From Cemetery to Columbarium: A Guide for Families Considering Bone Cremation

Losing a loved one is never easy. For families whose loved one has already been buried, there may come a time when they need to consider what happens to the remains after years of interment. 

This may happen when a cemetery arrangement comes to an end, when a family wishes to relocate the remains, or when loved ones are looking for a more accessible and manageable place for long-term remembrance. 

One option some families consider is bone cremation, which involves the cremation of skeletal remains following exhumation. 

For families unfamiliar with the process, the idea of exhuming and cremating the remains of a loved one may feel difficult or emotionally overwhelming. Understanding what bone cremation involves and what options are available afterward can help families approach the decision with greater clarity and care. 

At Dearly Departed, we believe families deserve compassionate guidance throughout every stage of remembrance, especially when making decisions that involve a loved one's remains. 

What is Bone Cremation? 

Bone cremation refers to the cremation of skeletal remains after they have been exhumed from a burial site. 

Unlike cremation performed shortly after death, bone cremation takes place after the body has undergone natural decomposition following burial. The remaining skeletal material is then respectfully prepared for cremation. 

Families may consider bone cremation for several reasons, including: 

- A cemetery lease or burial arrangement has reached its end 

- The family wishes to relocate the remains 

- The family wants a more manageable long-term memorial arrangement 

- The remains are being transferred to a family columbarium 

- Multiple family members are being brought together in one memorial location 

For some families, bone cremation provides a way to transition from an existing burial arrangement to another form of remembrance while continuing to honor their loved one's memory. 

Why Are Some Families Considering Bone Cremation? 

The decision to consider bone cremation is often influenced by both practical and personal circumstances. 

Limited Cemetery Space 

In some communities, available cemetery space can be limited. Families may therefore explore alternatives that require less physical space while still providing a permanent place for remembrance. 

Cremating skeletal remains allows the family to preserve their loved one's remains without requiring another traditional burial space 

Long-Term Accessibility and Care 

Maintaining a cemetery memorial may involve regular visits and attention to the burial site. For families living in another province, overseas, or far from their hometown, maintaining a traditional burial space can become more difficult over time. 

Placing cremated remains in a columbarium can provide a dedicated memorial space that is easier for families to visit and maintain. 

Bringing Family Members Together 

Some families choose to place the cremated remains of several loved ones within the same family columbarium. 

Having a shared memorial location can create a central place where relatives can gather, offer prayers, and remember family members together. 

Making Thoughtful Use of Memorial Space 

Columbariums can accommodate multiple cremated remains within a dedicated structure, making more efficient use of available land than individual ground burials. 

For families considering long-term memorial planning, this may offer a practical alternative while maintaining a dignified place of remembrance. 

Understanding the Bone Cremation Process 

The exact requirements and procedures may vary depending on the circumstances of the burial and applicable local requirements. Families should therefore work with the appropriate cemetery, authorities, and service provider to understand what documentation and steps are required for their particular situation. 

In general, the process may involve several stages. 

Step 1: Documentation and Permits 

Before the remains can be exhumed, the family may need to secure the necessary documentation, permits, and clearances from the cemetery and relevant authorities. 

Understanding these requirements early can help families prepare for the process and avoid unnecessary uncertainty. 

Step 2: Exhumation 

Once the required arrangements are in place, authorized personnel carefully exhume the skeletal remains from the burial site. 

This stage should be handled with appropriate care, dignity, and respect for the deceased. 

Step 3: Bone Cremation 

The recovered skeletal remains are then cremated using equipment appropriate for the process. 

The purpose is to reduce the remains to a form that can be respectfully collected and placed in an urn. 

Step 4: Placement in an Urn 

Following cremation, the cremated remains are carefully collected and placed into an urn selected by the family. 

The urn provides a dedicated container for the remains and may be kept, transferred, or placed in a memorial space according to the family's wishes and applicable requirements. 

Step 5: Choosing a Final Resting Place 

Once the process is complete, families may consider different options for the cremated remains, depending on their preferences and applicable requirements. 

These may include: 

- Placing the urn in a columbarium 

- Keeping the urn at home, where permitted 

- Transferring the urn to another memorial location 

- Placing the urn alongside other family members in a family memorial space 

For many families, a columbarium provides a dedicated place that can be visited and shared by future generations. 

Why Choose a Columbarium? 

A columbarium is a dedicated memorial structure designed to house cremated remains in individual niches. 

For families considering bone cremation, a columbarium can provide a meaningful next step after the cremation process. 

Depending on the facility, families may appreciate benefits such as: 

- A protected and organized memorial environment 

- Easier access for family visits 

- Reduced exposure to outdoor weather conditions 

- A dedicated space for reflection and remembrance 

- Opportunities for personalization through memorial plaques or other tributes 

- A central location for remembering multiple family members 

For many families, the value of a columbarium goes beyond the physical space itself. It provides somewhere to return to, especially during birthdays, anniversaries, Undas, and other meaningful occasions. 

Is Bone Cremation Accepted? 

Families may naturally have questions about whether bone cremation is consistent with their cultural or religious beliefs. 

Practices and beliefs differ among families, religious communities, and traditions. Because of this, families with specific religious or cultural concerns may wish to speak with their church, faith leader, or other trusted adviser before making a decision. 

From a practical perspective, bone cremation is one option families may explore when considering the long-term management and memorialization of remains after burial. 

What matters most is that the decision is made thoughtfully and in a way that respects the family's wishes and the memory of their loved one. 

Planning Ahead Makes a Difference 

Decisions involving a loved one's remains can be emotionally difficult, particularly when they arise unexpectedly. 

When families take time to understand their options in advance, they may feel better prepared to make decisions when the time comes. 

Planning ahead can provide an opportunity to: 

- Understand the family's wishes 

- Learn about available memorial options 

- Consider long-term accessibility and care 

- Prepare for the practical requirements involved 

- Avoid making decisions under unnecessary pressure 

- Choose a meaningful place of remembrance 

Planning does not mean having to decide everything immediately. It simply gives families time to ask questions, understand the process, and consider what feels right for them. 

How Dearly Departed Can Help 

At Dearly Departed, we understand that bone cremation can be an unfamiliar and deeply personal process. 

Our team is committed to helping families understand the steps involved, the documentation that may be required, and the memorial options available after cremation. 

From discussing the process and coordinating arrangements to providing respectful cremation services and helping families explore columbarium options, we aim to provide guidance with compassion, professionalism, and care. 

We also understand that every family's circumstances are different. Our role is not to make the decision for you, but to provide information and support so you can make an informed choice that respects your loved one's memory 

From an Existing Burial to a Lasting Memorial 

Choosing to transfer a loved one's remains from a cemetery to a columbarium is a deeply personal decision. 

For some families, bone cremation provides an opportunity to transition from a traditional burial arrangement to a memorial space that is easier to access and manage over the long term. 

It can also provide a shared place where family members can continue to gather, reflect, pray, and remember the people who shaped their lives. 

There is no single right choice for every family. What matters is finding an arrangement that respects your loved one's memory while reflecting your family's wishes, circumstances, and plans for the future. 

If you are considering bone cremation, transferring a loved one's remains, or exploring columbarium options, Dearly Departed is here to help you understand the process. 

There is no pressure to make an immediate decision. Our team is available to provide clear information, thoughtful guidance, and compassionate support as you consider what is right for your loved one. 

At Dearly Departed, we are honored to help families preserve cherished memories and create meaningful places of remembrance for generations to come.