STEPS FOR IMMEDIATE BURIAL
The loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, and making final arrangements may seem daunting. At Penn Forest, we’re here to help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have. If your loved one did not pre-plan before their passing, certain steps will need to be taken.
To make this journey a little easier, we’ve outlined simple steps to guide you through an immediate burial.
Step One
Call Penn Forest
Please call us at 412.265.4606. We’ll ask for basic information: the name, address, date of birth, and date of death of your loved one. We’ll also ask if you’re working with a funeral home or need help finding a green burial–friendly funeral director.
We’ll set up a time to visit Penn Forest, discuss your preferred burial date, and talk about service options. We’ll also review interment choices, costs, and fees.
You can find more details about burial options here, and pricing and details here.
Step Two
Visit Penn Forest to choose a final resting place
Our burial coordinator will greet you in the parking lot and provide a guided tour of our burial grounds to find the perfect resting place for your loved one. Visits to Penn Forest usually involve a moderate amount of walking over grass, meadow, and woodland trails. If you are planning a visit and need motorized assistance with moving around the site, please notify us. We can provide a golf cart for convenience.
Step Three
Sign paperwork and finalize burial details
The tour will follow with an office visit to review and confirm the preferred specific elements and details of the burial service. The exact elements, schedule and order of the service will be refined over the next few hours or days. Keep in mind that we are a nondenominational cemetery and honor all religious traditions. The next of kin will sign the interment order (required for burial) and the sales agreement, which includes all costs for the lot and interment. We accept cash, check, and credit card.
If needed, your burial coordinator can assist with finding a funeral home, or you can view a list of Green Burial Council–certified providers here.
If you’re uncertain who the next of kin is, information can be found here.
Grave markers can be discussed during this visit or at a later time.