Friday, February 15, 2019

Reasons Family Consider Planning Ahead Final Wishes

Most people know that it’s important to plan ahead for retirement, weddings, education expenses, and purchasing a home…but not many people think about planning ahead funeral and cemetery decisions. For every other milestone in life, we will likely have the support of our closest loved ones every step of the way, and funeral and cemetery decisions should be no different. Unless planned in advance, someone must face the difficult task of making arrangements without the assistance of the one who has passed, all while experiencing intense pain and grief. Often these decisions fall on a spouse or partner left behind, however many times they fall on adult children making it even more difficult.

Creating a funeral and cemetery plan is a simple process that creates peace of mind for all those we care about. People choose to plan ahead final wishes for a variety of reasons. You may wish to protect your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions alone, you may want to help your family save money, you may have specific preferences that you wish carried out such as type of arrangements casket or cremation, type of memorial service or celebration of life, and the cemetery you wish to be placed in.

Below are the three main reasons people choose to plan ahead for final wishes:

 1. Family

Family is the number one reason people plan funerals in advance. Without a plan, loved ones are left in the dark, having to make difficult decisions at an emotionally painful time. When you plan ahead, be sure to make your preferences clear about whether you want cremation or burial, and how you want your life to be celebrated. 

2. Finances

Savings is the second reason. A plan reduces “emotional overspending” that often occurs when families are under stress. A simple yet thoughtful plan can save loved ones hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

3. Future

No one knows what the future holds, but we do know one thing: none of us are promised tomorrow. The future may be uncertain, but we can do something today that will make a difference in the lives of our loved ones. Planning ahead is easy, and it’s free. Puritan Lawn Memorial Park has been a trusted provider of plan-ahead funeral and cemetery information since 1933. Schedule a free, no-obligation appointment with a family service counselor.

Contact us today to Receive More Information. 




Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Dedicated area for Families that Lose Young Children, Meadow of Angels

Over a decade ago, Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody developed the Meadow of Angels section which is a beautiful area of their 140 acre park dedicated for use by families that lose young children. Understanding that most of these young families are unprepared emotionally and financially for the loss of their child, the directors continue to provide the lot and interment at no charge. 


This year, in honor of the mothers of these young children, Puritan Lawn staff placed over 100 pink roses on their graves for Mother’s Day. Although there is little that can be done to console a parent that loses a child, the Directors hope their gift of the Meadow of Angels area makes this difficult time just a little bit easier for these young families. Established in 1933, Puritan Lawn, the oldest memorial park on the east coast continues to offer plan-ahead burial and cremation programs to area families. For more information visit puritanlawn.com or call (978) 535-3660.



Thursday, February 11, 2016

History of Developments at Puritan Lawn

The original guest house for the 1,100 acre Saltonstall estate is now the main office for Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. As the oldest memorial park cemetery in Eastern United States, Puritan Lawn has long been recognized as the leader in offering plan ahead choices to families. With three generations of family stewardship, Puritan Lawn Directors take their responsibility to honor and care for the property and loved ones at rest in the park very seriously.

Puritan Lawn develops areas many years before they are needed and allows families to make selections in these areas with the “Right of Alternative Selection." What this means is that folks can plan ahead, enjoy pre-development savings and if the need arises, choose any available lot in the park no additional cost. This has been a unique program of Puritan's for over half a century and it will continue as it renders a notable service to the community.

The beautiful Meadows area shown below was arranged by many families years before it was completed. Our promise to prospective lot owners is that we make each new section unique while maintaining the ongoing natural beauty of the 140 acre grounds. For more information regarding new developments at Puritan Lawn, visit our web site or call us at (978) 535 -3660. We offer both traditional and cremation arrangement programs.


Wednesday, February 10, 2016


The original guest house for the 1100 acre Saltenstall estate is now the main office for Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. As the oldest memorial park cemetery in the Eastern United States puritan Lawn has long been recognized as the leader in offering plan ahead choices for area families.

Puritan Lawn is in the third generation family stewardship. We take pride in our responsibilities to honor and care for the property and those in our care.

One cost saving measure is the concept of  Pre-Development  sections. Puritan develops areas many years before they are needed and allows families to make selections in these areas with the “Right of Alternative Selection”. What this means is that folks can plan ahead, enjoy in development savings and have the protection of any available lot within Puritan Lawn at no additional cost, should the need arise.

This has been the unique program of Puritan's for  a half a century and it will continue as it renders a notable service to the community.





This beautiful area was sold prior to any development. Our promise to prospective lot owners, is that we  make each new section a separate identify and yet maintain the ongoing natural beauty of Puritan Lawn. For more information, visit Puritan Lawn web site or call (978) 535-3660.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Lasting Gift for Your Family, Cemetery Pre-Planning

A Loving Act for Your Family
Planning your final arrangements ahead of time is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Puritan Lawn is a leader in pre-planning education, having talked to thousands of families over the past 80 years about the financial and emotional benefits of planning ahead. 

Price Protection
Like most products and services, the cost of cemetery lots rises over time. Cemeteries that are reaching capacity are particularly prone to price increases as the availability of burial lots diminishes. Planning ahead allows you to lock in today’s prices and avoid any future price increases.

Payment Plans
When a cemetery lot is purchased at the time of death, the full amount must be paid prior to the burial. By arranging a cemetery lot in advance, you have the opportunity to pay over time and lessen your financial burden.

Shared Decision-Making
When families don’t pre-plan, the widow is usually left making funeral arrangements on her own. Being burdened with these decisions at a time of grief can be truly overwhelming. Families that plan ahead eliminate unnecessary stress for surviving family members and make the days following death a little easier.

Peace-of-Mind
Preplanning allows you to make arrangements at your convenience, and ensures that your final wishes will be followed. You and your loved ones can meet with a family services counselor at your home or at the cemetery office to review options for burial or cremation arrangements. Staff members are trained to listen closely to customers and thoroughly explore options to select the package that’s best for you.

Preplanning:  The Bottom Line
With the shortage of available burial space in the Northeast, most cemeteries don’t offer preplanning services, so it’s wise to call and inquire before you visit. Puritan Lawn specializes in plan-ahead arrangements, with over 90% of families served choosing this option. Offering 140 acres and 26 different sections, Puritan Lawn can accommodate virtually any preference and budget. If you make the decision to plan ahead, your surviving family members will one day appreciate your thoughtfulness.

How to Choose a Cemetery
1. Ask whether plan-ahead programs are offered.
2. Find out if perpetual maintenance is included in your purchase.
3. Visit each cemetery and request a tour.
4. Explore options together with family members.
5. Ask about special discounts and payment plans.

For more information, contact Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody Massachusettswww.puritanlawn.com