Bigelow Chapel - Mt. Auburn Cemetery

Our basic Direct Cremation is for the family who wants cremation with no viewing or visitation. A memorial service may be held at a later date with or without the presence of the cremated remains. Other cremation services can be personalized to meet your individual needs.

The total cost for a Direct Cremation is $1,750. This very dignified service includes:

  • The professional services of a licensed funeral director and the funeral home's staff.
  • The transfer of the deceased from a nursing home, hospital, or medical examiner's office within 20 miles of Cambridge (a $2/mile fee applies for locations over 20 miles from the funeral home). Deaths which occur at home or in a hospice facility and require an additional attendant will be charged an additional $95.
  • Sheltering of the deceased for any required waiting period prior to cremation. Please note, that except in rare circumstances, law requires a 48-hour wait from time of death before cremation can take place.
  • Obtaining required legal documents and cremation permit.
  • An alternative cremation container (used to encase the body prior to cremation - consists of a wood tray with a cardboard cover).
  • The fee charged by the medical examiner and all crematory charges (The Cambridgeside Funeral Home uses Mt. Auburn Crematory).
  • A plastic or cardboard temporary container for the cremains. Urns are available at an additional cost.
  • The listing of an obituary on this website.

These additional services and products can also be provided to a family seeking a Direct Cremation:

  • Obtaining certified copies of death certificates (cost varies by town).
  • Mailing of cremated remains within state ($50) or out of state ($70).
  • Private viewing prior to cremation ($225).
  • Removal of a pacemaker as required by crematory ($85).
  • Placing of a death notice in local papers (cost varies by paper).
  • Licensed funeral director for a graveside service or interment at a local cemetery ($200).

Families may also wish to purchase a casket (suitable for cremation), prayer cards, acknowledgement cards, register book, or an urn (priced according to the specific item purchased. Prices available by contacting the Cambridgeside Funeral Home).