[vinnie]

My wife and I just attended a free luncheon that was to provide answers to all sorts of questions regarding cremation etc. We spent over an hour listening to general info and then as we ate, we were approached by a salesperson for a personal visit to our home ...namely to corner us alone for a couple of hours of high pressure sales. I had asked for the pre planning booklet guide they were touting and prices but they would not give it to me or mail it.
I have also heard about Neptune society although there were some complaints about them also.
I am rather young and not near death. However, we have a place up north and my wife wanted to know her options in case something happened down in The Villages. She has no interest in shipping a body up north. Can anyone give me some insight on the best approach to take regarding cremation et al.

[graciegirl]

There is no free lunch.

[redwitch]

I used Neptune Society when my mother died. I had no complaints. They were kind and gentle with me. I received what I assume were my mother's cremains in a timely fashion. The only issue I had was that I expected a fine powder. Instead, the cremains were more like tiny chips. I don't know if this is common but it certainly surprised me. I have made arrangements with Neptune Society to take care of whatever body parts are left (if any of my parts can be used by someone else).

[KayakerNC]

I'd be willing to convert to Viking-ism just for the funeral.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by vinnie

I have also heard about Neptune society although there were some complaints about them also.

Rather macabre subject, but would suggest you do an internet search to find what you need to know about cremation.

In our case my other half has already signed on to Anatomy Gifts Registry - whole body donation to research. When they are finished they perform the cremation and send the remains to the family. He wants me to sign on the dotted line too, but I am afraid they will take me while I am still alive ..........

I would actually prefer to donate my body to a hospital for them to take the parts, but I cannot find any way of doing that. It seems that the body parts go into a bank and then get sent out as needed. I have been a patient at Mayo and had the opportunity to talk to a surgeon about reusing body parts, and I am amazed at what can be reused, if not for a waiting patient, then for research. I would like to think that something I no longer need could save the life of a young parent or child.

[Boudicca]

Good one, KayakerNC

My mother's "ashes" were similarly not powder. Per her wishes, the ashes were dug into her favorite flower bed. Miss ya mom.

[kathyzapp]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

I'd be willing to convert to Viking-ism just for the funeral.

Our daughter has offered to arrange Viking funerals for me and my husband. She said that way she doesn't have to worry about any remains--no ashes to keep in her home.

[billethkid]

a very key question often overlooked by too many that won't ask questions is;

is the cremation individual or group? Sounds terrible but someone like me does ask as many questions as possible. Some states have laws about this subject. And then again always remember that speeding is against the law as well (if you get my point).

I have heard (not first hand) there are some that allow a "viewing" of sorts (?)....I suppose watch the cardboard box roll into the what ever.

Ask....ask....ASK!

I had my mother cremated here (a company associated with TV hospice) then shipped the remains to family back home where she was interred in the family plot.

If I choose to be cremated (haven't decided yet) I would have my ashes mixed with shot gun reloading powder and go out with a bang!!!!

btk

[kathyzapp]

Originally Posted by vinnie

My wife and I just attended a free luncheon that was to provide answers to all sorts of questions regarding cremation etc. We spent over an hour listening to general info and then as we ate, we were approached by a salesperson for a personal visit to our home ...namely to corner us alone for a couple of hours of high pressure sales. I had asked for the pre planning booklet guide they were touting and prices but they would not give it to me or mail it.
I have also heard about Neptune society although there were some complaints about them also.
I am rather young and not near death. However, we have a place up north and my wife wanted to know her options in case something happened down in The Villages. She has no interest in shipping a body up north. Can anyone give me some insight on the best approach to take regarding cremation et al.

My husband and I attended one of these luncheons. We wanted the pre-planning booklet and we also wanted more information about his services so we set up an appointment. The gentlemen came to our home and gave us a lot more information about cremation and the services that his group offers. He answered our questions. He called us a week later and that was it.

[graciegirl]

I am really sorry I read this thread. I am NOT leaving, so there.

[Trish Crocker]

I think I want cremation...and I don't care what is done with the ashes...ocean...disney world...with one exception...If my husband marries a twenty-something within a year after I go..I want my ashes in a big cookie jar to be kept on his nightstand.

[NotGolfer]

We did the luncheon....had ALOT of questions since we're fulltime here but want to be interred up north. I think we actually went to the funeral home to speak individually with the man for more info. He didn't high pressure us at all. It's very important, especially for your loved ones who survive you, to make final arrangements!! Just saying.... It's a culturally, unpleasant subject to approach but needs to be done as none of us are getting out of this life alive.

A century or better ago...death was a fact of life in a culture. People didn't have the life-expectancy that we have today. In fact most folks died at home and the family was able to take care of the preparation (not embalming as we do today) of their family-member. I watched a documentary on this on PBS some years ago. Death wasn't talked about in a hush-hush voice as it is today.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Trish Crocker

I think I want cremation...If my husband marries a twenty-something within a year after I go..I want my ashes in a big cookie jar to be kept on his nightstand.

I'm definitely in favor of cremation. I've already told Fireboy he has to sleep with my ashes under his pillow.

[schotzyb]

Cremation, yes and I want my ashes spread out in one of the sand traps at Glenview. That is where I spend the majority of my time now when I play there.

[Avista]

We visited Florida Cremation Society on Wedgwood Ln near 466. They now have all of our information. We did not pay any money. We have their card on the side of our refrigerator to call. Our option was to pay now at today's rates rather the rates at the time we die.

If a person wants an urn, they are available there. Our ashes will be shipped to a family cemetery in Illinois. We have purchased niches there. Also, New Covenant Methodist is building a beautiful columbarium near the lake on their property. This would be a wonderful place to inter ashes. If you go to the church site, you will see plans for the columbarium.