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Cremations

General Information
Cremation is the process of preparing a body for its final disposition. Crematories require that the physical body be in a rigid container -- a casket or alternative container. This casket or alternative container is consumed during the cremation process. Through cremation, the physical body is reduced to small skeletal fragments using extreme heat (1600°-2000°F) and evaporation. The cremated remains are further reduced to an unidentifiable consistency, with a texture resembling everything from a fine powder to that of coarse sand. The average amount of cremated remains (sometimes referred to as Cremains) usually weigh 6-8 pounds. Cremated remains are then placed into a temporary container or permanent urn for final disposition.

When you select cremation, there are a number of related options you may wish to consider. It is important to recognize that cremation is only one way of preparing for disposition and could be a replacement for the traditional funeral if you so desire. The following information offers you brief summaries of some of the options now available to you with cremation and memorialization. As you reflect on these options, remember that your decisions should be based only on what you believe to be acceptable according to your needs.

Aldine Funeral Chapel offers many options to you and your family. Once you have taken the opportunity to review this information and outline your questions, we would like to spend the time necessary to honor your wishes.

Traditional Visitation and Funeral
The visitation and funeral ceremony offers family and friends the opportunity to come together and respond to each other. Because of the care, comfort and consolation it provides, the sharing of feelings and emotions can be of far-reaching psychological benefits. If you wish the body to be present, you may elect to use either a Cremation Casket or a Traditional Casket. A Cremation Casket will be made of wood with minimal amounts of metal (such as handles and adjustable beds) to facilitate the cremation process. Some crematoriums will not permit a Traditional Casket regardless of whether it is constructed of metal or wood. If the crematorium accepts Traditional Caskets, there will probably be an additional charge because of additional time required for the cremation.

We will help you to determine which casket will best meet your needs. We also have a service which includes a rental casket available for visitation and services as a way to help decrease funeral expenses.

A funeral is a declaration of death intended for the living, providing a way to show support for those who are left behind.

Visitation/Memorial Service
The Visitation/Memorial Service may be held before or after the cremation takes place, with or without the cremated remains present. If the Cremains are to be present, a display urn is appropriate.

We can make any arrangements for the type of service that you select. Our chapel offers privacy and dignity during a Memorial Service. Customized services can be religious or secular, held during the day or in the evening, with as few or many people as your prefer. Services can also be arranged at any other location you desire. A licensed funeral director does not have to be present for services when a physical body is not present.

Immediate Disposition
Our Direct Cremation Program offers immediate pick up of the deceased upon passing from this life. A Memorial Service may be appropriate when Direct Cremation is selected.

There is no "Right" or "Wrong" when making decisions regarding cremation. Only you can decide what type of service best fits your needs.

Pre-Planning
Making arrangements in advance is a practical and helpful way to assure that a family's or an individual's specific wishes will be carried out properly. In addition, the difficult, often emotional, details that are required to be dealt with may be carried out under more relaxed conditions, without the grief and (often sudden) stress of a death. Finally, satisfying arrangements can lead to important peace of mind for all concerned. Additionally, the State of Texas has very specific laws regarding cremation and who may authorize cremation. There are specific documents that can be executed in advance of a death that will secure the necessary authorizations. You can even pay for final arrangements in advance and freeze the cost of cremation at today's prices thereby eliminating the worry of inflation.

Summary
We hope the enclosed information has outlined and addressed some of the questions you may have. We would be happy to meet with you and any of your friends to answer in person any additional questions you may have. Please feel free to call our office at (281) 591-6055 for additional information.