Cremation Service in Scarborough, ME

The Process Explained: Cremations in Scarborough, ME

Cremation of Southern Maine is the leading provider of affordable cremation services in Scarborough, ME. We've been offering excellent services for many years and are dedicated to treating your loved one with respect. We do cremations that are quick and easy. You can do them online or over the phone, and the prices are the best for what you get.



We will help you in your tough time. Many low-cost firms cannot provide this service. We can have your loved one be the only person we take from the place of death to the crematory. We give good care and support when you are not able to do it yourself. Let us know how we can help today. Call now at 207-907-7318.

Scarborough, ME Cremation Services

Knowing even the basics about cremations in Scarborough, ME, can help you get a feel for whether this service is something that would be a fit for you and/or your loved ones. The purpose of cremation is to dispose of deceased remains in a legal, respectful way. As soon as the medical examiner or attending physician has weighed in on the situation, the body will need to be collected by a reputable service provider—in this case a crematory. The body will be held in cold storage while paperwork and permits are put in order.


After legal steps are met, the cremation will be scheduled to proceed. The process may be preceded by dressing the body as desired by the family. The remains will be placed within a cremation container—a lightweight and combustible box large enough to hold the deceased person. This container gives privacy to the dead and protects the workers who will be loading the deceased into the cremation chamber. The doors are securely fastened once the furnace space is filled with the loaded cremation casket.

The furnaces are heated to very high temperatures, which causes the contents within the retort to ignite in flames. It takes as little as 90 minutes for the fire to fully expend itself. The only visible remnants in the space are portions of the skeletal remains that did not thoroughly burn. These are cooled and collected for the next step in processing—grinding these pieces down into tiny particles. This granular form is most frequently called ‘ashes”. The cremated remains are returned to the family for final placement.


Some Questions and Answers About Cremations in Scarborough, ME

Cremation services are becoming more widely understood, but there are still some persistent questions and myths about the process. Here are some questions we answer often. Perhaps they will be helpful to you as you are deciding about cremations in Scarborough, ME.


  • What are direct cremation services?
  • Cremation procedures that are carried out and planned without publicly held services are referred to as simple or direct cremations. They can be a respectful, low-cost alternative to more extensive death care service options.
  • How is the identity of my loved one secured throughout the process?
  • The professionals at Cremation of Southern Maine follow stringent guidelines and policies that are designed to safeguard and protect the deceased from human errors that would result in mix-ups. This includes things like retrieving and admitting only one deceased person at a time rather than bulk pick-ups.
  • Are multiple people cremated simultaneously in the same chamber?
  • This is an old myth that isn’t true. Legally performed cremations are processed with only one deceased person at a time. So this is not something you would need to be concerned about because it is never going to happen in our facility.
  • Can I have other honoring services if I choose cremation?
  • Yes. If you want a more comprehensive funeral and/or cremation, we can help you get connected with our affiliate funeral home, Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes. This is simply because Cremation of Southern Maine only handles direct cremation services.


Some Flexible Options for the Final Resting Place

One enormous benefit to cremation services is that there are multiple options for the final resting place. So if you want to do something unique and creative, there are options for you here too. The most commonly used solutions fall under three categories: containment in an urn, burial in a cemetery or memorial park, or scattering in an outdoor setting. Let’s talk more about each one of these.


The classic vase-like urn resting on the mantle to be present at every family gathering is an option. However, urns come in myriad shapes, colors, and sizes. Some urns look like beautiful statuesque art for the table, mantle, or bookcase. You can select something that reflects the personality of the deceased person to hold their ashes.


The burial of cremated remains can be handled in a burial ground that offers urn plots. Did you know that above-ground burial is also becoming more available in many establishments? If you are interested in entombing cremated remains above ground, look for a place that offers space in a columbarium house or wall. A place of permanency for the remains can be a tremendous support to grief-stricken survivors.


The scattering of ashes is a widely used practice and familiar to many of us. As long as you have the appropriate permissions and/or needed permits, this can be done in many locations. Some memorial parks and cemeteries offer cremation gardens that are set aside to receive scattered ashes.

Find Compassionate, Professional Support at This Tender Time of Parting

If you decide to go with direct cremations in Scarborough, ME, either for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch with the kind-hearted professionals at Cremation of Southern Maine. Our clean and modern facilities are located at 172 State St, Portland, ME 04101. Please don’t hesitate to call (207) 907-7318 if we can be of assistance.

Cremation FAQs

Why is Cremation Gaining Popularity?

  • The cremation process is becoming more popular because it is a more environmentally friendly option than a traditional burial. Cremating a body left behind significantly less waste than burying a body. For example, the average casket weighs between 300 and 1,000 pounds, and most cemeteries require at least an acre of land per grave. Cremation is also considerably cheaper compared to traditional burial. It does not require the use of embalming fluid, which is made up of toxic chemicals.

 

Why is This Called Cremation and Where Did it Start?

  • The word cremation comes from the Latin cremare, meaning ‘to burn.’ Cremation is the incineration of a body after death. It usually involves burning a corpse in a furnace or oven. Cremation began as a religious practice in India about 2,500 years ago. Hindus believed that cremating the dead would liberate their spirits and release them from the cycle of rebirth. The ashes of the cremated bodies were often scattered in sacred rivers or buried in special temples. Cremation was first introduced in Europe by the ancient Greeks and Romans. However, it did not become popular until the 19th century, when it was used to dispose of infectious corpses during outbreaks of diseases. Today, many people are considering cremations because it is more affordable.

 

Who Should You Inform for Approval Purposes or Other Legal Matters in Cremation?

  • Generally, if you are considering cremation, you will need to inform only the next of kin (children, spouse, siblings, etc.). You are also required to inform other agencies or individuals such as the state health department or a funeral director. As for legal matters, you should consult an attorney who specializes in cremation or estate laws. An attorney can advise you who needs to be informed and help you with the necessary legal documents. You should also check with your state's government website if you wish to know more about it (including the benefits families are entitled to).


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