Contents
- Immediate steps after a loss
- Understanding your options (burial, communal burial, cremation)
- Working with the cemetery
- Grief and support resources
- Frequently asked questions
1. Immediate steps after a loss
When a death occurs, the immediate hours and days involve a series of practical steps alongside grief. You do not need to do everything at once, and you do not need to do any of it alone.
If the death occurred at home or outside a medical facility, contact local authorities first. A death certificate must be filed before any arrangements can be completed. In New Jersey, a licensed funeral director typically manages this process on the family's behalf.
Once you have engaged a funeral home, they will coordinate the technical and legal requirements, including transportation of the deceased, filing of the death certificate, and communication with the cemetery. You may contact our office directly at any stage of this process.
2. Understanding your options
There is no single right choice. Burial and cremation are both honored traditions, and the best decision is the one that aligns with your family's values, beliefs, and wishes of the deceased.
Traditional burial
In-ground burial in a cemetery lot allows for a marked grave site that family and loved ones may visit over many years. Options include individual lots, companion lots for two, and family estate lots accommodating multiple generations.
Communal burial
Communal burial provides a dignified resting place within a shared section of the cemetery, without the purchase of a private lot. A permanent record is maintained for every individual interred, and family members may visit the section at any time. This option is chosen for its simplicity and lower cost.
Cremation
Cremation offers flexibility in timing and memorialization. Cremated remains may be interred in the cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept by the family, or scattered in a legally permitted location. A memorial service may take place before or after cremation.
Entombment
Above-ground entombment in a mausoleum provides an indoor, climate-controlled resting place. Evergreen Cemetery maintains a mausoleum open for visitation during office hours.
3. Working with the cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery coordinates directly with funeral directors for all interment arrangements. If you are making arrangements without a funeral home, our staff will guide you through the process step by step.
Key items we will address together include: selection of a burial space, scheduling of the committal service, monument and marker requirements, and any special requests regarding the service itself.
We ask families to allow at least 48 hours' notice for weekday interments and to confirm all arrangements in writing. We will provide a written confirmation of all details.
4. Grief and support resources
The weeks and months following a loss can be deeply disorienting. Many people find structured support helpful during this time. Below are resources available in New Jersey and the surrounding region.
- Overlook Medical Center Grief Support (Summit, NJ) — free community grief groups
- NJ Hospice & Palliative Care Organization — bereavement counseling referrals
- Trinitas Regional Medical Center (Elizabeth, NJ) — grief counseling services
- The Compassionate Friends (tcforg.org) — support for bereaved parents
- New Jersey 211 Helpline — connects callers to local mental health and grief services
5. Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between traditional burial and communal burial?
Traditional burial involves purchasing a designated lot — a specific, recorded plot that belongs to an individual or family and can be marked with a monument. Communal burial provides a dignified resting place in a shared section of the cemetery without the purchase of a private lot, at a significantly lower cost. A permanent record is maintained for every individual, and family may visit the section at any time.
How soon after death must burial or cremation occur in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires that final disposition occur within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few days without refrigeration or embalming. Your funeral director will guide you on the specific timeline based on your circumstances.
Can we hold a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery?
Yes. Graveside services are common at Evergreen Cemetery and may be held at any time of year. Our staff will work with you on logistics, including seating, coordination with clergy, and timing.
Are veterans' burial benefits available at Evergreen Cemetery?
Yes. Evergreen Cemetery participates in the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office program and can assist eligible veterans and their families with burial benefits. Please notify our office of the veteran's service status when making arrangements.
Can we visit the cemetery outside of office hours?
The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. The administrative office is staffed Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
Does Evergreen Cemetery offer pre-need planning?
Yes. We offer pre-need planning for burial and cremation. New Jersey law requires that pre-need cemetery funds be held in trust, protecting your investment. Arrangements may be revisited or updated at any time, and there is no obligation to purchase.
How do I request burial records or genealogy research from Evergreen Cemetery?
Evergreen Cemetery has maintained continuous burial records since 1853. Families, genealogists, and historians may submit a research request through our Genealogy page. Standard requests are processed within 10 business days; archival research in older ledgers may take 3–4 weeks. A documentation fee of $25 applies per record confirmed; no charge is assessed for records not found.
What happens to my pre-need arrangements if I move away?
Pre-need trusts are transferable in many cases. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation, and we will work with you to explore all available options.