In certain situations, such as a plane crash, a disappearance or a death in a foreign country, it may be difficult—if not impossible—to recover the body of the deceased.

Although more and more people today are choosing not to have the body exposed or are opting for cremation, having to hold a funeral in the absence of a loved one’s remains can be particularly emotionally challenging.

In these circumstances, what is the law and how should this be done? Is it appropriate to commemorate the deceased? Here are a few guidelines developed by Crématorium Montréal to help you.

Repatriation to Canada

If the deceased died in another province or a foreign country or if you want to repatriate the body, whether to celebrate the funeral or to bury the remains, ÆTERNA Funeral Complex will accompany you in this process and will take care of all the necessary steps for you.

In this case, take note that you must fill out an Application for Insertion of an Act of Civil Status Made Outside Québec into the Québec Register of Civil Status in order to register the death outside Quebec in the Quebec Register of civil status, which will facilitate the steps related to the succession.

Missing, but not forgotten

In the case of a disappearance—following a runaway or abduction, for example—family and friends never stop hoping to find their missing loved one. Under Quebec law, a person is presumed to be alive for seven years following his or her disappearance and it is only at the end of this period of time that a death certificate may be issued.

An exceptional accident

However, the missing person can be declared dead before this period of time if the circumstances indicate that death is certain, for example, if he or she was the victim of an airplane crash, an earthquake or an explosion that prevented the body from being found.

A meaningful rite

Whatever the exceptional situation you are facing, we can assist you in planning funeral rites to commemorate the deceased. We can symbolically represent the deceased with a large photo surrounded by a basket of flowers, significant objects that belonged to him or her, and a lighted candle, and then plan a celebration—whether religious or not—in his or her honour.

It is also possible to create a commemorative plaque that will be placed in the chosen place of remembrance, whether a cemetery, a columbarium or a house.

Regardless of how you choose to commemorate your loved one, the most important thing is to give yourself and others who knew him or her a chance to say good-bye so that the grieving process can begin in peace.

Don’t hesitate to contact one of our advisors to receive personalized support in planning the celebration of your loved one.

Sources:
https://blogue.soquij.qc.ca/2013/07/16/le-jugement-declaratif-de-deces/ (in French)
https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/death/death-occuring-in-special-circumstances
https://educaloi.qc.ca/en/capsules/death-certificates-and-related-documents/