When someone close passes away, families often face difficult decisions at a time when grief is already heavy. Cremation is one of the most commonly chosen options today, not only because of its practical reasons but because it can be symbolic, flexible, and customized to honor a person’s unique lifestyle and beliefs.
At Fairhaven Memorial Chapel in Brooklyn, we meet families every day who have questions about the cremation process. They want to understand what will happen, what choices they have, and how they can create a service that feels personal. Some families want to adhere to their cultural or religious traditions, while others are looking for a simpler, peaceful, and more intimate remembrance.
Why More People Are Choosing Cremation
Families are choosing cremation more and more in New York and across the country because it feels more personal and is often more affordable. Recent data from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) shows that the national cremation rate reached 61.8 percent in 2024, and it continues to rise each year. Many families appreciate that cremation allows them to plan a service that reflects their loved one’s personality.
This can mean keeping the ashes close, scattering them in a meaningful place, or holding a memorial or celebration of life at a later date. The financial difference is also a significant factor in why cremation is becoming more popular, and it helps ease the pressure during an already emotionally stressful time. At Fairhaven, we believe there is no right or wrong way to remember someone’s life. There is only your way, and our role is to support that.
Understanding the Cremation Process
One of the biggest causes of anxiety is simply not knowing “what’s next.” Transparency matters, and understanding what to expect can help families feel more comfortable once they are familiar with the steps involved.
The Initial Arrangements
The process starts off with a planning conversation, either in person or by phone. During this meeting, we will discuss your wishes and explain each available option. This is also when families often ask one of the most important questions:
“Can we be present?”
For some, witnessing or being present for part of the cremation provides spiritual comfort or fulfils a cultural tradition. Others may want to have a way to feel connected to the moment and say a final goodbye.
At Fairhaven, we respect that need. Families may choose:
- Traditional Cremation with Viewing: This option allows for a full viewing or service before the cremation, giving people a chance to pray, share memories, and spend time together.
- Witness Cremation: Some families prefer to be present when their loved one is cremated, which can provide comfort for cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
- Direct Cremation: The simplest and most cost-effective option. There is no formal service beforehand, giving families the flexibility to have the memorial or celebration later, wherever and whenever they decide.
Not every family chooses to be present for cremation, and that is okay. What matters is that you feel comfortable and supported in your decision.
The Cremation Itself
Families can find comfort in knowing that the one they have lost is being cared for with compassion and that the process is handled professionally. When the cremation is performed, it is carried out with the utmost respect, care, and attention to detail. Each deceased family member is accompanied by the proper identification throughout the entire process, and the procedure is carried out in accordance with New York State laws and industry standards.
After the Cremation
Once the cremation is complete, the ashes are placed in a temporary container or an urn chosen by the family. This is when families start thinking over the next steps:
- Would you like a permanent urn?
- Are you planning on scattering the ashes?
- Do you want keepsake jewelry for yourself and other family members?
- Will there be a memorial service held later on?
These services help honor someone special in a meaningful and personal way.
Thoughtful Keepsakes
The possibilities are endless: traditional urns, biodegradable options, artistic designs, keepsakes, and even jewelry made to hold small amounts of ashes. These pieces allow family and friends to maintain a meaningful connection and keep the person close by.
Memories Through Ashes
Some families scatter ashes in a location that holds meaning. Others place them in a family plot, mausoleum, or memorial grave. We help guide families through the options that best match their values and wishes.
A Farewell From the Heart
A common misconception about cremation is that it replaces a funeral service. In reality, cremation is just a way to care for the body that has passed on. The memorial or celebration of life is completely up to you or the deceased’s wishes.
Some of the different ways families choose to gather and memorialize include:
- Outdoor celebrations
- Religious services
- Intimate candlelight gatherings
- Story-sharing circles
- Photo displays and PowerPoint presentations
- Music-filled events
- Quiet moments of silence, prayer, or reflection
Cremation gives families the freedom to create a service that is all their own. There is no strict format; the only guideline is to remember the person who has passed with care and thoughtfulness.
Serving Brooklyn and Beyond
Fairhaven Memorial Chapel is more than a funeral provider — we are a caring partner. We proudly serve families throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Every community brings its own cultures, traditions, and beliefs, and we are proud to support families from every background with understanding and respect.
Here, our team listens carefully, offers gentle guidance, and treats each family member with the same dignity and attention we would want for our own loved ones.