FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Burial


Why would I choose a burial instead of a cremation?

There are several reasons families choose burial instead of cremation. Those with strong cultural or religious traditions find comfort in following a ritual that has been practiced since the beginning of time. Sometimes having a special, designated resting place gives the survivors a physical location to visit, pay respects, and feel close to the deceased. Environmental consciousness can also drive this choice, as green burial provides low-impact disposition that is increasingly important to many.


What cemeteries are available to me? 

This depends on what kind of burial you are seeking. Keefe has experience with all kinds of cemeteries within the state of Massachusetts and beyond. If you choose natural or green burial, you will need to choose a cemetery that allows you to skip the vault. Click here for a map.


What is green burial? 

Read our article in our Resources section.


What does it cost to bury a person in a cemetery?

It is important to note that while cemetery charges are independent from funeral home services, cemeteries usually don’t accept remittance directly from families. Keefe is pleased to make cemetery arrangements and provide this service for you at no additional cost. 


So what will it cost? First is the purchase price of the "right to use" the burial plot (unlike a real estate purchase, where you buy the land and all the structures on it; here you are only purchasing what is called the "interment rights" to the land). In addition, there are fees for the "opening" and "closing" of the gravesite; and any fees required to obtain the necessary permits and to maintain cemetery files and records. In addition, there's the fee for the use of any special equipment (such as a casket-lowering device); as well as the costs for any other services or items purchased. Sometimes there’s also the headstone or grave marker installation fee, and a one-time "perpetual care" (sometimes called "endowment care") fee paid to ensure your loved one's burial site is well-maintained.


Is embalming required?

In a word, no. This is a question we hear a lot. Many funeral homes suggest (and may even go so far as to require) embalming if you're planning a viewing or visitation. But as a general rule, embalming is not necessary or legally required if the body is cared for in a relatively short amount of time. At Keefe funeral homes, we are pleased to offer green embalming, or the option of family visitation without embalming.


What is a burial vault, and why do I need to buy one?

The necessity of a burial vault is determined by cemetery by-laws, not by the funeral home. A cemetery may require a vault to ensure there is no sign of burial plots “settling,” so that they can maintain an expanse of green grass without re-sodding or replanting. Green burials, by definition, do not use a vault.


What's involved in a cemetery burial?

If your loved one has not made previous arrangements for their burial, leaving you to pick the location of their interment, the first thing you'll need to do involves the selection of the cemetery and burial location within the grounds. If you wish to pursue a green burial, this will guide many of your subsequent decisions. You'll also choose the most suitable casket and provide us with the clothing you'd like your loved one to wear (and any 'special items' you'd like us to place in the casket) . Once payment is made, the date and time of interment is agreed upon. At that time, the cemetery grounds keepers will take care of the "opening" and "closing" of the grave. Most cemeteries don’t accept remittance directly from families; Keefe funeral homes is pleased to provide this service for you.


What is "simple burial"?

When we make arrangements for the direct burial of an individual, we are expediting their interment. There will be no funeral, memorial service or celebration-of-life; instead, we provide the physical care of the deceased (perhaps embalming their body, but certainly dressing and casketing) and then escort the casket to the cemetery for immediate burial. In a simple burial, your funeral director will complete and file the death certificate, obtain signatures on any required permits or authorizations, help you select a cemetery in which to inter your loved one, as well as a casket and, if necessary, burial vault. He or she will oversee the physical care of the deceased: they will be dressed in clothes you've provided (or purchased from us), casketed, and then escorted to the cemetery for immediate burial. This same individual will witness the burial and provide you with copies of all pertinent papers for safekeeping.


What is a Graveside Service?

Rather than having a service in a church or funeral home chapel, and then adjourning to the cemetery for the burial, some families choose to gather solely at the cemetery. There, they are led through a ceremony prepared by a clergy person or celebrant and witness the in-ground committal of their loved one's casket. If the idea of a graveside service appeals to you, speak with your funeral director about your options.


What is a Celebration of Life Service?

Many families seek to include an opportunity for family and friends to speak about the deceased in a less formal, structured setting while retaining reverence for ceremony. This service offering provides the opportunity for the community to gather in a chapel or chapel-like setting with a podium, microphone, and audiovisual capabilities. It provides all who attend the service an opportunity to participate on some level, not just to observe and reflect. This service is frequently added on to our Classic Funeral package, but can also stand alone.




Cremation 


What does a visitation look like for a cremation?

In a visitation, the body is first prepared for viewing. This means the body is cleansed, (and where necessary, embalmed), groomed, dressed, and casketed for a one hour family viewing prior to cremation. This service provides an opportunity for families to orchestrate their own meaningful ritual or ceremonial goodbye before the body is sent to the crematory. (In Massachusetts, the law prevents funeral homes from operating crematories; in the vast majority of our services, Mt Auburn Cemetery’s Crematory provides this service for our families).


Where will visitation take place?

Our Visitation Cremation service includes an hour of family visitation at one of Keefe’s funeral homes (most frequently in our Cambridge home; check out our photo gallery). We can also arrange for visitation elsewhere, like Mt Auburn Cemetery’s Crematory or Bigelow Chapel. Speak to your funeral director to explore all your options; we specialize in personalized, meaningful service.


How long must we wait after their death before we can cremate a family member?

Massachusetts law dictates that we must obtain cremation authorization from the legally identified next-of-kin, as well as those from any necessary agencies (such as the medical examiner). During this state mandated period, the deceased will be held in a secure, refrigerated environment. During COVID, this waiting period may be waived.

 
Can I participate in the cremation?

We are so glad you asked. The answer to this question is "yes". The degree to which you can participate is something we’d love to talk with you about; we consider it one of our specialties.


