A Last Good-bye Thanks to the Cremation Room
The last good-bye is never easy. It is considered a crucial step in the grieving process, so it is important not to neglect it, even when the deceased has chosen cremation in his or her last wishes. Did you know that cremation can also be carried out surrounded by loved ones? Crématorium Montréal offers a cremation room, adjacent to the cremator, so that you can be present at the cremation. This idea is often upsetting, but at Crématorium Montréal, our clients are very touched by this careful and comforting experience.
A unique space
Crématorium Montréal is the only one of its kind in Quebec. It allows for a private farewell ceremony to be held on site in a high quality environment. Very luminous thanks to its windows and stained glass, the cremation room is a refined, modern space, offering a unique atmosphere of serenity and calm. Families may therefore accompany the deceased until the last moment, if they wish to do so. Each ceremony is adapted to the tribute you would like to make, regardless of your beliefs and customs. It is therefore possible to decorate the room, which is already very elegant, either as you wish or in accordance with the deceased’s last wishes. Our personalized service also makes it possible to comply with the standards of social distancing issued by the public health authorities in the last few months, by placing the chairs at the recommended distance. Everything to accommodate you.
“It is not uncommon to receive beautiful thank-you messages from clients expressing their pleasant experience in the cremation room.” – Lucie Marsolais, Director
A warm and empathetic place
The cremation room also offers an environment conducive to contemplation, where people can “gather” in mourning for their lost loved one. During the cremation, the warmth in the room can be felt, accompanying the deceased, in this way, in his or her final passage on Earth. Our quality service allows you to grieve surrounded by your loved ones (the only ones to do so). For those unable to be physically present, a recording of the ceremony in the cremation room becomes an interesting option, providing them with an opportunity to experience the moment from a distance.
At Crématorium Montréal, we take care of everything. Since cremation is a ritual that is just as important and recognized as burial, everything is therefore in place to offer you the ceremony that corresponds to your wishes. In addition, just like a traditional burial, we have a large selection of relics to choose from and you may reserve a cemetery space for only $450. You may also opt for the columbarium, a cemetery of your choice or simply bring the ashes home.
READ MORECremation, a Rigorous 3-Step Process
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.
- 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. - 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. - 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.
READ MOREIn-Car Condolences: An Innovative Idea for a Last Good-bye
Last Wednesday, April 29, marked a first in the field of funeral rituals. At a time of social distancing, it is impossible to gather in the reception halls and visitation parlours for the funerals of loved ones who have left us. Therefore, a suitable alternative had to be found to allow a dignified last good-bye. It was at the Complexe funéraire Aeterna that the first in-car condolences took place—a unique concept in Quebec imagined by Executive Director Lucie Marsolais.
An innovative concept
It was when she noticed that Quebecers were showing creativity in going to see their loved ones, while separated by window panes, that our Director, Mrs. Marsolais, thought of replicating this idea for the funerals taking place at the Complex. The casket was then positioned in front of a large glassed-in area overlooking the parking lot of the Complex. Floral arrangements as well as a photo of the deceased were installed as well as a backdrop for more privacy. To offer their condolences while remaining in their car, the family’s relatives and friends had the chance to drive past in a procession in front of the glass pane and show their support in this way.
Part of the deceased’s family was therefore inside and most of them outside to welcome the many cars that came there. “Everyone, notified by social networks, was allowed to stop a few seconds in front of the casket surrounded by flowers and a photo of the deceased. Many were crying. A few got out of their vehicles and approached the casket installed behind the window. The expression “rite of passage” has probably never been so justified,” stated Stéphane Baillargeon in his article in Le Devoir.
A great success
The family was very positive about this new opportunity for family and friends to come and bid their farewells. The Complex, which has a U-shaped parking lot, makes this new format possible. On April 29, more than 425 cars paraded in front of the casket; Mrs. Marsolais stopped counting after that number. However, she mentioned that “it was very sad; people were crying in their cars.” Nevertheless, she is very happy to be able to help and support her clients on the difficult road of mourning.
