Frequently Asked Questions

It is common to have questions about the funeral process. This section answers some commonly asked questions to help make this process easier for you. If additional questions arise, please feel free to contact us directly at Simple Funerals.

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral is a ceremony prior to burial or cremation with the body present. A memorial service is similar with the exception that the body may have already been cremated or not present at all. In either case, a funeral or memorial service gives the opportunity for family and friends of the deceased to gather in support of one another and mourn the passing of their loved one. It is an opportunity to share cherished memories and to celebrate their love and their life. Such gatherings are vital in helping the bereaved heal after the loss of someone special.

Who are funeral directors and what do they do?

Funeral directors are trained and licensed professionals ready to assist families in all aspects following the death of a loved one. We oversee the necessary care and disposition of the deceased and provide emotional support and personal guidance to the surviving family. We facilitate all the necessary documents and notifications as they relate to the funeral.

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

​Regardless of when a death occurs, funeral directors are always available to assist.

What if a death occurs away from my hometown?

Call Simple Funerals first. We will arrange to care for the deceased and have them returned home from anywhere in the world.

What is embalming and what purpose does it serve?

Embalming preserves, sanitizes and restores the body of the deceased in order to give opportunity to family and friends to gather and to begin the healing process.

Do I need to have an embalming?

No. Embalming is generally a choice, one that depends on factors such as family preference, whether there is to be an open casket viewing of the body, or if there will be an extended time between death and interment. Public health laws may require embalming if the body is going to be transported by common carrier or deaths that result from diseases that are contagious disease or require quarantine.

What is Green Burial?

Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the environment and protects and preserves natural environments. This is accomplished by placing the unembalmed body in a shroud or biodegradable container which is then placed directly into the ground. Consideration may even be given to the type of clothing in which the body is dressed. True green burial grounds are specially designed nature preserves where native and endangered wildlife and flowers flourish. Graves in these settings are identified by a simple engraved flat rock. Although green burial is considered a new concept in the U.S., prior to the Civil War, nearly all bodies in the U.S. would have been cared for in this manner. The renewed interest has spread from England, where the practice is common. Although permitted by PA state law, only a small percentage of established cemeteries in the Commonwealth permit green burials.

Do you offer Green Burial?

Simple Funerals is among the few funeral providers in the country that not only offers green burial, we embrace it. Our staff understands the importance eco-friendly alternatives to are to environmentally conscience individuals and families. Our green burial options can be uniquely tailored to meet every eco-conscience choice.

What is alkaline hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis is similar in many ways to traditional cremation. Instead of reducing the human body to basic elements by an open flame and high heat, alkaline hydrolysis uses alkaline chemicals, water, heat, pressure and movement to accelerate the natural decomposition process. Each process results with bone fragments that need to be mechanically reduced to smaller fragments.

What is Natural Organic Reduction (NOR)?

Natural Organic Reduction is a relatively new process of disposition in which the human body is placed in a large vessel that is combined with wood chips, straw, and other natural materials. This mixture is systematically churned to insure the complete breakdown of tissue. The process takes 4-6 weeks and results in approximately 2 cubic yards of usable organic material.

How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of the funeral depends on the services and merchandise selected. The cost of a funeral can be accurately estimated after sitting with a funeral director and discussing your options and wishes.

How much does a cremation cost?

Similar to assigning a cost of a funeral, cremation pricing has similar variables. Like burial, cremation is a form of final disposition. Families have many options to consider even if cremation is chosen. Direct cremation without a viewing and public or private gathering will always be the most affordable of all options. When compared to burial, cremation remains less expensive than burial because, typically a ceremonial casket can be utilized, cemetery costs are less, and outer burial container is likely not necessary.

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