Value of the Family Grave

The Value of the Family Grave, or Ancestors Grave 

In recent times there has been an increasing interest in the research of family history. Accompanying the trend has been a noticeable concern on the upkeep of family graves and the long term availability of new graves. This interest has stimulated the community into seeking information and advice on the choices available to families.

old gravesMany people are under the misapprehension that cemeteries are only for burials, when in fact graves are appropriate places to inter and memorialise the remains of other family members who were (or will be) cremated. 

In addition, existing monuments can be ‘updated’ with inscriptions dedicated to the memory of each family members, irrespective of whether remains are interred or not.

Encouraging subsequent use of existing graves will be to the advantage of families and cemeteries alike: 

  • Families will benefit from significant cost savings and the peace of mind a family plot gives
  • With planning, the family grave can be a permanent record of the “family tree”
  • Cemeteries, especially those short of land resources, will benefit from renewed use, aiding maintenance
  • Older burial areas will be given a new lease of life from family reuse of burial plots
  • Monuments, rather than weathering and eroding away with time will benefit from the refurbishment that will undoubtedly follow subsequent interments and memorialisation

The main reason cemeteries close, become run down and are (consequently) vandalised is because people stop using and visiting them.  It follows that the communities use of the cemetery sustains the cemetery. 

The creative, practical utilisation of available resources, all exisiting graves, monuments and memorials can ensure that the cemetery will be perpetuated in a dignified, controlled and community sponsored manner.

Rookwood Cemetery has over 800,000 burial graves alone.  Most people reading this article probably have a relative buried at Rookwood.  Most graves are capable of holding up to 20 peoples ashes, as well as 2-3 full burials.  If the family is now cremating, they will be able to use the relatives graves for generations. 

The only stipulation is the family proving the right to use the grave.

For more information on the families right and entitlements of access to cemetery graves at Rookwood, monument restoration and maintenance, please contact us