Understanding Cremation

What is cremation?

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing human remains to its basic elements in the form of bone fragments through flame, heat and vaporization (usually 1800 – 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more). Cremation occurs at a crematory in a special kind of furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. The resulting bone fragments are further reduced in size through a mechanical process and are referred to as “cremated remains”. After processing, the cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container suitable for memorialization, transport or interment.

Where does the cremation take place?

Where does the cremation take place?

Abbey Cremation & Funeral Services owns and operates its own crematory. When we serve your family, your loved one never leaves our care.

Many funeral homes cannot guarantee this continuity of care as they outsource the cremation process to a third-party crematory.

Common Questions

  • Is a casket required for cremation to take place?A casket is not required for a cremation to take place. In most states, all that is required is an alternative container which can be constructed of wood or fiberboard/cardboard, and is cremated along with the deceased.
  • Is embalming required for cremation?No. California state law states that any human remains held 24 hours beyond death, and not yet cremated or interred at a cemetery, shall be either embalmed, or kept under refrigeration.
  • Can a cremation be witnessed by the family?Yes, in most situations. Our crematory is set up to accommodate witness cremations, but additional fees may apply.
  • Can more than one cremation be performed at once?No. Our crematory has strict guidelines to perform only one cremation at a time.
  • What do cremated remains look like?Processed cremated remains are a mixture of powdery and granular substances, and are varying shades of gray to white in color.
  • Are all cremated remains returned to the family?With the exclusion of minuscule and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are returned to the family.
  • Are urns required to collect the cremated remains?The cremated remains will be placed in a temporary urn.  We offer a wide selection of traditional urns.