Recently, at a family gathering, funerals were discussed. I said I didn’t want a funeral or even a marked grave. In fact, they could just leave me at the coroner’s office to be buried some time in the future in a potter’s field. Some mentioned they would try to get me cremated and buried, to which I objected.
So, is there a way to ensure I get what I want? I know I’d probably need a legal document for it eventually, but I would like to know if my scenario is even be possible before I approach an attorney.
Dear Mod: I didn’t know exactly where to place this, so please move it to the forum you think appropriate.
There are places that allow “natural burial”, basically, they put you unembalmed in a hole in the ground. Marker optional. They aren’t too common so you’ll have to look for one but they are out there. Start with “natural burial” in google and go from there.
Of course, if your relatives are truly determined it will be hard for you to prevent them having a lot of hoopla after you’re dead, but if you put it into a legal document you don’t want a funeral and just want to be chucked into earth unmodified they’re more likely to respect that. Remember, too, that a funeral isn’t for the dead, it’s for the living. Perhaps suggest the relatives have a memorial sans body, maybe a dinner get-together if they want to remember/memorialize you but keep the disposal of your earthly remains as simple as possible.
I’m not sure just dropping you off at the local coroner’s is the way to go - Potter’s Field is intended for the indigent and by throwing yourself on that system you’re spending tax money. Find out ahead of time what you’re cost-effective options are and, if possible, pre-pay - the relatives are far more likely to respect your wishes if it doesn’t require money from them.
If you do that in my county any close relatives will receive a bill for disposal of your remains. Also, most folks that die do not end up at a coroner’s office, in most cases, the body goes from the place of death to a licensed funeral home.
I hope you are joking. Most people who are organ donors want to make sure their bodies are given to their families for a funeral. If you are the exception to this, you can speak to someone about donating the remainder of your body to science, or to a body farm as has been mentioned. Remember also, that just because you are an organ donor, it does not mean all (or most, or any) of your organs will actually be used. It’s my understanding that most deaths are not suitable for organ donation. So if having your body go to use after your death is important to you, take time now to ensure it. Simply signing your organ donation card won’t do it.
Warning, below link may be disturbing to some - decomposing bodies viewable
The OP can get his wish. Donate your body to the Body farm. You can lay there in the sun and rot in the name of science.
Wow, now I know where I want to go. Please let me be laid out in the organic vegetable garden or if that is not acceptable then underneath a weeping willow tree.
For what it’s worth, even donating your body to science will often end up with a cremation and an urn for the family. This is how it worked with my mother-in-law. They did whatever dissections and tests they wanted and then we got the ashes some months later.