A Few Facts that Residents Should Know About Reading, PA Cremations

In many ways, Reading PA Cremation Services are becoming the new normal when it comes to residents’ funerary choices. In many ways, Reading, PA cremations are becoming the new normal when it comes to residents’ funerary choices. Between 40% and 50% of deaths in Pennsylvania now result in a cremation. This is a rise in popularity that coincides with trends across the country. In 2017, the cremation rate exceeded traditional burial funerals for the first time nationally. According to the Cremation Association of North America, 51% of deaths in the United States are now cremated. This is a sharp increase from less than 20 years ago, where, nationally, the cremation rate was under 25%. In 2002, only about 23% of deaths resulted in a cremation.

While it’s comforting to know that more people are choosing cremation services in Reading PA than before if you are thinking of utilizing it for a loved one, it’s also nice to know that you can save funding on the process over a traditional burial. Regular burials come with a lot of extra services—and they all cost. These costs include embalming fees, a casket, a gravestone, the cost of the service itself, and a burial plot. While these costs are taken away, families still have the opportunity to hold a memorial service. In fact, they can hold any type of service they wish. The service can be in the funeral home, in a church, at someone’s house, or anywhere else. This versatility is very attractive. Traditional cremation takes two to three hours and results in the ashes of the body being placed in an urn.

Cremations have increased in popularity around the country because of their lack of costs (in comparison to traditional funerals) and because of the options and versatility they provide. Plus, most religious denominations don’t condemn cremations. If you’re considering cremation but come from a religious background, you can always consult your spiritual adviser on the matter, should you have doubts. Since it is highly accepted today, costs less, and gives families as many options as they need, it’s often the way to go.

Just because cremation is gaining popularity doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with going with traditional burial. Some families find comfort in the ceremony and rituals that go along with a traditional service and graveside burial. If that’s what your family is used to or what your loved one wanted, by all means, go that direction instead. You want to find a funeral home that can help you with whatever you decide because how you choose to honor your loved one is completely up to you.

Before you make a final decision one way or another, contact a professional funeral home about Reading, PA cremations. Kevin Bean of the Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, Inc. is here to help in your greatest time of need. We’ve been through funerals of all different kinds and we know how to treat families with compassion. With decades of experience in serving Pennsylvania families at this vulnerable time, he’ll answer whatever questions you have with the answers you need to help you make the right decisions for your family. You can contact him by calling (610) 374-0962. The Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home, Inc. is located at 444 N 9th St. Reading, PA 19601.