Media coverage
Lucie Marsolais gave several interviews about her innovative concept. In fact, she was featured on Bernard Drainville’s radio show on 98.5 FM. In addition, the concept was presented on TVA Nouvelles as well as in an article in the Journal de Montréal and another article in Le Devoir newspaper, as previously mentioned. The video of the TVA Nouvelles newscast with Pierre Bruno can be found on YouTube. In such situations, we must be innovative. Mrs. Marsolais says that this solution could be adapted over time and that this is only the beginning of the “In-Car Condolences” concept. To add to this, other concepts will also be put in place in the coming weeks to reach more families and friends of the deceased.
READ MOREAfter the battle of a lifetime, the essential service of cremation
The time to call us after the battle of a lifetime…
Crématorium Montréal supporting the CHSLDs
The Crématorium Montréal is more operational than ever to support the CHSLDs. We are the last responders in the essential health care services sector and we are here to make arrangements for the deceased with the greatest consideration and respect.
Our dedication to the Québec community is of the utmost importance and we are here to take over the care of the deceased with the utmost sensitivity at the time of imminent deaths. Since the CHSLDs have a lot to do, our service aims to help them by looking after the entire funeral process, from transferring the body to the follow-up with the bereaved families. Our team is committed and proactive in this great historical emergency, and all in accordance with the strictest and best health practices.
It is by working together that we can protect our community with strength and determination. This has never been a more challenging era for residential and long-term care centres and we want to contribute, with compassion, toward helping and supporting Québec families.
Crématorium Montréal handles everything so that you can continue your daily battle against the disease. In this time of crisis, cremation fortunately requires no travelling for the families of the deceased, and that is what we offer—in 13 languages—to support all communities in the Greater Montréal area.
Our hearts go out to you.
Lucie Marsolais, Executive Director Crématorium Montréal
Cremation service at $1159.99
Contact us for further details on our complete basic service. 514 405-3450
Cremation, a Flexible and Accessible Solution
In this time of global pandemic, it is normal to reflect on our options and even to rethink or make a will. The present situation is prompting us to ask ourselves questions earlier in our life—questions that we maybe never have dared to think about before. Questions such as: Should I choose cremation? What do I want done with my body after I die? It is important to plan for this choice as part of your last wishes and therefore ease the burden on grieving loved ones. In the great world histories, talking about death was essential and was not seen as out of place or horrible, but rather as being inevitable for the sustainability and harmony of a society.
History of cremation
In many ancient cultures, cremation was a well-accepted community solution for the many benefits it has to offer. Cremation is the funeral process of burning and reducing to ashes the body of a deceased human being. Nowadays, with the equipment used, it makes it possible to decently and hygienically reduce the body to ashes. Although cremation is not well regarded by all religions, it is still a solution to a necessity that has always existed: the need to look after the deceased’s body. Once seen as being contrary to the Christian faith, cremation is no longer contradictory to religious practice. Institutionalized in Asia thanks to Buddhism and Hinduism, it is also very popular in the Western world. Practised more and more in our social circles, it is no longer something to be rejected, but rather to be considered as part of one’s personal reflections.
For the past few decades, cremation has been carried out in crematoriums and is cited as an ecological and even hygienic option. Nowadays, cremation is a flexible, accessible and less expensive solution, enabling the body of the deceased to be disposed of in a respectful manner.
Crématorium Montréal
At the Crématorium Montréal, we are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and needs. The services we provide allow for a respectful turnkey service that complies with the highest health standards, to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones when the time comes. From retrieving the body to placing it in an urn, we take care of everything. As the global crisis is still disrupting the usual funeral rituals, we are committed to providing a service and looking after all matters professionally and without any contact. In addition, take care of your funeral pre-arrangements online now with our quick and easy 5-step form or phone one of our counsellors at 514 940-0566.
READ MOREWhat Are the Various Stages of Mourning?
Inevitably, everyone will mourn a loved one in the course of their life. Being confronted with the loss of a loved one, whether a family member or simply someone close to us, is never easy to go through. Grieving is a long journey that each person must face at their own pace in order to regain peace of mind and get on with life. Grieving is experienced differently for each individual and can last from several weeks to a few years, even though the average is about a year. Regardless of how bereaved people grieve, they will have to go through the five main stages of mourning in order to be able to regain a taste for life.
The 5 main stages of mourning
Shock/denial
The first stage is undoubtedly shock and denial. Although death is sometimes foreseeable, a person who receives the news is in a state of shock and often refuses to believe it. This defence mechanism prevents the information from being assimilated and therefore prevents the pain from coming to the surface. This brief phase should not be encouraged by those close to the bereaved. Bereaved people must accept to take the plunge, as it is only the first step in the long grieving process.
