How To Arrange A Simple Burial

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Q. What is the basis of these savings?

A. Simplicity. A dignified and satisfying funeral need not be costly if you are not trying to demonstrate social status or compete with the neighbors. There is also the element of collective bargainin in your favor and the advantage of knowing where to go to get the desired services at moderate cost.

Q. Can these savings be made without a memorial society?

A. Theoretically, yes. But it rarely happens. One has to search carefully andinquire widely to discover all the possibility something few families are prepared to do, especially at a time of death.

Q. How do I join a memorial society?

A. Phone or write the nearest society and ask for their literature. They will send you information about the help they can give you and the membership fee.

Q. What if there Is no society nearby?

A. Write the Continental Association or the Canadian Association to find out if there is a society that serves your area or if one is being formed. If you are interested in helping start a society, the association will supply, information and frequently local contacts as well.

Q. What If I move to another place?

A. There are memorial societies in 170 cities in the U.S. and Canada, affiliated with the Continental or Canadian Association. They accept transfers of membership with little or no charge.

Q. Are all societies alike?

A. Memorial societies vary in their arrangements and mode of operation. Their common characteristic is that they are democratic and non-profit. Occasionally pseudo memorial societies have been set up as "fronts" for funeral directors.

Q. How can I tell the real thing from the Imitation?

A. In two ways:

1. Virtually all genuine memorial societies are members of one of the two as- sociations. The associations screen their members with care.

2. A bona fide society has no commercial interests. Membership rarely costs over $20. If an organization calling itself a memorial society tries to sell you a cemetery lot, or if it asks a large membership fee, you had better investigate it carefully.

Q. What does a memorial society have to do with funeral directors?

A. Some societies serve only in an advisory capacity, informing their members where specific services may be had at specific costa. Most societies, however, have contracts or agreements on behalf of their members with one or more funeral directors.

Q. Does the society handle the business details of a funeral?

A. Not ordinarily. The society commonly brings the family and the funeral director together on a pre-arranged understanding of services and terms. The family itself deals directly with the funeral director.

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