We’ll be there for you before, during and after the cremation

Complete Cremation Services with Legacy

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Planning

For immediate needs or planning ahead.

Through our counsel and caring, we will see you through this period of grief by providing a wide range of professional services, options, and merchandise to honor the dignity of your loved one.

Our caring professionals will coordinate an affordable simple cremation that’s meaningful, memorable, and respectful.

Legacy has cremation options from $895 - $1,395.

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Transportation

  • Transportation of the deceased to the crematory
  • Alternative container (The container the body is cremated in)
  • Rigid container (For the return of the cremated remains)
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Paperwork

During this difficult time, we will assist in securing, filing, and obtaining required paperwork and documents.

  • Obtaining certified copies of death certificate
  • Obtaining cremation approval from the medical examiner
  • Assistance in filing for VA benefits and insurance policies
  • Social security administration forms completed
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I just wanted to say thanks for the beautiful memorial service. It was so personal and dignified (just how my husband would have wanted). Thank you for helping me celebrate such a wonderful life with such honor.

- Kelly Watson

Talk to a Cremation Specialist Now

Let us develop a personal service that will meet all of your individual needs

Call 24/7 1-800-970-3050

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Resources

How to Honor a Life

How to Honor a Life

Ask us about all the ways we can help you uniquely celebrate your loved one’s legacy: burial at sea, scattering of cremains, interment of the ashes, viewings, and memorial services.

Each can be done with a personal touch.

Learn More
Scattering at Sea

Scattering at Sea

Scattering at sea combines a sense of finality with a new beginning, as it returns us to nature and our origins.

If you are considering scattering the cremains of a loved one, we have lots of helpful information.

Learn More
Why Legacy

Why Legacy

Like family, we are here to help you in every way possible 24/7. Supportive, caring representatives who are trained to answer all of your questions.

All-inclusive service and guidance through each step of the process.

Learn More

Resources

How to Honor a Life

How to Honor a Life

Ask us about all the ways we can help you uniquely celebrate your loved one’s legacy: burial at sea, scattering of cremains, interment of the ashes, viewings, and memorial services.

Each can be done with a personal touch.

Learn More
Scattering at Sea

Scattering at Sea

Scattering at sea combines a sense of finality with a new beginning, as it returns us to nature and our origins.

If you are considering scattering the cremains of a loved one, we have lots of helpful information.

Learn More
Why Legacy

Why Legacy

Like family, we are here to help you in every way possible 24/7. Supportive, caring representatives who are trained to answer all of your questions.

All-inclusive service and guidance through each step of the process.

Learn More
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State: Maryland
City: Woolford

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State: Maryland

Content:

Every state in America has its own laws and customs regarding funerals, burials, visitations and other issues relating to the end-of-life. For example, in Maryland, funeral homes reflect this heritage. Culture has always played a prominent role. In this state and others in North America, originally Victorian customs asserted a strong influence on the place of funerals in society. However, the role of major national events such as the American Civil War also had a severe impact.
In later centuries, the changing demographics and ongoing cultural melting pot caused by immigration also influenced the funeral business. Today, different philosophical approaches to death and the meeting of different cultures and new religions result in new traditions and different funerals. Technology also plays a role in changing how we look at funerals. Across the United States, from Alaska to Florida and from California to Maryland, funeral services continue to reflect the changing nature of funerals, including wakes.
What is a Wake?
In North America, a wake is synonymous with a viewing. It is a gathering. Traditionally, anyone who knew the deceased could attend. Today, it brings together friends and family to acknowledge the death of someone they all cherished and respected. Wakes are transitional customs. An integral part of certain Maryland funeral services, a wake reflects a Celtic heritage. They are also celebrations of the deceased. They traditionally rejoice in the life the deceased led but also remind everyone that they are alive and need to recognize this aspect.
When and Where are Maryland Wakes Held?
Wakes may last as long as three days. They traditionally take place in someone's home including the residence of the deceased with his or her body present. A wake happens after death occurs and sometime before the burial. Typically, it will occur during the week of the individual's passing often a day or two prior to the service taking place. If the body is to be kept in view for more than 48 hours embalming must occur. This is in line with legislation governing Maryland funeral homes.
In Maryland, funeral services and the wake occur on the same day. People attend the wake and the funeral at the funeral home. They then proceed to the cemetery. If the ceremony is Catholic, it may include a prayer vigil that will take place on the evening before the funeral service.
The time of the wake need not be exact. In general, North American visitations or wakes are flexible. They extend through a specific evening or evenings. Announcements to this purpose appear in the local newspaper. They provide the date and time for viewing. Arrangements may be made through online Maryland funeral homes.
Characteristics
Modern wakes may occur in Maryland funeral homes. This can remove the customs of dancing, drinking and other aspects of a traditional wake. The alternative is to hold these "party" aspects afterwards. This can take place at the deceased's or someone else's residence. Sometimes, a hall is rented for the occasion.
The actual nature of a wake is strongly dependent upon the culture of the family and friends of the individual. As a result, it may be a low-key ceremony such as those of a Catholic vigil prayer or raucous and loud such as a stereotypical Irish wake. Some Maryland funeral services include more somber wakes; others celebrate the former living with song, dance, stories, drink and dance.
Some wakes encourage the sharing of information and experiences. People will tell stories about their interactions with the deceased. They will share memories and let others know how they felt about the dead. It is a celebration of the deceased's life.
What is the Purpose of a Wake?
A wake is the final opportunity for you to acknowledge the dead. It is a way to say the final goodbye. For family and close friends, it is a means of reaching closure on this chapter of their life. For all who knew him or her, it is a way to show respect and reflect on their relationship or interaction with the departed.
Wakes conducted by Maryland funeral services providers, allow people to come together for comfort. They arrive united in their grief at the loss of this individual. If the wake is one held in a party atmosphere, some experts believe it allows mourners to prepare themselves to accept life as a survivor, to acknowledge the reality of the situation, to send the deceased on the way in a joyful manner and to move on with their life.
Arranging a wake is an important part of the grieving process for many different cultures and people. It allows them to connect with the larger community and to share how they feel. It is a way to remember the dead. It serves to celebrate both the life of the dead and to encourage the continuation of those who remain behind. It recognizes the role and influence of the deceased not only for those closest to him or her, but upon the entire group or community. Talking oto the experts at Maryland funeral homes can help you let the process begin.

