The average temperature of a cremation is 1600*

Crematoriums use hot heat & flame with timely induced air. An average cremation takes between two and three hours, but the length of the cremation has many factors.  Bodies with higher fat take longer than little bodies.

Following the cremation, small pieces of brittle bone remain. They are processed and then sifted to remove any non-organic parts of the body, such as hip replacements and screws. These are removed and properly recycled. Many envision the cremains to be black like soot, but cremains are white or grey in color.

Yes. Saying goodbye begins the healing process.

No. Final goodbyes can be without a casket or embalming.

You wouldn’t think you would need to ask this question, but believe it or not, it is a very common one.  Many state laws prohibit the cremation of more than one body at a time. At O’Connell’s, we don’t need a statute to know what is right. This means that your loved one is placed in the cremation chamber alone.

Well, if we went by law, then you would need permission from local and state zoning ordinances. Why? Because the state does not look at cremains and different than a whole human body. Could you leave your loved one at the state park or throw them in the lake at the cabin? Passing laws is difficult. Scattering cremation has been accepted by most of society. Take into considerations of those around you. Be respectful and appropriate, and you will not have any issues scattering. We are not a legal voice, but if you need some suggestions or advice, give us a call.

This is not black and white. Most of the time, it is the adult, not the child that is uncomfortable with having this discussion. Keep it simple. Avoid nervous reactions such as ‘God has a plan”, “Grandpa is in a deep sleep”, or “Grandma was just sick, too sick to fix”. Children are very literal. They will remember these comments later. For example, “It’s time for bed, you need a good night’s sleep”, or “Grandma isn’t feeling well, she is sick with the flu” can be terrifying. Funeral directors, clergy, and counselors are helpful in explaining cremation. More often, parents will be the ones who have the difficult conversations. Be calm, get down to their level when you speak with them. Be honest. Differentiate the shell of the body who does not feel the pain of a cremation versus their loved one. You can reassure them that it is a very peaceful process that was chosen as a way to remember their loved one.

Yes. Our crematory (Countryside Crematory located inside our Baldwin facility) allows us a great opportunity for being involved in the cremation process! Cremation is a dignified way to say goodbye. Families have a great opportunity for a healing event that allows them to see their loved one and play an integral part in the cremation process. The O’Connell Family staff excels at designing meaningful and healing opportunities for our families. “Witnessing the cremation” of a loved one can include crafting a personalized alternative container, a ceremony prior to the cremation, or assisting in placing them into the chamber to initiate the cremation. The main point is you can be involved in every step of the process.

We take great measures to insure your loved one is given the ultimate care and you the ultimate reassurance you are receiving your loved one back. It starts from the moment we take your loved one into our care. First, an identification bracelet is placed on your loved one. When placed in the alternative container, we clearly record their name on it, and a titanium disk with an identification number accompanies the body before, during, and after the cremation process. Finally, all of this information is carefully documented in a log book.

We offer this thorough service exclusively to our families that we are privileged to serve. We do not use third party crematory services like most other funeral homes and most importantly, it is completed by a licensed funeral director.

So much has changed with the evolution of cremation. It wasn’t twenty years ago that some church denominations forbid cremation and would not allow cremated remains inside the church. Today, it is widely accepted. Pastors ultimately strive for healing and understanding. Many feel viewing is an integral part of the grieving process. Whatever your choice, clergy is there to walk with you in your journey. When in doubt, simply talk