Cremation Planning Guide: What Families Need to Know

First let’s start with what exactly is cremation? Cremation is a dignified and increasingly common method of final disposition in which the body is reduced to ashes through the application of intense heat in a specially designed chamber. Unlike traditional burial, cremation offers a flexible and often more affordable alternative that allows families to honor their loved one in a way that suits their personal, cultural, or religious preferences. The resulting ashes, or “cremains,” can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or incorporated into a personalized memorial, offering many ways to celebrate a life well lived.

At Mount Pleasant Cremation Services, we proudly operate as a not-for-profit organization, placing the well-being of our community at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is to offer compassionate, respectful care that brings comfort and peace of mind to families during life’s most difficult moments.

With a strong commitment to honesty and affordability, we provide transparent pricing and dedicated service—ensuring every family receives the support, dignity, and attention they truly deserve.

Mount Pleasant Crematory is dedicated to providing exceptional care, treating you with the utmost respect and care as if you were family. Come and visit our facilities to learn more about our personalized and professional cremation services.

We offer a range of cremation services before and after cremation, which includes viewing and memorial options. Services that provide families with the same choices available in traditional burial processes. Alongside our onsite chapel, we offer a variety of offsite locations for cremation services tailored to your preferences.

Trust Mount Pleasant Crematory of Long Island for cremation services tailored to honor your loved one’s memory. We proudly provide diverse options for the placement of remains, including niches, columbariums, mausoleums, and burial spaces. Ultimately ensuring you find the ideal final resting place for your loved one

Our commitment is to handle your loved ones with dignity and respect, continuously improving our services to be efficient, dignified, and affordable. Hopefully easing any financial burdens during this challenging time. Check out our full price list for more clarification on our cremation services.

Understanding the cremation process can bring comfort and clarity during a difficult time. At its core, cremation is a dignified and carefully regulated method of preparing a loved one for their final resting place. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what typically happens:

1. Authorization and Preparation

Before anything begins, the appropriate legal paperwork must be completed. This includes obtaining a death certificate and a signed cremation authorization form from the next of kin. Once authorized, the loved one is respectfully identified and prepared for cremation. Personal belongings are documented and returned to the family unless otherwise requested.

2. Placement in a Cremation Container

The body is placed in a simple, combustible container—often made of wood or heavy cardboard. This container is designed to be both safe and respectful, and it is used during the cremation process.

3. The Cremation Itself

The container is placed into a specially designed cremation chamber (or retort), where it is exposed to high temperatures—typically between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit—for a period of 1.5 to 3 hours. The heat breaks the body down into bone fragments and ashes. Throughout the process, strict procedures are followed to ensure the identity and integrity of the individual remains.

4. Processing the Remains

After the cremation is complete, the remains are allowed to cool. Any remaining metal (such as dental work or surgical implants) is removed and disposed of according to local regulations. The bone fragments are then processed into a fine, sand-like consistency—commonly referred to as ashes or “cremains.”

5. Return of the Ashes

The cremated remains are placed in a temporary container or an urn selected by the family. They are then returned to the family, typically within a few days, along with any documentation or death certificates as needed. From there, the family can decide how they would like to honor their loved one—whether through scattering, burial, or a personalized memorial.

At Mount Pleasant Crematory, we treat every step of the process with the utmost care, respect, and professionalism. We understand the trust placed in us, and we are honored to walk alongside families during this meaningful transition.

Located in Center Moriches, New York, our cremation center proudly serves families throughout Long Island. Please contact us today to discuss pricing and customize a cremation plan that meets your budget. Our compassionate staff is here to guide you through every detail of the cremation process. Ultimately ensuring a respectful and dignified farewell for your loved one is achieved.