Cremation in times of pandemic

October 25, 2021

Everything has changed since the pandemic started in 2020. Cremation rates were already increasing before but when COVID19 took over the world, cremation became an even more popular option.

Everything changed when the pandemic hit in 2020. Families couldn’t gather to say goodbye as before. This led to a significant increase in cremations. Many believe direct cremation in Glenview, IL, became a growing trend. At Chicagoland Cremation Options, the rise in cremation during the pandemic was clear. Families had to quickly learn about planning cremation services during such challenging times. It is now even more important to know where you can legally scatter ashes as part of these new traditions.


The U.S. Postal Service delivering ashes due to COVID19 restrictions


More people are opting for cremation, accelerating the shift from burying bodies. And with out-of-state relatives unable to travel to pick up the cremated remains because of health risks, the US Postal Service has been increasingly delivering ashes to doorsteps. Before the pandemic, we never heard of the post office delivering ashes. But people have been handling death in new ways. Cremations started rising in the early 1960s. All because the Roman Catholic church began to allow it as a standard funeral practice. In the early 1970s, just a 5% of people who died was cremated, which has since then turned into a 1% to 2% a year.


Zoom saves the day again


Human beings are quite good at adaptation, and right now there doesn’t seem to be a better time to adapt than in the middle of a pandemic. The many regulations that came along only made it more stressful at the time to say your goodbyes but instead of staying there complaining, new ways were implemented. If people wanted to still experience the ceremony, then the ceremony needed to change. Eulogies started being delivered over Zoom. Memorial services are now held months after the death, and that is if it’s held at all. We have come to learn as a society, maybe not in the easiest way, that the most important part of a cremation ceremony that honors our dead, it’s not the social part. At least it’s not restricted to physical presence. Technology has made it possible to attend the services that we really mean to attend. Shedding away much of the social constructs that are adopted to attempt to be good and normal by doing things the right way. cremation service Glenview, IL


Creating new traditions is part of adaptation


The coronavirus pandemic has not only affected the way we interact with each other, it has also impacted our economics. Typical cremation service Glenview, IL cost significantly less than a funeral with a burial. Which is another big reason for people to opt more for it? So even with something so delicate as honoring the memory of our dead, we see ourselves in the difficult position of having to be practical as well. Interestingly, the fact that with cremation, family members can bring remains home or bury them in family plots or even have memorial services during reunions or other get togethers; makes it the more appealing.

cremation service in Glenview, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options July 6, 2026
Support a loved one planning cremation with calm communication, practical help, and respectful choices during an emotional and important time.
cremation service in Evanston, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options June 22, 2026
Common cremation myths still shape family decisions. Get clear facts, practical insight, and trusted guidance for planning with greater confidence.
cremation service in LaGrange, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options June 15, 2026
Families may delay a memorial after cremation for grief, schedules, or planning needs. Understand the reasons and what can help create a meaningful service.
cremation service in Glenview IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options June 8, 2026
A clear overview of the cremation process, from initial arrangements to final return, with practical details for families in Glenview, IL.
cremation services in Evanston, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options June 1, 2026
Understand the key documents required for cremation arrangements, including authorizations, identity records, and permits, for a smoother process.
cremation service in LaGrange, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options May 25, 2026
Clear cremation basics for first time families, from timing and paperwork to service choices, costs, and planning with confidence and care.
cremation service in Glenview, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options May 18, 2026
A practical cremation planning checklist for families handling next steps, paperwork, timing, service choices, and personal arrangements.
cremation service in Evanston, IL
By Chicagoland Cremation Options May 11, 2026
Understand legal authorization requirements for cremation in Illinois, including consent, documentation, waiting periods, and common approval steps.
More Posts