How long before I get the ashes back?

The answer to this question varies depending on a number of factors, but in our experience, ashes are typically delivered within a few days of the cremation.


What should I do with my loved one's ashes?

Again, as we've said elsewhere, the word "should" need not be part of our conversation. There are many things you can do with their ashes–including simply taking them home with you for safekeeping. There may come a time when you know exactly what you'd like to do with them, but it may not be right now. Be patient; the right way to care for them will surface in time. After all, there are a lot of options: scattering them on land or sea is one of the most common; but you can also use the cremated remains in keepsake jewelry or to create meaningful pieces of art. As we said, there is no have-to-do; there's only a want-to-do (and you are in complete control of it). If you're curious about your options, just give us a call. We'll share what we know.


What kind of fuel is used in the cremation?

Most cremators use natural or L.P. gas, or in some cases diesel oil; a fact which troubles some who want to see cremation as an "environmentally-friendly" alternative to burial. If you're concerned about the impact of cremation on the environment, speak with your funeral director. There are alternatives, such as burial in a "green" or environmentally-pristine cemetery, or water cremation.


Are people dressed when they are cremated?

You'd be surprised how often we hear this question! Some people might choose to be undressed so as to 'go out' the same way they 'came in' to the world; but most of the time, the deceased is dressed in the clothing they've selected prior to their death, or chosen by family members after their passing.


Can we put special items in their cremation casket?

It depends upon what you mean as "special", but we do our best to accommodate the wishes of surviving family members. Most commonly, families will ask to place notes, children's drawings, or other personal messages of love; but we've certainly had some unusual requests (such as the inclusion of a cherished pet's collar or treasured keepsake). We encourage you to speak with your funeral director to learn the regulations of the specific crematory responsible for your loved one's cremation.


I'm thinking of placing my loved one's ashes in the care of a local cemetery. What is the difference between a columbarium and a mausoleum?

A mausoleum is a free-standing building on the grounds of a local cemetery), which is intended as both a monument as well as the burial location for casketed individuals. A columbarium is the same in purpose, but not in design; instead of crypt spaces large enough for a full-size casket; it features smaller niche spaces, large enough for one (or maybe two) cremation urns.


Can we arrange to bury their ashes on cemetery grounds?

Yes, you can. The burial can be in-ground, or your loved one's cremation urn can be placed in a columbarium niche. Speak with your funeral director to learn more about your specific cremation burial options.




Green


Is Keefe Funeral Homes Green Burial Council certified?

Great question! We are so proud to say YES, we are one of only four funeral homes in the state of Massachusetts who has been granted the esteemed recognition of Green Burial Council certification. This means we have met rigorous qualification requirements, ensuring that you will receive eco friendly services that meet the highest national standards. You can learn more here.


Where can green burial take place?

Click here to see a map. (Special thanks to Green Burial Massachusetts, whose volunteers deserve credit for compiling most of this data. Information is updated regularly in this database.)


What is green burial?

Read our article.


What experience does Keefe have in helping people “Go Green”? 

We have a long history of providing innovative and personal ways to lessen the environmental impact at the end of life. Learn more here.


Is cremation considered green? 

In a word, no. Crematories rely on gas-burning retorts which generate carbon emissions. If you're concerned about the impact of cremation on the environment, speak with your funeral director. Keefe has experience providing water cremation, also known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, through our partnership with a crematory in Maine, where the process has been legalized. (Alkaline Hydrolysis is not currently legal in Massachusetts). There are other green alternatives we can discuss with you, such as low-impact preparation and viewing options, and more. Keefe is proud to have partnered with leaders in the field who have found green ways to make sure your loved ones ashes can be given back to the earth in a way that encourages growth and sustainability.


What is a “bathing ritual”?

Watch our video here. After the alienation and separation that COVID has wrought, some families appreciate the opportunity for a chance to touch and physically care for their loved one, as civilizations have been doing since the beginning of time. This intimate family gathering provides for a washing/anointing of the body ceremony that has been carefully choreographed by our own Dr McClatchey; follow her guide or create your own ritual. As we strive to support you in your wishes, whether it’s a home or hospital vigil or a full-service experience in our home, we offer the bathing ritual in whatever setting meets your needs. Read more about our bathing ritual here.


What is Home Vigil Support?

A service you can only find here, our team of grief specialists and aftercare experts support you in orchestrating a 24-hour home vigil before burial or cremation. Learn all about it in our video.


How can I get involved in supporting sustainable deathcare?

Explore and volunteer with Green Burial Massachusetts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing green burial to all MA residents. Learn more at: https://greenburialma.org/.




Before & After


What should I do when a death is expected?

Call us or email us here.


What should I do when a death has occurred?

Call us or email us here.


Do you offer grief resources?

See our Resources section.


Should kids be included?

See our article here.


Will I, or another family member, need to write the obituary?

If you wish. Any member of your family (or even a close friend) can "step up" to take care of this task. There are many valuable resources available in the blog section of this website, including tips on writing an obituary. And you can always turn to us for assistance. Additionally, the funeral director who met with you during the arrangement conference can assume the responsibility of writing the obituary. If you wish Keefe to complete this for you, you will be asked to provide us with the necessary legal documents and other important details about your loved one's life. If you, or another family member or friend, wish to write the obituary, we can help to guide you through the process.


What are "cash advance items" and why must I pay for these items ahead of time?

Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors, and you will be asked to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference. One of the most common is the fee charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash advance charge could be for clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will take time to explain any and all of the necessary cash advance expenses incurred as part of your service planning.


How and when should I pay?

A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay at the time the service contract is signed (at the time of the arrangement conference, or soon afterwards). Speak with your funeral director to learn more.


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