Planning Ahead
You're thinking ahead.
This is a smart and caring thing to do.
The death of a loved one is stressful. Making pre-arrangements eases the burden on your Family who may be overwhelmed at the time.
Planning ahead brings several benefits.
Peace of mind for your family
Losing a loved one is a stressful time. By having your burial pre-arranged, your grieving family will not have the burden of making these difficult decisions. No one wants to put extra stress on their loved ones. Being in a state of shock after a death is hard enough. You don't want them struggling with wondering what you would have wanted, questioning and doubting their choices. Instead, you're considering them ahead of time and making decisions now.
Getting the location you want
As time passes, the availability and choice of burial plots decrease. Sections in a cemetery can fill within only a few years. As a result, if you prefer a specific location, you'll want to reserve it before someone else purchases it. If you want several spaces for your family, these plots are even more important to reserve ahead.
When you talk to us about the space you're interested in, make sure you ask about the rules regarding monuments, flowers, liners, and multiple burials per grave.
Freezing the cost at today's price
Burial plots, just like food and other living expenses, increase over the years. If you want to save on tomorrow's higher costs, you can even prepay for the opening and closing of a grave.
Resting eternally surrounded by your loved ones
It's comforting to know that you can rest with your loved ones next to you. We're one of the few cemeteries that still have family plots available.
Are you planning for yourself or are there other family members to consider? Early in the 1900s, it was common for eight graves to be sold as a lot to accommodate an entire family. Families today are more mobile than they used to be, but it's still common for the remains of a family member to travel across the country in order to rest within the family plot. Ask your family members what their plans are.
Other Considerations When Planning Ahead
You've purchased a burial plot, a family plot or columbarium niche and may have even prepaid an opening of a burial space. What else is there to do in making the final arrangements?
Think fifty years ahead. Cremations are becoming more accepted in North America. This means that a family of four grave plots could hold four regular burials and eight cremations. The best way to keep the details straight over the years is to keep a record of your family plot.
Here are some details you'll want to record:
A map of the lot and a list of burials
It's a good idea to maintain a sketch of your plot and a list of burials. When you purchase a lot, the cemetery should be able to provide you with the plot layout. There are times, however, when a name is added to a stone but the person is not buried in the plot. These are the types of details you'll want to record in order to avoid confusion years later.
Line of authority
When a plot is purchased, the owner is the authority on who is buried in the family plot and which grave is used for which person. Who will have this authority after you or if you should become ill and unable to attend to these duties? This should be recorded in your will or stated in a written letter left with the cemetery. Conflicts can arise when a clear line of authority has not been established.
Monument company
Record the monument company and date when the stone and/or foot markers are purchased. This will make it easier to contact the monument company for engravings after burials or cleanings. Your family should be aware that in many cases the upkeep of the stone is their responsibility and not that of the cemetery unless you and the cemetery have arranged some type of perpetual care agreement for the monument.
Paperwork
Deeds, records of transfers, receipts, and agreements are important documents and should be kept together in a safe place. Remember, your family plot will span several generations so let others in the family know these documents exist and where they are kept.
The value of recording these details for your family is immeasurable. The loss of a loved one is a stressful time, and the details of your family plot on paper can help them with the necessary decision and tasks. It's not always easy for families to discuss final wishes. But when the time comes, your loved ones will appreciate that you took care of the details ahead of time.