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Peter[_14_]

On 11/20/2011 8:43 AM, wrote:
Big news article in a recent newspapers said that the cost of funerals
has become so expensive that people can no longer afford to die.

Well, the cost of living has also gotten to the point that people cant
afford to live either.

Is there a third choice?

Depends on the size of the family and number of close friends, their
religious beliefs, and presence/absence of specific instructions in the
Will. Sometimes it's impossible to avoid a big show.

If the coroner does not require an autopsy, one is not desired by the
next of kin, organ donation is not accomplished, and the body was not
traumatically mutilated, anatomic donation to a medical school is
usually at zero cost to the next of kin.

In many states, it is legal for the mortuary to cremate the remains
without a casket. Ashes can be scattered at sea or returned to the next
of kin in a simple cardboard box. Funeral parlor services are not
obligatory. Placement of the ashes in a columbarium or grave is not
obligatory. Not entirely free, but probably the most cost effective.