Years ago, there was one factor that kept many Endicott families from considering cremation when they were planning a funeral. People believed that if they chose cremation, they could not have a funeral service that was meaningful and told the story of their loved one’s life. Of course, this is not true.  Funeral traditions are constantly changing and evolving over time, and families are now discovering that cremation is a dignified form of commemoration when you choose an experienced funeral home that cares about your family — like Allen Memorial Home.

As traditions change, we are always developing new and meaningful ways to honor and memorialize the life that was lived. Attitudes, generally, toward what is “appropriate” during a funeral have broadened, and that means we can offer families new, personalized choices and unique forms of tribute and remembrance. However, families who have lost a loved one sometimes find these choices overwhelming. We can help. The best place to start is making a list of your loved one’s interests, hobbies, accomplishments, as well as faith and cultural traditions.

In the past, some people viewed cremation as only a way to save money on funeral costs. It’s true that direct cremation is available, with no memorial service and no tribute to the person who has died. But now, families who do choose cremation are discovering that dignified and touching services are available to help them honor and celebrate their loved one. Many experts say it’s also an important step in the grieving process. When you choose cremation, you may still have a visitation, memorial service, traditional funeral service, graveside observance, and many other comforting and healing rituals. And you can personalize cremation services with vaults, caskets, and urns that bear emblems and engravings denoting religious affiliation, hobbies, special interests, and/or military or civic service.

There is one other important aspect of cremation that you’ll want to keep in mind. Since funeral homes are not allowed by law in New York State to own their own cremation facilities, some people have concerns about whether or not their loved one will be treated with dignity throughout the process. Since families in the Broome County know and trust the Allen name, they can rest assured knowing we will only use a crematory service that meets our highest standards of ethics, performance, and professionalism. We ensure that even though the actual cremation process takes place elsewhere, the dignity of the person who has died remains our paramount consideration. Our personal involvement assures that we, and your loved one, receive superior service on a consistent basis.

When you choose cremation, ask these important questions: What kind of memorial services are available? What are the choices for personalization and telling the story of the life that has been lived?  And most importantly, what measures does the funeral home take to guard the dignity of the cremation process? Our long relationship with cremation providers is one assurance. Another is our unwavering commitment to preserve the dignity of your loved one — and that’s the best assurance of all.