. If there is to be a long delay then embalming would be encouraged. Viewing of the deceased is a very important step in acknowledging that the death has occurred. Having some type of service or ceremony is also a key ingredient to a healthy recovery after a loss.

A Direct Cremation refers to a cremation being provided, while limiting funeral services to the removal and transportation of the deceased into our care.

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Importance of Memorialization

Memorialization provides a permanent, secure place for cremated remains to be placed, and for family members and descendants to honor the lives of the deceased.

Cremation allows families many choices for memorializing a loved one, including keeping the cremated remains at home, or to scatter the remains over water or land. Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels will assist you to memorialize your loved one however you decide.

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Memorialization Options for Cremations

OUTDOOR NICHES – The cremated remains of your loved one may be safely held in a niche in an above ground columbarium. A columbarium is a structure of vaults lined with enclosed recesses for urns.

SCATTERING – In California your loved one’s remains may be scattered at sea 500 yards off the shoreline. They may also be scattered over land with the written permission of the property owner. There are also certain services which offer scattering among the sea or the stars.

TRADITIONAL BURIAL – In ground burial at a cemetery – Urns can sometimes be buried at the head or foot of a gravesite in the family plot.

PERSONALIZED MEMORIALIZATION – Inscribe your family member’s name and a special saying on a tree plaque, park bench or other special memorial. We also have custom, unique urns and keepsakes, perfect for displaying inside your home. For an overview of these items, please visit our Merchandise pages, or contact us directly and we will help you with your needs.

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