What purpose does a funeral serve?

Like other rites of passage- graduations, weddings, retirement parties - funerals help us adjust to major life transitions.

Why have a public viewing?

Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief counselors believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity is voluntary.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming through the use of preservative chemicals, makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is emblaming required according to law?

No. Most states, however, require embalming when death was caused by a reportable contagious disease, or when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier.

Why are funerals so expensive?

When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized.
A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.); these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.
Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details.
Contrary to popular belief, funeral homes are largely family-owned with a modest profit margin.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

The Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Homes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond whenever a death occurs .

If a loved one dies out of state, can the local Funeral Home still help?

Yes, we highly recommend that you contact us right away and we will make the arrangements for transportation.

Is a casket required for cremation?

All human remains must be cremated in a solid rigid container as required by Massachusetts crematories.

How is a cremation service different from a traditional funeral service?

It doesn't have to be different. The extent and content of a cremation service is entirely subject to the wishes of the family.

What choices for memorialization are available with cremation?

The family may choose from a full selection of urns for permanent containment of the cremated remains. The urns may be placed in a columbarium, which is a building or structure where single niche space or family units may be selected. Niches are recessed compartments enclosed by either glass protecting the engraved urn or ornamental fronts upon which the name and dates are featured. Of course, family lots may be used, and cemeteries often permit the interment of more than one person in an adult space if cremation has occurred. In many cemeteries, there are also areas specifically designed for this purpose, which are called urn gardens.

What about scattering cremated remains (cremains)?

This may be legally done in most areas, but CANA (The Cremation Association of North America) members believe that in consideration of the descendants of the departed that some form of memorialization should be provided. Furthermore, there are reasons for not scattering, because it is for many a very traumatic experience. It can be emotionally difficult to spill out all that is mortal of someone you have known and loved. One should realize how much is being asked of the person who is to do the scattering.

How does the cost of cremation differ from burial or entombment?

The basic charge for just cremation is somewhat less than traditional burial. However, with so many items of service available to the family both in the funeral service before and in the mode of disposition after, it's not possible to make an accurate comparison. Again, the family has the option to select as much or as little as they choose, and with cremation they have more options.