Richard Wojcik's Cemetery Advice

Families who have lost a loved one may need assistance in choosing cemetery property for burial of a casket or cremated remains in an urn, if the deceased has not previously paid for a cemetery plot. You may wish to have a trusted friend or family member assist you in gathering and reviewing the information. ** IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR FAMILIES TO KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE FUNERAL HOME LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF ANY CEMETERY. WOJCIK’S FUNERAL CHAPEL IS ALLOWED TO BURY IN ANY CEMETERY WORLDWIDE ** General Questions 1. What types of cemeteries are there? Traditional cemeteries have upright monuments and may have private mausoleums and or Columbariums. They may be either nonprofit or for-profit ventures. Memorial parks or memorial gardens have flat bronze markers. Both have beautiful landscaping and attractive features. Like traditional cemeteries, they are either nonprofit or for-profit ventures. 2. Who owns/manages a cemetery? The City of Winnipeg, religious groups or private organizations. Each owner will have different policies for managing the cemetery. 3. What are the options when choosing a grave? A single grave or Lots that accommodate two or more graves, depending on what is available. Cremation Plots – some of which can hold multiples of cremated remains Some cemeteries may allow for the burial of two caskets in a grave or have sections where this is available. Double depth means that one casket is placed in the grave at an approximate depth of seven feet. When a second interment is required, the second casket is placed on top of the first casket at standard depth. 4. Does the cemetery require a burial vault and/or grave liner? Both a vault and a liner are outside containers into which the casket is placed. Burial vault: This is designed to protect the casket and may be made of a variety of materials including concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, bronze, plastic or fiberglass. Grave liner: This is a lightweight version of a vault, which keeps the grave surface from sinking in. Most, but not all, cemeteries require you to purchase a grave liner, which can be several hundred dollars. Wojcik’s Funeral Directors will assist you in your decisions. 5. You can choose a monument or plaque: a flat plaque/marker or an upright monument. 6. How do you choose a monument or plaque? Find out what the cemetery’s policies are on types and placement. Choose within your price range. Monuments come in three grades of stone rated according to their density (light, medium, and dark with dark being the most-dense). Plaques/markers are generally made of bronze. 7. Ask about the policies on flowers or wreaths at the graveside. 8. Ask about the year-round grounds maintenance routines. Perpetual care on a cemetery plot is sometimes included in the purchase price; clarify this before you buy a site or service. If it’s not included, look for a separate endowment care fee for maintenance and grounds keeping. Cemetery Costs 1. What’s the price difference between a burial and entombment? Earth burial, the most common means of disposition, includes a casket, cemetery plot, opening and closing of the grave, a grave liner or vault and a memorial or marker. Entombment, or placing the casket above ground in a mausoleum, may be more expensive than a burial, depending on the cost of mausoleum space. 2. What is the final cost for burial and what is included in that cost? Most cemeteries will have a breakdown of costs either at their administrative offices or online. Fees can include monuments, interment, recording fees, land size by child or adult, grave liner, opening and closing the grave, perpetual care etc. **ONCE AGAIN, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR FAMILIES TO KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE FUNERAL HOME LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF ANY CEMETERY. WOJCIK’S FUNERAL CHAPEL IS ALLOWED TO BURY IN ANY CEMETERY WORLDWIDE **