Princeton Township, NJ

Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Princeton NJ

 Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Princeton NJ

 Why a Funeral Service Should Be a Healing Experience

A funeral is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of a life that has been lived and the impact of that meaning for family and friends. It is a time for human sharing in its deepest sense. At Hopewell Memorial Home & Cremation, which serves the residents of Princeton NJ, we provide an atmosphere that encourages each person to give and receive emotional support.

How Burial and Cremation Services Differ

When death occurs, one of the first decisions is whether to bury or cremate. Here’s how they differ:

Burial

If the family has traditionally chosen burial in previous generations, they may choose earth burial, particularly if the family owns plots together in a local cemetery.  Sometimes the decision to bury is made because the family does not like the idea of cremation. Burial can be done in the earth (ground burial), in a mausoleum, or at sea.

While cemetery selections and purchases are typically separate from funeral home arrangements, our knowledgeable funeral home staff can help guide you through the cemetery process.

Traditional Burial

There are several distinct parts, some of which are optional. The first part is called a visitation. A visitation is typically held the afternoon or evening before the funeral service. The visitation typically lasts about three hours, with people coming at the time best for them.

The second part is the funeral service itself. At a funeral service, the body is present in either a closed or open casket. Funerals can be held at a place of worship or another facility.

Following the funeral is the graveside service. Often there will be a funeral procession from the place of the funeral to the cemetery. The family can choose to use limousines, a flower car, escorts and the funeral coach (hearse). Attendees will follow behind the funeral coach on the way to the cemetery. A simpler version of this is to simply set a time to meet at the cemetery for the interment.

Some of the necessary decisions for a funeral and burial:

·         Choose casket.

·         If desired, embalming and/or dressing.

·         Select cemetery and plot.

·         Schedule location and time of visitation, funeral and graveside services.

·         Request clergy or another officiant.

·         Select flowers if desired.

·         How will the move to the cemetery be done?

·         Decide to witness lowering of casket or not.

Cremation

Choosing cremation neither eliminates nor does it require a funeral service. 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 or nontraditional. Arrangements and ceremonies tend to be as individual as the persons for whom and by whom they are made.

At Hopewell Memorial Home & Cremation, we encourage families to create very personalized services. It is important to acknowledge the life that has been lived and to offer to the community a way in which to celebrate that life. By offering services and memorialization features that are personal and special, a unique life can be remembered and honored in an individualized way that is comforting to the family and friends.

Memorialization Options for Cremation

·         Outdoor Niches – The cremated remains of your loved ones may be safely held in one of our many above ground columbarium niches.

·         Scattering – Your loved one’s remains may be scattered freely within a dedicated, natural environment. There are also certain services which offer scattering among the sea or the stars.

·         Traditional Burial – In ground burial on a family plot – Urns may be buried at the head or foot of a grave site.

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