Frequently Asked Questions

Cremation of Southern Maine is a division of Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes in Portland and South Portland, Maine.

We operate under the same strict standards of Conroy-Tully Walker, however, we reduce our prices by offering online arrangements exclusively for Direct Cremation services. 

To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not a final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame. 

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 ºF to 2,000 ºF. 

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects. Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are commingled in with the cremated remains. The remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family. 

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains. 

We return remains in a temporary container but we offer a variety of affordable urns. The family may choose to provide their own container in which the cremated remains will be placed.  

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family. 

Call Cremation of Southern Maine immediately at (207) 907-7318. We will help walk you through all the steps from when we will arrive, how to fill out the forms, as well as what to expect in the coming days.

After a transfer has been performed, and your loved one is in our care, your family will be directed to visit the website and click Get Started at the top of the page. You will be walked through the process of making selections, and choosing the types of services that best fits your families needs. Once that information is submitted, a Licensed Funeral Director will be sending you all the required documentation and questions to the email you provided. We will walk you through the entire process from the comfort of your own home.  

If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when your time is right.

Viewing is a part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity is voluntary.

Cremation regulations vary from state-to-state. 

Never. Not only is it illegal to do so, but most modern cremation chambers also are not of sufficient size to accommodate more than one adult. Thus it would be a practical impossibility to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously. 

No. We are not offering these services at this time.  

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment. 

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial; retained by a family member, usually in an urn; scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.)

Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision.

If you wish to have your ashes scattered somewhere, it is important to discuss your wishes to be scattered ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the cremation ashes scattering ceremony, as they might want to let your funeral professional assist in the scattering ceremony. Funeral directors can also be very helpful in creating a meaningful and personal ash scattering ceremony that they will customize to fit your families specific desires. The services can be as formal or informal as you like. Scattering services can also be public or private. Again, it is advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place-your funeral director can help you with this.

An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the cremated remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not selected, the cremated remains will be placed in a plastic bag and then placed in a temporary plastic box or container provided by the family. 

No, a casket is not required for cremation. 

The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."

Yes, you may select immediate family members to briefly view the deceased prior to cremation at our cremation facility at an additional cost. The deceased is first washed, dressed, and prepared for a private viewing. However, under certain circumstances additional alternative care may be required for autopsy remains organ/tissue or bone donors.

When compared to other major life events like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.), these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral.

Additionally, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but the services of a funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details. Funeral directors look upon their profession as a service, but it is also a business. Like any business, funeral homes must make a profit to exist.

It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home or in a crematory chapel.

You might choose ground burial of the urn. If so, you may usually choose either a bronze memorial or monument. Cremation niches in columbariums are also available at many cemeteries. They offer the beauty of a mausoleum setting with the benefits of above ground placement of remains. Many cemeteries also offer scattering gardens. This area of a cemetery offers the peacefulness of a serene garden where family and friends can come and reflect.

Yes — Depending upon the cemetery's policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.

When faced with the passing of a loved one, it's important to take a moment to gather yourself amidst the shock and grief. If the death occurs at home and is unexpected, you should call emergency services immediately. If the passing happens in a hospital or hospice care, the medical staff will guide you through the next steps. Reach out to close family and friends for support during this challenging time.

Funeral homes like ours are here to support you in coordinating the necessary arrangements following a death. We can help with transportation of the remains, obtaining necessary permits, and guiding you through the process of planning memorial services or cremation.

Cremation is a personal choice and often depends on the wishes of the deceased or their family. Our staff can provide information about cremation services and help you understand the options available.

Our secure online arrangement platform is designed to guide you through the process step-by-step. You can start by visiting our website or calling us directly for assistance.

A Celebration of Life is a gathering that honors and remembers the life of the deceased in a positive and personalized way. Our team can assist you in planning and hosting this event.

When making arrangements, it's helpful to have the following documents or information ready:

Personal information of the deceased (full name, date of birth, place of birth)

Next of kin details

Any pre-arranged funeral or cremation plans

Insurance information, if applicable

Our staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support. You can call us directly at or visit our website for more information.

Depending on your situation, financial assistance may be available through government programs or charitable organizations. Our team can provide guidance on exploring these options.

Grieving is a personal journey, and it's important to give yourself time to process your emotions. Lean on your support network, seek professional counseling if needed, and engage in self-care activities that bring you comfort.

Please feel free to reach out to us at any time. Our compassionate team is here to assist you and address any concerns you may have. Your comfort and peace of mind are our priorities during this difficult period.

Webhealing.com, the first interactive grief website on the internet, offers discussion boards, articles, book suggestions, and advice for men and women working through every aspect of grief. The site’s founder, Tom Golden LCSW, has provided book excerpts and contact information to help those healing from loss.

With nearly 50 internet support groups plus a wide range of online resources, GriefNet provides support for those dealing with all types of loss. Their companion site, kidsaid.com, helps children and their parents deal with grief and loss in an appropriate and safe environment.

Willowgreen offers support and information for those dealing with life transition & aging, illness & caregiving, loss & grief, and hope & spirituality. The site offers advice, products, and inspirational materials.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website contains a Grief & Loss section with grief-related articles and information.

Growth House is an award-winning website that offers international resources for life-threatening illnesses and end of life care. The site features hypertext topic pages that explain major issues across the spectrum of hospice and home care, palliative care, pain management, grief, death with dignity, and quality improvement. It also offers disease-specific guides, an online bookstore, and even their own radio station.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website provides a host of information and resources for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury and their caregivers.