Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a funeral is often a new experience for many people.  Questions and uncertainties arise during this emotional and confusing time.  Whether you are preplanning for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one, you may need some answers.  This page is designed to provide you with the basic information needed for making funeral arrangements.  If you have other questions please feel free to contact our office.

• What is the purpose of a funeral?

• What are the benefits of choosing a family-owned and operated funeral home?

• How much does a funeral cost?

• What is involved in a funeral arrangement conference?

• What can be done to create a meaningful funeral?

• Is embalming required?

• What exactly is involved with cremation?

• Is pre-planning a funeral a good idea?

• What if I move after making funeral arrangements?

• What if I die away from home?

• Do we accept payment with credit cards?

What is the purpose of a funeral?

Death is inevitable whether we like it or not.  Throughout history people of all cultures have chosen to care for their dead in a way that brings honor to the deceased.  A funeral ceremony is not only a time of reverence for the dead, but a time of respect and sympathy for those left grieving the loss of a loved one.  The funeral ceremony brings about closure and a sense of reality for those surviving.

What are the benefits of choosing a family-owned and operated funeral home?

The Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home has been a part of the Rockland community since 1830.  Over the years, we have developed a reputation for personal attention, a caring attitude, and a professional approach for those needing funeral services.

Because we are privately owned, our focus is YOU.  We are not distracted nor bound by corporate mandates.  We take pride in serving those we share our community with.  Our hope is to not only fill your current needs, but to build a long-term, committed relationship with you.

How much does a funeral cost?

Funeral expenses can vary greatly.  Personal requirements and preferences can make the final cost higher or lower than average.  The total cost of a funeral is determined by adding together the desired services with the merchandise selected and factoring any prearranged options.  To obtain a price list of our services and merchandise, please contact us.

What is involved in a funeral arrangement conference?

An arrangement conference is a time when family members meet with a funeral director to discuss available options.  A licensed funeral director will be able to counsel families regarding legal requirements or unique circumstances involved in the arrangements.  This may include any or all of the following points:

• Gathering vital statistic information necessary for the completion of all legal documents surrounding any person's death (i.e. Death Certificate, Permit for Burial or Cremation, Medical Examiner's Permit, Authorization for Cremation, Social Security and Veteran's Benefits Applications).

• Gathering personal information including work experience, hobbies, education or other interesting facts to be included in a "Life History" or "Obituary".

• Deciding what type of service or gathering best meets the needs of family and friends, while honoring the wishes of the deceased.

• Deciding what location is best for a service or gathering; i.e. the funeral home, a church, a private home or favorite place.

• Deciding who will participate in the service or gathering; i.e. clergy, musician, soloist, friends or family members.

What can be done to create a meaningful funeral?

Whether you choose cremation or burial, many possibilities exist to make a funeral as memorable as possible.  Dr. Alan Wolfelt has said that a funeral service should meet the unique needs and wants of your family.  Your friends and family members may desire to participate in the service.  Photographs, special readings, music selections and any other memorabilia may be incorporated to make the service special.  Please consult one of our staff members if you would like suggestions for ways that will best pay tribute to your loved one.

Is embalming required?

The state of Maine does not require embalming.  However, embalming may be required or necessary in order to carry out certain funeral services selected by the family.

What exactly is involved with cremation?

The state of Maine requires a 48-hour waiting period before the cremation process can take place.  During this time, we must care for the body and obtain the necessary paperwork.  Once things are in order, the body is placed in a cremation container or casket and transported to a crematory, where the body is broken down into its original elements by the application of intense heat.  Upon the completion of this process, the cremated remains are placed in a secondary container and transported to us for final disposition.

Is pre-planning a funeral a good idea?

First of all, preplanning does not have to mean prepaid.  Pre-paying a funeral is an option, but not required.  Pre-arranging your services enables your true wishes to be fulfilled by granting you enough time to take care of every detail.  It also alleviates the burden of making important decisions at the time of a loved one's death.

What if I move after making funeral arrangements?

You can be confident that your pre-arranged wishes will be fulfilled regardless of where you reside.  If you should move, your funeral plans can be transferred to a funeral home of your choice or we can help you find a reputable funeral home in your new community.

What if I die away from home?

Death is never easy, but the situation grows more complex when death occurs away from home.  Contact with us should by done immediately.  At this point, we will contact a funeral home that will assist you at that location.  From there, we will work with that funeral home to make the necessary arrangements for transporting the body to us.  Upon receiving the remains, the funeral services of your choice will then be carried out.

Do we accept payment with credit cards?

Yes, we honor payment by credit card.  We accept Visa and Mastercard, but unfortunately we do not accept American Express, nor Discover/Novus.