The Italian Cemetery - Q & A

 The Italian Cemetery - Q & A




What is Colma known for?

Colma, California, often known as the "City Of Souls," is notable for its unusually high number of cemeteries, with the population of the dead vastly outnumbering the living. Founded as a Necropolis in 1924, Colma was a response to San Francisco's prohibition of new burials within city limits and the eviction of most existing cemeteries in Colma CA the early 20th century. This led to the relocation of hundreds of thousands of bodies to Colma, making it a city where the dead significantly outnumber the living, with estimates suggesting around 1.5 million interments in the area. Despite this unique aspect, Colma maintains a small-town charm with its architectural style and community facilities, contributing to a strong local tax base and a harmonious relationship between its residents and businesses.


How deep are actual graves?


Grave depths can vary, but commonly in the United States, graves are dug to an average depth of about 4 feet for single internments. The depth is usually between 6 to 6.5 feet for graves intended for two internments. The depth ensures a sufficient soil barrier is maintained over the burial, which is necessary for various practical reasons including preventing disturbance from animals and maintaining the integrity of the grave site. The depth can also depend on the height of the burial vault or liner used, with the total depth equating to the vault's height plus the minimum required soil coverage above it, typically at least 18 inches to prevent any odors from escaping.


What does endowment mean for funeral services?


In the context of funeral services, "endowment" often refers to endowment care funds related to the maintenance and upkeep of cemetery grounds where a loved one is laid to rest. An endowment fee is a specific amount added to the property cost of a cemetery agreement, which many states, including California, require to be included in the total bill. This fee goes toward an endowment fund, managed by a third-party trustee separate from the cemetery's finances, ensuring that the cemetery grounds are well-maintained regardless of any financial difficulties the cemetery might face. This endowment care aims to preserve the beauty and dignity of the resting place for generations to come, reflecting a commitment to the families who choose to lay their loved ones to rest there.


What happens at the committal service?


A committal service is an integral part of a funeral, marking the final part of the ceremony where the deceased is formally committed to their final resting place, either through burial or cremation. This service can vary depending on religious and cultural practices but generally involves a series of prayers, readings, and rituals that honor the deceased and offer comfort to the bereaved. The service may occur at a graveside for burials, where the coffin is lowered into the ground, or at a crematorium for cremations, where curtains usually conceal the coffin as a final gesture of farewell. Attendees may participate by reading poems, sharing memories, or in some traditions, scattering soil or flowers onto the coffin. Committal services are generally brief, lasting from a few minutes to about half an hour, and they are attended by family, friends, and others who wish to pay their respects unless the family requests a more private gathering​.


Can you create your headstone?


Creating a homemade headstone can be a meaningful way to honor a loved one. Ensure the gravestone creation and placement are done with respect and sensitivity, considering the wishes of the deceased and their family. If placing the gravestone in a public or private cemetery, check with the cemetery's management for any rules or regulations regarding homemade gravestones. Consider the long-term durability of your materials, especially if the gravestone will be exposed to harsh weather conditions. Creating your own headstone can be a therapeutic way to honor and remember a loved one. While it allows for personal expression and a tangible connection to the deceased, it's important to approach the task with care, respect, and consideration for all involved.

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