Cremation & Burial
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Cremation
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Cremation

For many people, cremation is the right choice at the end of their life’s journey. In fact, in Western New York, roughly 50% of all deaths now result in cremation. But what happens after cremation?

Everyone deserves a permanent, protected place to rest. At Forest Lawn, you can have whatever type of funeral service you want, followed by cremation, and then placement of the cremated body either above ground (in a niche) or in-ground (scattering or burial). This allows for the natural grieving process to take place in a sacred environment. It also lets you create a permanent memorial – a plaque, a bench, even a sculpture – where loved ones can come to pay their respects. And because Forest Lawn is protected by both the state and the federal government (on the National and State Registers of Historic Places), it will always be here, just as it is now, for future generations. If you'd like more information about cremation and the permanent memorialization options available to you here at Forest Lawn, call us anytime at 716-885-1600. 

IMPORTANT NEWS...

At the Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries we've made significant changes to our Rules and Regulations, and these changes may enable you to save a substantial amount of money on at-need or pre-need cremation burial space at any of our cemeteries. 
 
For New Lot Purchases
We have expanded our "burial rights" - we now allow up to 4 burials in a single, full-size grave.  This may include 1 full casket and 3 cremation urns or a total of 4 urns.  In a mausoleum crypt, we now allow up to 11 cremation urns in a single crypt.
 
For each grave that a family purchases, four family members can be interred in that single grave.  In each crypt, 11 family members can be interred.  This can represent a significant cost savings.  It also ensures that the family remains together forever.  For example, 2 side-by-side graves can now include a total of 8 burials, which can include 2 caskets and 6 cremation burials or a total of 8 cremation burials.
 

For Heirs of Existing Lot Owners
Because of the expanded burial rights (allowing up to 4 burials in a single grave and up to 11 interments in a single mausoleum crypt), an individual with an ancestor who purchased burial space at any of the Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries may be entitled to FREE burial space for themselves and their spouse at that cemetery. 
 
The descendant of the original lot owner can pursue their right to utilize the free burial space in one of two ways – one which guarantees that the space will be theirs to use, and another which documents their intent to use it.  
 
We’ve made it simple for you to determine whether or not you are entitled to free burial space at any of our cemeteries and, if so, to pursue your options.  All it takes is a phone call to us at 716-885-1600.   Please Note that other NYS mandated fees for burial services would still apply.    
 
Click here to download a "fact sheet" about how you can benefit from these changes. 
 

IMPORTANT: If you are eligible for FREE burial space and you intend to take advantage of it, you'll need to document your intention by completing and submitting to us a simple form.  Click here to download the form.