Cremation is another choice for disposition of the human body.  After the body is placed into a casket or approved combustible container, it is placed in a special furnace (also known as a retort).  Utilizing intense heat and flame, the body is reduced to bone fragments, which are called cremated human remains.   Hadley Funeral Home operates it's own crematory, which is located at the New Matamoras home.  The staff who operate the retort are certified cremation operators with Cremation Association of North America (CANA).

Cremation services are subject to the personal choices of the family, as with traditional earth burial.  This might include visitation, public or private funeral service with the casketed body present, or a memorial service, without the body present. which may be held before or after the cremation process.  As with a direct burial, a direct cremation is limited to the cremation process with no preparation of the body, services or memorialization.

Some questions often asked about cremation are:

• Is embalming necessary?

It is not necessary for the cremation process.   However, if there is to be a pubic viewing it may be appropriate.

• Is a casket required?

For the health and safety of the crematory operator, and the dignity of the deceased, most crematories require an acceptable rigid, leak-proof container or casket.

• What is an urn?

Cremated remains are placed in a permanent container called an urn.  These can be constructed of bronze, copper, marble, hardwood or ceramic.  Urns are available at the funeral home.

• What can be done with cremated remains?

There are several options available to the family.   They may wish to keep them in an urn within their own home. They may also wish to place them in a family burial plot, a niche at a mausoleum or in a columbarium, all of which provide a permanent place for memorialization.  The survivors may wish to scatter the cremated remains over water, ground, or a site of special interest.  This choice may be subject to local environmental protection laws. 

The cost of the cremation process is based on several factors.  An accurate charge is best accomplished by consulting with us at Hadley Funeral Home.  We can answer any questions you may have concerning pre-planning your cremation, all the available options for services, and advise you on the legal documents necessary for cremation.  Call for an appointment or stop in during normal business hours...the Hadley family is here to serve your family.