We are still mourning the loss of our dear friend and volunteer, Cindy Merz. She is in our minds and hearts all the time, especially when we are helping the animals.
Cindy was laid to rest at The Preserve, in All Saints Cemetery in Waterford. It is a place for “Natural Burials”. This beautiful fieldstone was placed at her burial site this past Friday and flowers and grass were planted on Sunday. The idea is to try to leave everything in its natural state.
What a beautiful setting for a beautiful person!
On the All Saints Cemetery website, this is how they describe the setting:
A desire for simpler, more basic choices has inspired a renewed appreciation for natural burial. In response, forward-thinking cemeteries are designating separate tracts of land for use as natural burial grounds. In a green cemetery such as The Preserve, the grounds themselves are preserved in a more natural state—that is, pavement and landscaping typical of traditional cemeteries are excluded. Instead, this land is treated with great respect that both a nature preserve and a cemetery deserve.
Natural burial is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it is as old as the funeral ritual itself. Some of the motivation behind this new interest in natural burial—sometimes referred to as a green burial—is to offer a natural alternative for conducting a burial. Above all else, The Preserve is a sacred burial ground that will be cared for to the highest standards for which we have been known for many generations.
The Preserve at All Saints will continue to honor the important traditions of the funeral ritual, though burials held here are done so in a manner that is consistent with a nature preserve. Today, the basic definition of a natural burial is one that eliminates the use of nonbiodegradable materials. What nonbiodegradable materials are eliminated? Chemicals for one. Other commonly used materials that are excluded include metal caskets and concrete vault liners. Instead, a natural burial utilizes simple, sustainable materials such as pine or wicker caskets so that nature may take its course following the natural rhythms of life.