Protest/disorganization
When bereaved people become aware of the reality and are confronted with the physical loss of the loved one in their life, this is when emotions are the most intense and turbulent. Bereaved people then face the anger/protest phase where they rebel against what they feel as unfairness. This stage is particularly painful and delicate to go through since it leaves a lot of room for blame and guilt feelings.
Negotiation
The third stage is when bereaved people fight their anger and irrationally try to negotiate the return of their lost loved one with a higher power. Negotiation can also be attempted with oneself in order to find compensation for the emptiness felt. Faced with the reality of the departure of the deceased, the strong emotions become less intense and less frequent, giving way to great sadness. Bereaved people with fragile emotional stability then enter a phase of depression.
Depression
As the pain is at its peak, bereaved people become more and more aware of the loss of their loved one. Their world crumbles and they quietly sink into a long period of the blues, which is called depression. This fourth stage is the most difficult to go through, making the person unable to cope with everyday life, unsociable and lacking in energy. It is the time when the imagination calms down and the emotional fog is lifted. Bereaved people are then immersed in their distress. This period can seem interminable for many individuals, as the emotions felt seem insurmountable.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the final step in the grieving process. It enables bereaved people to break out of their pain and isolation. This is followed by slow recovery, where the bereaved resign themselves to accepting the reality of the situation. Life then slowly gets back to normal and the bereaved recover their energy and all of their faculties. Once the reality is assimilated, bereaved people can move forward and reorganize their life around the loss, without forgetting their loved one, but accepting their loved one’s departure.
Although these 5 stages are essential in order to get through the difficult period of mourning, we must not forget that helping, supporting and listening to bereaved people can make all the difference in their grieving process. Turn to the Crematorium Montréal team to guide you through this sad time and thereby give you more time to grieve and, in this way, help you along the long road to healing.
READ MOREWhat to Do Following the Death of a Loved One
When one of your loved ones dies, there are many things to take care of, often in a hurry, sometimes making the required mourning process more complex. Here is a short checklist prepared by the Montreal Crematorium, outlining the steps to take following the death of a loved one.
Organize the funeral
The first thing to do is to think about arranging the funeral. If the deceased had already made funeral arrangements, you will only need to consult this document to find out that person’s last wishes. Or the person may have left some instructions in his or her will. In any case, it is essential to respect the wishes of the deceased in order to ensure that you plan a ceremony that reflects his or her image. If an executor has been appointed, it is his or her responsibility to organize the funeral. Otherwise, it is the heirs who will have to look after all this.
Report the death
Following the death of a loved one, you will need to obtain a document called an Attestation of Death. This document must be filled out and signed by a doctor. In the event that a doctor can’t be present, the signatures of two police officers may be accepted. Upon receipt of this document, you will need to obtain the Declaration of Death. This document must be signed by a member of the deceased’s immediate family as well as by a non-family witness, often the funeral director. Once these two documents have been obtained, you will be able to request the official death certificate from the Directeur de l’état civil, so that the death can be recorded in the Quebec register of civil status. The certificate will then be useful to you for all subsequent administrative requests.
Settle the estate
In order to settle the estate, you first need to know whether the deceased had made a will. In the case of a holographic will or a will made in the presence of witnesses, it will have to be validated by a notary or by the Court, for a fee, and often with some delay. The advantage of a notarial will is that it doesn’t need to be validated, therefore, considerably speeding up the settlement of the estate. Once the executor has the will in hand, he or she can proceed with the various steps of the settlement: life insurance, family patrimony, income tax returns for the year of death, recovery of the deceased’s belongings, transfer of ownership rights to a building and termination of a lease (if any) are some of the things you will have to take care of in order to settle the estate. To learn more about all the steps to take when a loved one dies, consult the guide What to do in the event of a death, written by the Government of Québec—a real gold mine of information to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Close the deceased’s various accounts
Many government agencies must be notified when a loved one dies: Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Canada Revenue Agency, government loans and grants, personal identification documents, vehicle registrations, various insurance policies and accounts (telephone, electricity, etc.). In addition to these various organizations, you will also need to look at any online accounts the deceased had, such as social network and personal messaging accounts (email, etc.).