Greening Funeral Services

As the baby boomers age and the environmentalists among them come to grips with their mortality, the concept of a funeral changes. In , funeral homes are becoming more aware of a new trend - the green burial or the green funeral. This does not refer to cremation. Instead, it draws upon a preference for reducing the effect a death will have on the physical environment. This includes "Green Burials" occurring without embalming, in simplified caskets (often cardboard or bamboo) and in specialized cemeteries.

While, in , funeral homes are beginning to address the issues, green burials remain part of the future. Instead, a different approach will help make the entire burial process more environmentally friendly.

Funeral Services

When it comes to making your or the departed's funeral green, consider your options carefully. Research the topic of green burials and deal with a funeral services provider who is an expert on the subject and on local state legislation.

Once you have done the initial research, talk to a qualified funeral director. They can confirm or refute what you have heard, read or know about the practice in . Funeral homes are the ideal place to look. They can help you find the way to create the perfect service to meet anyone's needs. They are also aware of what can and cannot be done in the state of .

Green Burial in - Restrictions

When it comes to Green Burials, you will find several different restrictions or obstacles can affect upon your decision. These include state, personal and existent.

  • State Legislation

    Two specific items refer to the anti-green burial practice of embalming. The state requires a body be embalmed if it is to be transported across state lines. This is recorded in Administrative Code Chapter 420-7-1 Vital Statistics Table Of Contents 420-7-1-.01. The state also demands if a body is not to be buried within 36 hours, it must be embalmed.
  • Personal

    Often family members will go against the personal wishes of an individual. No matter what you, he or she write in a will regarding how to dispose of the body, this may NOT be the final say. This is up to the heirs and the executors of the will. Try to make sure everyone is on board with the decision to make the funeral as green as possible.
  • Existing conditions

    funeral homes may want to help with a green burial, but existing circumstances may restrict the extent of the role they can play. There is a lack of services, specifically a cemetery certified by the GBC.

The Alternative - Greening Funeral Services

If it is not possible to hold a completely Green Burial, consider making many aspects as environmentally friendly as possible. Talk to several funeral homes before you decide specifically on the details. Consider the following suggestions as some of the best options possible.

  • Funeral Programs: When it comes to designing and printing the programs, look to recycled paper and ink. The same applies to hymn sheets and other related printed material
  • Flowers: If you have to have flowers, do not purchase imports or the rare and exotic plants. Stick to local, in-season, organic flowers
  • Processions: Rather than form a long, funeral line of single cars containing one or two people, be bold and carpool. This also applies to going from secular or religious location to any other place during the funeral
  • Refreshments: If the deceased was a vegetarian, an environmentalist or simply someone who wanted to leave the smallest carbon footprint possible, try to obtain food that reflects this taste. If you want to go completely green, avoid the imported or transported. Make sure all refreshments are organic or, at least, local

A Touch of Green

These are small ways to make large or small funeral services more environmentally friendly. There are other ways - small and large, to add a touch of green. funeral homes have often suggested them as a practical measure. In fact, a very common method of remembering loved ones just happens to be green. Instead of a quarried and carved marble or limestone headstone, why not plant a living or natural memorial. Is a tree not a wonderful way to honour the deceased? If the cemetery does not permit this, ask about a bush or some type of bushy plant. However, be sure to consult with the funeral director, the cemetery officials and a nursery about what will best suit the climate and soil conditions before you make your decision.

The Benefits of Greening Funeral Services

To environmentally minded individuals having as green a burial as possible is their final wish. It is possible. Consult funeral homes. They can help make this desire a reality.