CREMATION SERVICES
FOR THE LEWISTON, SANBORN & NIAGARA FALLS, NY AREAS

Hardison Funeral Homes, Inc. offers cremation services in the greater Niagara Falls, NY region. Cremation is an alternative to the burial process and it is chosen by many people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment or it was requested by the person who died.  Cremation is also a less expensive option in comparison to a burial.  The remains are placed in a combustible container and placed in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or a crematory where, through intense heat, they are reduced to bone fragments that are then crushed and pulverized to resemble coarse sand.  The cremated remains of an average adult body will weigh about 7-8 pounds.  Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative to burial or other forms of disposition.

Cremated remains can be scattered or buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn.  There are many new and different ways to dispose of ashes today: cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean, they can be launched into space or sent up in helium balloons, or they can be spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds.

Some religions welcome cremation while others forbid it.  The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963, and burial remains the preferred form of disposition today.  In other Christian denominations cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays it is more widely accepted.  In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden.  Orthodox Jews also forbid cremation; other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option. 

Reasons Why People Choose Cremation Services

There are many reasons why someone may choose cremation during their preplanning services as well as families choosing it for loved ones who didn't make plans, including:

• Affordable- Cremation costs are typically less than traditional burial options. However, this depends on the services you choose.
• Efficient- End-of-life services can be a difficult task to plan. When you choose cremation services, you can make an efficient choice and eliminate some of the stress that comes with making arrangements.
• Creative- Instead of traditional services which are very structured and formal, cremation services allow you the chance to add some creativity into how you want to honor the life of your loved ones. Ashes can be placed in an urn, placed in a memorial necklace, scattered in a favorite spot, and other options.
• Convenient- Some people choose cremation services as it is not as emotionally draining as other traditional services can be. 
• Environmentally Friendly- These services don't require using land to place the casket making them environmentally friendly.
• Flexible- Traditional burial options require arrangements to take place around a week after someone has passed. Cremation services can take place whenever it is easiest for the family, especially for those who are out of town.

Cremation Service FAQ

What is Cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation is when you have the body cremated shortly after the death, without having a funeral service beforehand.

Is a casket needed for Cremation?

No, a casket is not required, most states require an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard, however, in some states no container is required.

Is embalming required prior to cremation?

No.  In fact it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

Can the body be viewed without embalming?

Yes, most crematories allow immediate family members to briefly view the deceased prior to cremation.

Can the family witness the cremation?

Yes they can; some cremation providers will allow family members to be present when the body is placed in the cremation chamber.  Some religious groups even include this as part of their funeral custom.

Can an urn be brought into church?

Nearly all Protestant Churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service.  Most Catholic Churches also allow the remains to be present during the Memorial Mass.  It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.

What can be done with the cremated remains?

While laws vary state by state, for the most part remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium, kept at home or scattered.

How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time, and the vast majority of crematories can only cremate one body at a time, it is next to impossible to receive the incorrect remains.

How long does the actual cremation take?

It all depends on the weight of the individual.  For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of between 1,000 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

What do the cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

Do I need an urn?

An urn is not required by law.  However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic container.

Call to Ask About Our Cremation Services

At Hardison Funeral Home, Inc., we offer a variety of cremation services, including columbarium options. A columbarium is a wall or structure in which cremated remains have been interred. They can be found in cemeteries or churches around WNY, and offer a place for family and friends to visit without the heavy price that many burial options offer. If you want a place for your loved ones to visit while saving money through cremation, a columbarium might be the answer for you. If you'd like to learn more about columbaria or our other cremation services, the staff at Hardison Funeral Home, Inc. can help you and your family.

It's a good idea to consider what you'll do with cremated remains, whether you're planning for yourself or for a loved one. One advantage that traditional burials have over cremation is that a burial plot is a tangible place for family and friends to visit and mourn. There is no one answer for cremation storage - columbariums are great options, but many people keep cremated remains of loved ones in decorative urns in their homes. Others choose to have their remains scattered over a meaningful location. There are even more creative options out there ranging from sculptures to tree fertilizer, so feel free to explore your options and choose what feels right to you.

If you're interested in learning more about our direction cremation costs or about our cremation services, be sure to contact one of our knowledgeable representatives. We're proud to serve those throughout Ransomville, Lewiston, Niagara Falls, and Sanborn, NY.

General Price list is available from Hardison Funeral Homes!!, Our current pricing for cremation and all options can be found under the BURIAL SERVICES AND PRICING.

Currently Pricing for Direct Cremation starts at $2600.00 without the alternative container and 

$2875.00 with the container provided by the funeral home.