Our professional staff provides services that honor traditional family values with the compassion and care your family deserves. We have been entrusted to caring for members of the Prince George's County Police Department, as well as the local Beltsville and Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Departments since opening our doors in 1985. Community is very important to us, and as such, we have fostered close relationships with churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and cemeteries in our area to make sure your family is treated with respect throughout the process. Please call us at 1-301-937-1707 so we can help you through this process.

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Has a loved one recently passed away, and you are worried about the financial burden of paying for the funeral? These services can add up if you choose to pursue a traditional burial. Not only are you working through grief and loss, but you also need to face the extra burden of paying for the services. Many families find that a funeral is a time of high stress and disagreements for many reasons.

Here at Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, P.A., we want to be sure that you have a peaceful experience that you can share with your family. We understand that there are many decisions to make during this experience. So, we offer a listening ear and helpful recommendations to assist when you are making your decisions.

Whether you are looking for a traditional burial or cremations in Burtonsville, MD, our team is here to help. We offer personalized care that you deserve. So, you can plan the memorial or funeral in a way that will best serve your family. We will work had to ensure that the arrangements are implemented to match your goals.

What Does Cremation Involve?

Most people understand the basics of cremation: that the body is reduced to ashes using heat and flames. But, many people are curious about the details about what will happen. We handle the body with care every step of the way, to ensure the utmost respect for the deceased and the family.

It is necessary to allow cooling after the cremation is complete. Then, organic bone fragments are left, and they are carefully swept into a cooling pan. Next, the fragments are processed in a machine that ensures a consistent texture for the ashes. You can choose an urn, or the ashes can be stored in a temporary urn until a final decision is made by the family.

Save Money on Funeral Costs

One of the most obvious benefits to cremation is that you can save money on the expenses of a funeral. There is no need to embalm the body if there is no viewing. Plus, you can avoid the cost of a casket, burial plot, graveside service, and more.

These financial savings reduce the stress on the family after the services are complete. You don’t want to leave the family behind with burdensome debts. So, you might consider the cheaper alternative of cremation instead of burial.

Reduce the Impact on the Environment

Have you considered the environmental effect of burying a big casket? Many people don’t realize how much a casket burial could potentially impact the land where it is placed. The materials used to make the casket are unnatural, and as a result, they can seep into the ground.

If you want to protect this beautiful planet, then cremation might be a better solution to reduce your carbon footprint. You can avoid the need to bury anything unnatural in the ground. Scattering the ashes is the perfectly natural way to return the remains to mother earth.

A Final Resting Place after Cremation

Once the remains have been reduced to ashes, then the family can choose how the ashes should be stored. It is common for the ashes to be stored in an urn and kept with a family member. In some cases, families might distribute the ashes in multiple urns.

The possibilities are endless because cremation can be used in conjunction with all types of funeral services. For example, some families still choose to have the ashes buried in a cemetery plot, so a graveside service is used as a final goodbye. Or, other people want to keep it simple, and they meet to have a celebration of life and scatter the ashes.

Honoring the Life and Memories of Your Loved One

What will be the best way to honor the life of the person that you love? You might have a funeral where music and speakers share their thoughts about the person. Or, a celebration of life is a great casual option for people to share their favorite memories.

You can decide on the location and agenda for a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. Consider the desires of friends and family members, so that you can create an environment where everyone can say their final goodbyes.

Schedule an Appointment to Learn More

If you are trying to decide whether cremation is the right choice, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team. If you live in Burtonsville, MD or the surrounding areas, then you can visit Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, P.A. at 4400 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705. Or, you are always welcome to call so that you can get details about the services that are offered. We provide, fast, clear answers to help you make the best decision for the funeral services. Call to learn more: (301) 937-1707

Cremations FAQs

Can I Still Have a Visitation or Viewing If I Choose Cremation in Burtonsville, MD?

Absolutely. Families opting for cremation in Burtonsville can still arrange visitations or viewings before the cremation process. This provides an opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects. This is just one of the reasons why people choose us for funeral services.

Is Embalming Required Before Cremation in Burtonsville, MD?

No, embalming is not required for cremation in Burtonsville. However, if there is a viewing or visitation before cremation, embalming may be recommended depending on the timeline and condition of the body. Check our Funeral FAQs page if you have more questions.

What Happens to Personal Items, Like Jewelry, During the Cremation Process in Burtonsville, MD?

It's advisable to remove any valuable or sentimental items before the cremation. However, some families choose to include items in the cremation process. Discuss your preferences with the funeral home staff.