What Happens During Cremation? A Respectful Look at the Process

Two decades back, roughly a quarter of the families I assisted opted for cremation. Now, that figure hovers around fifty percent. The Cremation Association of North America indicates that, across the country, cremation is now the choice in almost 60% of cases.

This evolution mirrors a broader transformation in how we view death and memorialization. Increasingly, families are discovering that cremation suits their needs, whether driven by environmental concerns, budgetary constraints, the desire for more flexible memorial options, or just their own personal choices.

Yet, this rise in popularity has also sparked a number of questions.
Many families, when faced with cremation for the first time, find themselves uncertain about the specifics. They seek clarity on the procedure, the timeframe, and how to guarantee their loved one's respectful treatment throughout.

These are entirely reasonable concerns, and I'm pleased to see families seeking answers. Allow me to share insights gleaned from my forty years in this field.

The Cremation Process: Step by Step

We believe families deserve to understand exactly what happens when they entrust us with someone they love. Here's an honest, respectful explanation of the cremation process.

Preparation

Before cremation can take place, several things must happen:

1. Documentation: Pennsylvania requires specific permits and authorizations before any cremation can proceed. This typically includes a cremation authorization signed by the next of kin and approval from the medical examiner or coroner. Our staff handles all of this paperwork on your behalf.
2. Identification: Throughout the process, we maintain strict identification procedures to ensure your loved one is never confused with anyone else. At Bean Funeral Homes, we follow a rigorous chain-of-identity protocol—your loved one is identified at every step, from the moment they come into our care until their cremated remains are returned to you.
3. Preparation of the body: Any medical devices that could cause complications (such as pacemakers) must be removed. The body is placed in a cremation container—this can be a simple combustible container or a casket, depending on your preference.

The Cremation Itself

The cremation takes place in a specially designed chamber called a retort. Here's what happens:

1. The chamber: Modern cremation chambers are computer-controlled and reach temperatures between 1,400 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. These high temperatures ensure a complete, dignified process.
2. Duration: The actual cremation typically takes two to three hours, depending on factors like body size. The chamber processes one person at a time—this is both a legal requirement and an ethical standard we take very seriously.
3. What remains: After cremation, what remains are bone fragments and calcium compounds. These are carefully removed from the chamber and allowed to cool.

Processing

After cooling, the bone fragments are processed in a device called a cremulator, which reduces them to the fine, powder-like consistency most people associate with "ashes" or "cremated remains."

Any non-organic materials (such as surgical hardware or dental work) are respectfully separated and disposed of according to regulations. The cremated remains are then placed in a temporary container or the urn you've selected.

Return to Family

Most families receive their loved one's cremated remains within three to seven business days after the death, depending on documentation requirements and the chosen services. If you've opted for a memorial service or viewing before cremation, the timeline adjusts accordingly.

Why We Invested in Our Own Crematory

This is something families often ask about, and I'm proud to explain our decision.

Many funeral homes don't have their own crematory—they contract with a third-party facility, which means your loved one is transported elsewhere for cremation. That's a perfectly legal and acceptable practice, but it wasn't what I wanted for the families we serve.

In 2001, when we acquired our Exeter Township location, we made the decision to establish our own private, on-site crematory. This means your loved one never leaves our professional care from the moment we bring them into our facility until we return them to you.

Our crematory operators are certified by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and adhere to a strict Cremation Code of Ethics. We maintain an unbroken chain of identity—your loved one is identified and tracked at every single step.

For many families, this provides peace of mind that's hard to put into words. As one mother told me after her son's cremation, "Knowing he never left your care—that mattered to me more than I can say."

Your Cremation Options

Cremation doesn't mean you have to give up ceremony or memorialization. In fact, it often provides more flexibility. Here are the main options families consider:

Direct Cremation

This is the simplest option: cremation without a formal service beforehand. It's often chosen by families who prefer privacy, who plan to hold a memorial service later, or who simply want to honor their loved one in their own way, on their own timeline.

Cremation with Memorial Service

Many families choose to hold a memorial service after cremation. This can happen days, weeks, or even months later—whenever the family is ready. The cremated remains may be present at the service, often in a decorative urn.

Cremation with Viewing

Yes, you can have a viewing before cremation. Some families find it meaningful to have a traditional visitation where friends and family can pay their respects, followed by cremation rather than burial. This provides the "closure" of seeing their loved one while still choosing cremation.

Witness Cremation

This option isn't widely known, but it's available and meaningful for some families. With witness cremation, family members may be present for the dignified placement of their loved one into the cremation chamber. Some families find this provides a sense of finality and peace.



You can learn more about all of these choices on our cremation options page.

Common Questions About Cremation

How do I know I'll receive my loved one's remains?

This is perhaps the most common concern I hear, and it's completely understandable. At Bean Funeral Homes, we maintain rigorous identification protocols throughout the process. Your loved one is identified when they come into our care, before cremation, after cremation, and when remains are placed in the urn. Our on-site crematory means we control every step—there's no handoff to a third party.

Can cremated remains be divided among family members?

Yes. Cremated remains can be placed in multiple urns or keepsake containers so different family members can each have a portion. We also offer Thumbies keepsake jewelry—small pendants that contain a fingerprint impression or a small amount of cremated remains.

Can I still have a religious service with cremation?

Most religions now accept cremation, though some have specific guidelines about timing or treatment of the remains. The Catholic Church, for example, accepts cremation but prefers that remains be interred rather than scattered or kept at home. We're experienced in working with clergy of all faiths and can help ensure your religious requirements are met. We also have certified celebrants on staff who can design a personalized ceremony for families who aren't affiliated with a religious institution.

What can I do with cremated remains?

You have many options:

• Keep them at home in a decorative urn
• Inter them in a cemetery or columbarium
• Scatter them in a meaningful location (Pennsylvania has few restrictions, but private property requires permission)
• Bury them in a family plot, often alongside a traditional burial
• Create a memorial through specialty services that incorporate remains into jewelry, glass art, or even living memorials like tree plantings

We offer a wide selection of urns, keepsakes, and memorial products through our urn store.

How much does cremation cost?

Costs vary significantly based on which services you choose. Direct cremation is typically the most affordable option, while cremation with viewing, visitation, and a full memorial service approaches the cost of a traditional funeral. I'm always happy to walk through options at every price point—our goal is to help you find what's meaningful within your budget. We also offer financing options for families who need them.

Making the Decision

Choosing between cremation and burial is deeply personal. There's no right or wrong answer—only what feels right for you and your family.

Some questions that may help you decide:

• Does your faith or culture have specific preferences or requirements?
• Is there a family cemetery plot or tradition you want to continue?
• Do you want flexibility in when and where to hold a memorial service?
• Are environmental considerations important to you?
• What feels most meaningful for honoring this particular person's life?



If you're uncertain, I'm always available to talk through your options. Sometimes just having a conversation helps clarify what feels right. You can reach us anytime at (610) 376-1129, or contact us online.

We're Here When You Need Us

Whether you're making arrangements for someone you've just lost or thinking ahead about your own wishes, I hope this information has been helpful. Cremation can be a beautiful choice that honors your loved one's memory while providing flexibility for your family.

At Bean Funeral Homes, we've been serving Reading and Berks County families since 1955—first under my parents Robert and Jacqueline, and now under my care. We're proud to offer our own private crematory and CANA-certified operators who treat every family member with the dignity and respect they deserve.



If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We have four convenient Berks County locations, and a licensed funeral director is available 24/7.

Summary

FAQ