Many families today are choosing cremation as an alternative to earth burial. However, that choice does not limit the service options available to you. Families continue to have traditional funerals including visitation and services at the funeral home or at a specified church.

Connor-Healy Funeral Home includes The Cremation Center, a stand-alone facility, which is part of the funeral home complex. We offer a large selection of cremation urns, keepsakes, and caskets in a wide variety of styles and prices.

Included below are several commonly-asked questions about cremation. It is our hope that these questions will help to eliminate the mystery surrounding cremation.

What Is Cremation?
Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

Can I Have a Service with Cremation?
For families choosing cremation, there are more options and flexibility regarding service offerings. Options include a traditional funeral ceremony, followed by cremation and then burial, or a memorial service after cremation.

Is Embalming Required?
Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement which does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial. We do require embalming if you elect to have a public ceremony with an open casket.

Is a Casket Necessary for Cremation?
New Hampshire law requires that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer, and handling. Today, we have a variety of cremation containers and caskets which are very economical and are manufactured specifically for cremation.

Can the Family Witness the Cremation?
Definitely. The cremation may be viewed so that the initiation of the cremation process can be witnessed whether it be for peace of mind, or religious or other reasons.

Can I Be Cremated if I Am a Catholic?
Prohibited prior to the Second Vatican, the Catholic Church has permitted cremation as a means of disposition, though not the preferred method. The Diocese of Manchester now permits the cremated remains to be taken to the church for memorial mass or other services.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Cremation in New Hampshire?
There are three basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can take place in New Hampshire. First, at least 48 hours must elapse between the time of death and the time of cremation. Second, a legally authorized individual must give written permission for the cremation. Finally, the District Medical Examiner must give approval for the cremation, which requires a completed and certified death certificate for the medical examiner’s review.

What Can Be Done with the Cremated Remains?
The options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, or scattered on private property. Our staff is available to explore these options with you.

How Long Does the Cremation Process Take?
It depends on the size of the individual and the type of cremation container or casket. Typically, the process takes 2 to 3 hours at the normal operating temperature of 1600 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Happens Following the Cremation Process?
Following the actual cremation, all particles and other materials are retrieved from the cremation chamber by sweeping them into a stainless steel collection pan for cooling. Once cooled, all metal materials are removed by both visual inspection and the use of a strong magnet. The remaining particles and ash are then reduced to a small, consistent size and placed in the selected urn.

If you should have further questions concerning the cremation alternative, we encourage you to contact us at (603) 622-8223.