Although these steps may seem tedious and complex, it is essential to follow all the related instructions to the letter. Once these steps have been completed, you will be able to gradually progress through your grieving process with peace of mind. For everything concerning the organization of the funeral and cremation of the deceased, don’t hesitate to contact the team at the Montreal Crematorium, for compassionate, respectful services.
READ MOREAll About the Winter Blues
While winter has settled in for the past little while already, some people are beginning to suffer from seasonal depression, also known as the “winter blues”. For many people, it is the lack of sunshine that is the cause, while for others, it is the frenzy of the holiday season as it fades away that makes them depressed. If you have lost a loved one in the past year and have spent the holiday period well surrounded by loved ones, finding yourself alone afterward can also cause feelings of sadness and loneliness. So here is a short guide to shed some light on this problem and give you some tips on how to get through the winter more serenely.
Blue Monday and seasonal depression
Invented in 2006 by a British travel agency, Blue Monday is the third Monday in January and is said to be the most depressing day of the year. Commonly referred to by companies to sell miracle remedies for these well-recognized blues and a vacation in the sun, the concept nevertheless does have some fundamental truth. What accounts for it? Many factors, such as a lack of daylight, returning to work after the holidays and the accumulation of debts after Christmas.
There is, in fact, a direct link with the geographical latitude of a population and the number of people affected by seasonal depression, and it is the lack of daylight that is largely responsible for this problem. These blues are generally a temporary condition that can last between two and three months during the winter, when the hours of sunshine are at their minimum. In Quebec, about 10% of the population is said to be affected by this temporary problem. Accumulated fatigue can also be a contributing factor, as many Quebecers try to work twice as hard to afford a few weeks of vacation during the summer. Loneliness after the holidays can also influence seasonal depression, especially if you have recently lost a loved one. In January, the routine resumes and people may tend to neglect their grieving loved ones.
How to recognize seasonal depression
Various symptoms can be attributed to the winter blues. In all cases, there is a feeling of sadness and a depressed mood. Some people may also be more irritable than usual and more sensitive to rejection. Other people will notice a significant lack of energy and will need more sleep. A loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy and a tendency to isolate yourself and avoid social situations are other signs that you are suffering from this seasonal malaise. An increase in appetite and a sudden desire to consume sweet foods may also be noted. For some people, these symptoms will re-occur every fall and winter. So pay attention to your own behaviour as well as the behaviour of those around you, as it can sometimes be difficult to ask for help in such a situation.
What to do to remedy seasonal depression
If you think you may have seasonal depression (SAD) or you suspect a loved one may have it, there are a number of ways to remedy it. The best known is light therapy, which can be done for 20 to 30 minutes a day, using a lamp designed for this purpose. Enjoying hours of sunshine is also an easy solution for many people. Take a walk on your lunch hour or on one of your breaks. This will enable you to enjoy the benefits of natural light, while including physical activity into your daily routine. Also make sure you get enough sleep and have a healthy and varied diet. Take time to be active, as exercise releases endorphins—hormones that provide a sense of well-being and plenitude. If you feel the need for support, you could also consult a qualified professional for a few psychotherapy sessions. This could help you to be better equipped to get through this difficult period and effectively cope with this temporary situation.
If you have recently lost a loved one, it is normal that this period may cause you to feel some blues. In all cases, what’s important is to be well surrounded by people. Also let yourself express your emotions, as it is essential not to repress them. And remember that the entire Crématorium Montréal team is here to provide you with support and comfort during these difficult times. We attentively listen to our clients so that the serenity they deserve can be restored.
READ MOREHow to Get Through the Holiday Season After the Loss of a Loved One
A festive period of the year when people get together with family or friends, the holiday season can be a very trying time if you have lost a loved one recently or during the year. In order to accept the passing of your loved one and to fully mourn your loss, here are some tips to put into practice…
Grieving: the first step towards acceptance
All therapists will tell you that when you lose a loved one, it is of the utmost importance to allow yourself the time you need to grieve. This will enable you to quietly progress towards acceptance and regain a certain serenity. Give yourself the right to cry and feel sad. Even if you try to deny the negative emotions you feel, they will emerge sooner or later and sometimes with much more intensity than if you take the time to experience them immediately. If you need support, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from qualified professionals or simply talk to your family and friends, because they are there to help you through these difficult times.
