When a loved one dies, there are many options available to you, but very often the answers can be found in the deceased’s last wishes or in his or her will. It is then important to respect them. Cremation, first institutionalized in Asia, has been practised in Quebec since the 1901s, when the first crematorium in Canada was established at the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal. A ritual that is increasingly popular with new generations, cremation is more accessible and environmentally friendly. Discover this rigorous process that is carried out in 3 steps by the funeral service.

1. Verification
   First of all, the body is recovered and cooled, then placed in a safe place. It is not frozen, but kept cool while awaiting the signing of the documents. Then, the crematorium attendant must verify that the cremated body placed in his care is, in fact, the correct one. This is done by means of a identification tag in the form of a numbered token. The crematorium attendant will follow the body from the beginning to the end of the process. The attendant also checks other documents: the death certificate provided by the doctor as well as the cremation form signed by the person in charge. Lastly, the attendant must any remove any pacemakers to prevent them from exploding if the body is not embalmed.
2. Preparation
   The crematorium attendant then places the remains in a rigid cardboard or wooden container, depending on the weight of the deceased. If the weight of the deceased exceeds 200 lbs, the remains must be placed in a wooden container. To respect the last wishes of the deceased, the casket can also be the cremation container, provided it is made of wood and that the metal ornaments are removed beforehand. It is important to mention that the ashes of the deceased will be mixed with those of the container in the urn.
3. Cremation
   Next, the container is placed on a hydraulic table that will safely transport it to the crematorium. The remains will stay in the cremation chamber for between 90 minutes and 2 hours and the chamber temperature will range from 1000 and 1200 degrees Celsius. Thereafter, 2 hours will be necessary for the ashes and bones to cool down before passing them through a grinder. Lastly, the ashes will be deposited in a plastic bag and will then be placed in an urn that is given to the family. If the family wishes, they may attend the cremation, but they are not obliged to do so.

At Crématorium Montréal, we offer an attentive service, with the utmost respect for your beliefs and rituals. Cremation is an inexpensive option that gives you an opportunity to pay tribute to the loved one you have just lost. You may even attend the cremation directly from your home, via the web, with our Aeternaweb service. We are the only ones offering this unique and innovative service. We are also available 24 hours a day to accompany and support you through this difficult ordeal. Always listening to your needs and expectations, our team is here for you. Contact us toll-free at 1-877-299-1889.