Chula Vista Cremation

Chula Vista Cremation

When arranging a funeral for a loved one, one of the primary decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for burial or cremation. This significant choice can be influenced by various factors, including religious or spiritual beliefs, financial considerations, and ecological awareness. Understanding cremation is essential before making this decision. Below, we provide an overview of cremation, but please feel free to contact us with any additional questions. AAA Cremation & Burial is here to serve any Chula Vista Cremation needs.  Learn more about cremation.

What is Cremation?

According to the Cremation Association of North America, cremation is “the mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments.” For a more detailed look at the most common processes involving extreme heat, visit our page, “The Cremation Process.”

People choose cremation for various reasons, such as a fear of burial, the desire for a more personalized service, or environmental considerations. Whatever your reasons, rest assured that we are here to support you and your family. Our staff can provide several options to meet your needs. We encourage you to reach out for more information on how we can personalize a service for you.

Arranging Cremation in Chula Vista

Once the decision for cremation over burial is made, the next step is obtaining authorization from the legally identified or appointed next-of-kin. After the necessary documents are signed and service charges are paid, the body can be transported to our family-owned and operated crematory for the cremation process. Additional considerations may include:

• Clothing: Is there a specific outfit, such as a military uniform or favorite dress, that your loved one would appreciate? This will be discussed during the arrangement conversation, and your funeral director will advise you on options for jewelry or other valuable items.
• Keepsake Items: Would you like to include any mementos, such as a treasured photograph or letter, in the cremation casket? Family members sometimes write cards, notes, or letters to place in the casket before cremation.
• Participation: Would you or other family members like to be present or participate in the cremation process? We understand the healing power of being involved in this act of “letting go” and welcome the opportunity for family and friends to join in the crematory. Please discuss your wishes with your funeral director.
• Urns: Consider what you will keep the cremated remains in after the cremation or service. Many families are unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn for placement in a special location, such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns to help memorialize your loved one. Ask our caring funeral directors to show you the variety of options available.

Why Choose Cremation?

There are many personal reasons for choosing cremation over traditional burial.

Costs

While cost is a significant factor, given the religious, ethnic, and regional diversity among us, there are other reasons for the increasing number of cremations each year. NBC’s Tyler Mathisen notes that the Catholic Church’s softened stance on cremation and the decline in nuclear families contribute to this trend. Cremation offers a practical and cost-effective way to care for a loved one’s remains, especially when family burial plots are less accessible.

Cremation also provides families with the flexibility to plan a memorial service, celebration of life, or scattering ceremony at their convenience. This process allows for meaningful decisions to be made in a relaxed and thoughtful manner. Environmental concerns also play a role, as cremation requires less space and avoids the potential pollution of embalmed remains.

Ready to Discuss?

We are here to help you explore your options for cremation. When you’re ready, contact us to set an appointment or visit our office. You can also reach out via our online contact form.

The Cremation Process

Cremation has been a part of human history for thousands of years. For more information on the process and available options, we invite you to read this section.

A Short History

Cremation dates back at least 20,000 years in Australia and around 2,000 B.C. in Europe. It was common in Ancient Greece and Rome and remains standard in India. In Europe, cremation declined by the fifth century and was used primarily in response to contagious diseases during the Middle Ages. Today, cremation is increasingly preferred worldwide.

The Flame Process

Traditional cremation involves reducing a body at very high temperatures until only brittle, calcified bones remain. These are processed into what we commonly call ashes. These ashes are returned to the family in a temporary or personal urn and can be kept, buried, or scattered. Some families choose to place a loved one’s remains in a hand-crafted piece of cremation art.

Author Michelle Kim explains in “How Cremation Works” that in modern crematories, the body is stored in a cool, temperature-controlled room until approved for cremation. The body is prepared by removing pacemakers, prostheses, and silicone implants, then placed in a container made of flammable materials such as plywood, pine, or cardboard. The container is placed in the cremation chamber, where it takes two to three hours to reduce an adult to ash. The remains are then processed to a uniformly-sized substance and placed in an urn, which is returned to the family by the funeral director.

Chula Vista Cremation Costs

Cremation typically costs about one-third of a traditional burial. While cost is a significant factor, it’s important to remember that cremation is just one part of end-of-life care. A memorial service can help family and friends come to terms with the loss, share memories, and receive support.

Spend Time with Us

AAA Cremation & Burial welcome the opportunity to discuss your cremation options. Our insights and experience can fully support you in making end-of-life decisions for you and your family. Call us to schedule an appointment or visit our office.  We serve Chula Vista and other surrounding areas in San Diego.