Where do you get buried?

[surfrider]

Just been thinking about a question and thought I would throw it out for discussion. We are all going to have to look into the future and figure out what we want to happen to us when we die if we are still living in Mexico at the time.
I am sure some of you already have plans on this and I thought (morbid as it may seem to some) if we should open this up for discussion? I would much rather think about surfing but physical realities do happen and we (I think) should have some idea about what to do.

[Ken Wood]

I don't plan to be buried...everyone has their own idea of the proper way to dispose of us after we end our short cycle here on the planet, and mine is to have my next of kin, whoever might be around at the time, turn me into ashes and respectfully return me to the earth. The situation might well be different here in Mexico, but I've seen too many entrepreneurs in the states who prey on the family of those recently deceased. I understand that some may have religious beliefs that will not allow cremation, and I can certainly respect that, but, as for me, send me back to dust in as short a time, and as economical, as possible.

[mickisue1]

Originally Posted by Ken Wood

I don't plan to be buried...everyone has their own idea of the proper way to dispose of us after we end our short cycle here on the planet, and mine is to have my next of kin, whoever might be around at the time, turn me into ashes and respectfully return me to the earth. The situation might well be different here in Mexico, but I've seen too many entrepreneurs in the states who prey on the family of those recently deceased. I understand that some may have religious beliefs that will not allow cremation, and I can certainly respect that, but, as for me, send me back to dust in as short a time, and as economical, as possible.

I'm right there with you, Ken.

Having departed from the religion of my upbringing long ago, I have no desire to be "buried in sanctified ground", and prefer my ashes to nourish new life, rather than decaying in an air and water tight, overpriced, casket.

[FHBOY]

Interesting morbid (but necessary) contemplation.

Unless something radical happens, my family will still be living in the USA, probably in the Mid-Atlantic to Northeast (From DC to Boston). I can't see them moving to Mexico. So I duck the question. My remains will be shipped back to New York to be buried where my parents are buried. While strict adherence to my faith does not allow for cremation, I do not subscribe to that, however, dealing with death is for the survivors (after all I'm dead), and knowing my family, cremation or interment in Mexico would not be giving them the closure that they need.

From Shawshank Redemption: "Either get busy living or get busy dying" - I'll take the former - Next week we'll be back in Ajijic to get busy living!!!

PS: Are you aware that one of the largest industries in Florida is the shipment of human remains? Look it up. After all, South Florida is God's Waiting Room! L'chayim!

[TundraGreen]

Interesting question.

I have thought about several options. My parents are buried in a tiny grave yard in Maine and I occasionally visit there. This caused me to think about an option like that.

I spent some of my formative years as a draftee in Vietnam and I believe this makes be eligible for burial in one of the US national cemeteries. I thought about that too.

But my current statement of my wishes, written for the benefit of my kids, specifies that my ashes are to be scattered on the wind at a place of their choosing.

Dilbert's comment on this subject

[surfrider]

Does anyone know what the laws in Mexico are pertaining to this?

[RVGRINGO]

As a firm believer in the fact that all religions are shams, we happily carry our cremation cards and have another on file at home. Here, the Lake Chapala Society can make these 'post life' arrangements. That takes away the worry about family concerns, wiich probably makes them happy to be relieved of the problem. Dead is dead; we won't be worried at all.

[RVGRINGO]

Originally Posted by surfrider

Does anyone know what the laws in Mexico are pertaining to this?

You may be burried or cremated, as you wish. No embalming is required for natural deaths and burial or cremation within a day. Shipping will require embalming, casket and a lot of expensive complications, including autopsy and storage fees. It is wise to have a 'family doctor' who will come and prepare the death certificate. One does not call the police, etc. as up north. The MD will help with contacting the funeraria or crematorum and you should make prior arrangements if you don't have a lot of family close by. It is a good idea anyway. Don't forget to have a Mexican will and arrangments for final bills, including 'disposal'.

[Longford]

I've thought about the question, previously.

I visit many cemeteries in Mexico, and in other places I travel to. I wouldn't want to be buried in one in Mexico, however.

It's not easy to predict what'll happen at "the end" of this life and the beginning of the next. I think most expats who've moved to Mexico will return home for care pre-death and die there (USA or Canada, as examples) surrounded by family/friends. That's instictive, I think.

I believe (but don't know with certainty) the death of foreigners in Mexico is something the Mexican government requires be reported and in turn reports to the Embassy of the country from which the foreigner came. The statistics on this are probably not well kept.

My sentiments regarding in-the-ground burial vs. cremation fluctuate. At the present time I've made plans to have my body buried in our family plot in a cemetery just outside Chicago. If I'm in Mexico when I pass I will be returned "home."

[TundraGreen]

Originally Posted by surfrider

Does anyone know what the laws in Mexico are pertaining to this?

The Panteon de Mezquitan (cemetery) near me has a sign pointing out that 6 years are required before they can reuse the space if you are buried, but only 3 months if you are cremated first. I suspect this appeals to families with limited space.