Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
IS THERE BURIAL SPACE AVAILABLE?
Yes! We welcome you to explore your interment needs at Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery.
What do I do if a family member or a loved one is ill or has died?
Whether you loved one is ill or has died, we understand that this is a very difficult time for you. The first thing to do is to call your family funeral director. According to New York State law, the funeral director is the only person who can legally handle the funeral arrangements for the deceased in New York State. If your loved one has donated their body, the donor company or university will handle everything immediately.
What do I need for burial?
Space (the land)
Outer Burial Container (burial vault, available through a Funeral Director)
An Urn for the Cremains
Outer Burial Container (burial vault, available through a Funeral Director)
An Urn for the Cremains
What is the difference between in-ground (traditional) and above-ground burial?
Traditional (In-Ground)
With a burial, the body remains intact. Both cremation and burial can take place immediately after death, following a traditional funeral service or before a memorial service.
Cremation
When a body is cremated, it is incinerated so that all that remains are ashes.
With a burial, the body remains intact. Both cremation and burial can take place immediately after death, following a traditional funeral service or before a memorial service.
Cremation
When a body is cremated, it is incinerated so that all that remains are ashes.
What is a Cemetery Interment Service Fee?
The Cemetery Interment Fee is for our basic services and overhead relating to the final disposition of the deceased, as well as the general care and operations of the cemetery. It includes verifying ownership and right of burial privileges and confirming the permanent interment location. It also includes coordination between cemetery and administration and grounds with the funeral director and/or family members requesting and authorizing the burial service, securing and issuing necessary permits and authorizations for the service, preparation of the space for burial, and restoration of that space following the service.
Why do I need space if I'm being cremated?
As cremation gains popularity across the country, we are uniquely sensitive to the needs of those who choose this option. Cremation allows for many possibilities when considering a final resting place. Choosing the Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery, for entombment or burial, gives you and your family the opportunity to have a dignified and lasting place for visitation and memorialization.
Who can be buried in my family lot?
The original lot owner may give permission to anyone to be buried in his/her lot. The lot owner, spouse, and direct descendants have a "natural right" of burial, as long as there is still actual space available, according to the number of burial rights (spaces) purchased and appropriate authorization. Direct descendants are children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc. Spouses of direct descendants may be buried, if there is room and with appropriate authorization. Other family members may have right of burial if no direct descendants are surviving. Contact us if you have any questions.
Once the lot owner is deceased, the right of burial passes to the children, then grandchildren, and so on. If a direct descendant is willing to wait and hope that other direct descendants will not use up all remaining space on the lot, then no reservations are required. However, if a direct heir wishes to reserve a burial space on the lot prior to the time of need, specific authorizations are required. An Affidavit of Title must be completed by a direct descendant that lists every living direct descendant of the lot owner who has a right to be buried on the lot.
Once the lot owner is deceased, the right of burial passes to the children, then grandchildren, and so on. If a direct descendant is willing to wait and hope that other direct descendants will not use up all remaining space on the lot, then no reservations are required. However, if a direct heir wishes to reserve a burial space on the lot prior to the time of need, specific authorizations are required. An Affidavit of Title must be completed by a direct descendant that lists every living direct descendant of the lot owner who has a right to be buried on the lot.
I'm moving out of the area – how do I sell my cemetery space?
The State of New York requires that you offer it first to the cemetery.
I want traditional in-ground burial and my spouse wants cremation. What options do I have?
You and your loved one may be buried in the plot together. All full-body, in-ground spaces at Gowanda Pine Hill Cemetery allow for both a casketed body and one cremated body.
How do I begin to buy cemetery property?
Please call Sue Torrance at 716-532-0728 or send an email.
What are my options for cremation?
Traditional In-Ground: Burial is now available in existing traditional graves, or with a new purchase of a grave site. The burial may occur directly in the earth.
Above Ground: The burial urn is placed at the grave site.
Above Ground: The burial urn is placed at the grave site.