When a loved one has been cremated, most families request that their ashes are returned to a family member. Often, a decision on what to do with the ashes has already been made but sometimes, the family will hold on to the ashes until they have decided what to do with them. Doing the right thing can bring comfort and a sense of peace to a family.
Keeping a loved one close by can be a good reason to keep the ashes at home. A wide range of urns are available for this purpose and may feature designs of something that was special to the person in their lifetime. Many modern urns are decorative and can become part of the home decor. Memory boxes are an alternative and can hold other keepsakes special to the deceased.
Scattering the ashes in a meaningful location is popular. It can foster a feeling that someone is resting at a place that was special to them. This may be a favourite walking spot, a special beach or a scenic viewpoint. In Sunderland, the local council provide memorial benches along the seafront which include a small plaque in memory of the person who has passed away. It is always advisable to check any regulations about scattering ashes in an area first, especially on private land that you do not own. Scattering of ashes can also be done in Sunderland and South Shields Crematoriums by prior arrangement with the crematorium.. Should you wish to have a small service or reading during the scattering, we are able to assist you with that.
Burial or interment of ashes is a popular way to remember a loved one. This may be in a dedicated ashes burial plot in a cemetery or crematorium. In some locations, it may also be possible to plant a tree above the buried ashes as a living memorial which will grow and thrive for many years.
Cremation jewellery is a way to encase a small amount of ashes into a ring, bracelet or pendant as a discrete and personal memorial. At Jayne Prior Funeral Directors, we are able to offer a range of beautiful memorial jewellery courtesy of www.everwith.co.uk. Free brochures can be picked up from our funeral homes in Sunderland and Hebburn. We will take care of the ordering process for you, including extracting the ashes that are to be incorporated into the jewellery.
Some of the more unconventional ways of using ashes as a memorial is to include them in a special firework or even sending them to the edge of space on a balloon. Once the balloon reaches a certain altitude, the ashes are dispersed into the air. The event can even be recorded by a camera fixed to the balloon.
When deciding what to do with your loved one’s ashes, the most important thing is to choose an option that feels right for you and your family. Take your time, talk openly about your wishes and feelings, and consider how you’d like to remember the person you’ve lost. If you need guidance or help with any of these options, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
