Cremation Services
Cremation Service Options
Each cremation performed at the Charles C. Warner Crematory at Gracelawn Memorial Park is done so by the staff with the highest degree of dignity and professionalism and in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine and with the policies, procedures, and requirements of the crematory. Each cremation is performed individually. A stainless steel identification disc bearing the cremation number is placed in the chamber during the crematory service and a clip on number is placed on the outside of the cremator.

The cremation container containing the deceased will be placed in the cremation chamber and will be totally and irreversibly destroyed by prolonged exposure to intense heat and direct flame. During the cremation process, it will be necessary to open the cremation chamber and to reposition the remains of the deceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation.
Following a cooling period, the cremated remains, which will normally weigh several pounds in the case of an average-sized adult, will be swept or taken from the cremation chamber. The staff at Gracelawn Memorial Park will make every reasonable effort to remove all the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, but it is impossible to remove absolutely all particles, as some dust and other residue from the process are always left behind. In addition, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertant or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from the residue of previous cremations is a possibility.
After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials such as bridgework and materials from the casket container, such as hinges, latches and nails, will be removed from the bone fragments. These materials will be discarded. After the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they will then be mechanically processed (pulverized). This process of crushing or grinding may cause incidental commingling of the remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains.
After the cremated remains have been processed, they will be placed in the designated container, along with the stainless steel identification disc bearing the cremation number. In the event the urn or container for the cremated remains is insufficient to accomodate all the cremated remains, any excess cremated remains will be placed in a secondary container and will be return to the funeral establishment or authorized person, together with the primary urn or container.
Traditional Funeral Followed by Cremation
Many families find meaning and beauty in a traditional funeral service. With a traditional service combined with cremation, you can still choose to have a final viewing, visitation or wake, and a funeral service. However instead of in-ground burial, the funeral will be followed by cremation. Depending on your wishes, the cremated remains may be either returned to your family for storage in an urn, scattered, or interred in a columbarium. This option will include fees for the funeral services as well as the fees associated with the cremation itself.
Memorial Service
The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture. We also have life celebrants that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. Our celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process.
Graveside Service
A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral service but it can also be a small intimate gathering of those closest to you.
Permanent Memorialization
Keeping an Urn at Home
This is a common choice and families can select the perfect urn for their loved one.
Burying the Urn
Similar to a casket, the in-ground burial of the urn allows for a final resting place.
Placing the Urn in a Columbarium
Many families find comfort in having a final resting place that they can visit.
Scattering the Cremated Remains
Some families find comfort scattering the cremated remains in a special place.