Surround yourself with those you love
During this time of festivities, be sure to surround yourself with people you love. It is not advisable to isolate yourself to face your grief alone. However, you have the right to decline certain invitations or to come home early if you can’t get into the mood for a celebration. What is important is to be with people who will listen to you and accept your sadness. Also give yourself the freedom to experience positive emotions. Even if your loved one is no longer by your side, you can still enjoy a good meal with your family or a simple walk in the snow with friends. You don’t have to feel guilty about having little happy times. This is only a sign that life goes on and you will be able to rekindle your joy of life and live it to the fullest again.
Establish new family traditions
To make this period less difficult, it may be necessary to change family traditions. This will help you start the year on the right foot, while avoiding the need to dwell on painful emotions. For example, the Christmas dinner could take place at another family member’s home, which will prevent you from stirring up suffering, while giving you some time to relax.
Honour the memory of your loved one
Even if your loved one is no longer with you, there is nothing to stop you from honouring his or her memory. To do so, don’t hesitate to recall happy memories or anecdotes you experienced together. Take a moment with the family to look at photo albums or play your loved one’s favourite song at dinner. You could also light a candle in your loved one’s honour or say a prayer or express a little thought at mealtime. It is by talking about happy events that you will help keep your loved one’s memory well alive.
In short, even if your holiday season will never be the same again, accept your new life situation in order to recreate different rituals that will be coloured with happiness over the years. There are no miracle recipes for dealing with grief well, as each story is unique. The most important thing is to take time for yourself and give yourself the right to be sad. Surround yourself with loved ones to get the support you need. And if you need outside help, there are many professionals who can provide you with the resources to deal with your grief, with respect and integrity. Don’t hesitate to contact Crematorium Montreal’s team for advice from our dedicated and attentive staff. We also offer a wide range of services and items that will help you honour the memory of your loved one according to your beliefs and values.
READ MOREConstantly Changing Funeral Rites
The decline in popularity of religion in recent decades has led the funeral industry to review its practices. In fact, people today are looking for more and more personalized ceremonies that combine the environment and technology. Discover how funeral rites have changed over time and learn more about the new trends in the industry.
Rites formerly influenced by the Catholic religion
In Quebec, the decline of the Catholic religion began in the 1960s. Very present in Quebec households, the Catholic religion greatly influenced many aspects of life, and funeral rites were no exception. In the past, when a person died, the body was embalmed and exposed for 2 or 3 days. Also, before 1963, the Catholic religion didn’t recognize cremation as a means of disposing of the body. The deceased was therefore systematically buried in the cemetery. The funeral ceremony took place at the church, in the form of a Mass paying tribute to the deceased.
Cremation, an increasingly common choice
Once cremation was recognized in 1963, it quickly gained in popularity. In fact, now more than 60% of the population chooses this option. In addition, it was in 1985 that the Church made it possible to hold funerals in the presence of the ashes. This definitely influenced many Quebecers’ decision about how to dispose of the body after death. The urn selected to contain the ashes can be made of various materials: wood, glass, marble and metal are some of the options to choose from.
Integrating the environment and technology into the funeral sector
Today, technology is an integral part of our lives. As a result, many people want to include it in their funeral ceremony. Whether by presenting photos on an HD screen or projecting videos, all ways are good for modernizing the ceremonies. With regard to the environment, more people want to die while reducing their ecological footprint. That’s why there are now several types of biodegradable urns that are less harmful to the planet: made of sand, wood or containing a tree cutting. It is also possible to use real tableware at the buffet or to request that the bookmarks be printed on recycled paper.
Moving toward personalized ceremonies
Another notable change in the ceremonies is the way they have been personalized. In fact, some people will bring items representing the deceased, whether it is a hat, a certain brand of beer or a hockey stick. Some will even go so far as to wear a costume reflecting the deceased’s interest in a movie character or a musician, for example. Although people want to be original in their ceremonies, thanatologists subscribe to the code of ethics established by the Ordre des thanatologues du Québec, which aims, among other things, to ensure respect for the deceased. Personalization is therefore possible, but always with the idea in mind of honouring the loved one. At the Crématorium Montréal, our knowledgeable team will be able to advise you in organizing the ceremony, while answering your questions about cremation. Feel free to contact us for affordable services adapted to your needs.