Cremation Gains in Popularity

According to the Cremation Association of America, the percentage of bodies cremated in 2005 was 32% up from a 3.6% rate in 1958.

In addition, people are getting creative regarding the use of the cremains as discussed previously on this blog (e.g., send into space, spread onto football field, blast out of cannon, etc.).

People are also buying urns that reflect the decedent’s hobby or career.  Some mothers are placing the ashes of deceased children into teddy bears.

For more information, see Wendy Koch, New creations personalize cremation, USA Today, Oct. 20, 2006, at 3A.