How can I be confident I have Chosen the Right One? Cemeteries historically have had a deep religious significance, but Cemeteries are also rich in history, telling stories about those laid to rest within them. You could be the first generation of the family being buried or the tenth, it does not matter. We are creating history today, we are shaping today’s events, and one day, people will look at our headstones and see our history, and our names if we choose to memorialize them. Pictures, stories, and books can become lost over time, but a cemetery is forever.
So how do you choose the right cemetery? The choice is very personal but here is my advice. Visit them! Make sure to visit before you need to. I cannot stress this enough; preplanning is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. This is not about buying anything; it’s about knowing what you or your loved ones want. Once a loved one passes, you are no longer able to answer that question. Any cemetery worth considering will gladly meet with you and answer your questions without pressure to purchase anything.
Is there staff available? Are they friendly and helpful? Is it well-kept? Is the grass mowed, headstones straight, and are building clean? Ask for their written Rules, Regulations, and Planting and Decorating Guidelines. What preserves the beauty and dignity of our loved ones’ resting place if there are no written guidelines? Do they allow upright memorials or only flat bronze or granite? Do they have a range of options, prices, and payment plans? Not all spaces and locations are the same, but everyone deserves a dignified burial that can fit within a family’s budget.
After visiting the cemetery and asking these questions, you should know which cemetery is right for you.
Tim Kolasa, Executive Director of Gethsemane, and St Mary cemeteries.
