New Jersey Cemetery Association

While many people think of a cemetery as a place for the burial of the deceased, a cemetery technically encompasses the grounds, facilities and personnel involved in the interment and memorialization of the dead. Cemeteries may vary in size, operational complexity and the number of people they serve. They may require large staffs including landscape architects, accountants and grounds maintenance crews. Or they may perform their responsibilities as volunteers. But every one of them performs the same basic services in support of their customers.

Those services, which can be time consuming, include:

• scheduling burial services
• grave opening
• directing interment services
• recordkeeping and accounting
• maintenance of buildings, equipment, tools and material groundskeeping including road and sidewalk maintenance, sweeping, trash and snow removal cutting grass; planting trees and flowers

The fact is there are many expenses and responsibilities inherent in maintaining a cemetery for the peace of mind and satisfaction of its customers, families and the community.

While many people think of a cemetery as a place for the burial of the deceased, a cemetery technically encompasses the grounds, facilities and personnel involved in the interment and memorialization of the dead. Cemeteries may vary in size, operational complexity and the number of people they serve. They may require large staffs including landscape architects, accountants and grounds maintenance crews. Or they may perform their responsibilities as volunteers. But every one of them performs the same basic services in support of their customers.

Those services, which can be time consuming, include:

• scheduling burial services
• grave opening
• directing interment services
• recordkeeping and accounting
• maintenance of buildings, equipment, tools and material groundskeeping including road and sidewalk maintenance, sweeping, trash and snow removal cutting grass; planting trees and flowers

The fact is there are many expenses and responsibilities inherent in maintaining a cemetery for the peace of mind and satisfaction of its customers, families and the community.

To remember, and be remembered, are natural human needs. Throughout history, memorialization has been a key component of almost every culture. From an individual marker on a grave to a large community monument, we have always honored our deceased. The Washington Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, the Vietnam Wall and the Korean War Monument are examples of memorialization. Every local community monument demonstrates that we wish to commemorate the lives of those who are important to us individually and nationally. Remembrance practices serve an important emotional function for survivors by helping to bring closure and allowing the healing process to begin. By providing a permanent resting place for the deceased, cemeteries throughout New Jersey become the focal point for the dignified treatment of a loved one’s remains.