Unembalmed bodies do not pollute the ground. They decompose naturally and become an integral part of the Circle of Life. There are not enough artificial chemicals in a human body to pollute the soil. The soil is a natural filter, preventing any chemicals from getting into the groundwater or underlying soil. We lose more toxic [...]
All of the senses are incorporated into our memories, which is why we find memories triggered so easily by sounds and smells. Having a place to go that holds the memory of loved ones coming together in ceremony is a natural human need. The conservation scattering grounds at Countryside Memorial Park provides a place that will [...]
Families and loved ones are allowed and encouraged to participate in the closing of the grave should they choose. If families and loved ones choose to close the grave either in part or completely, a cemetery staff member familiar with the process and techniques will be present as a facilitator.
Cemeteries provide burial services. Funeral services are commonly held prior to the burial or final interment including cremation. Cemeteries work with funeral service providers and with families performing home funerals. Loved ones attending burial services are welcome to create graveside ceremonies personally meaningful to the family.
Home funerals allow families to care for a deceased loved one in the familiarity of their own home. After-death care in the home was the norm until the early part of the 20th century. A family can manage a home funeral themselves, or in conjunction with a licensed funeral director. HLPC is happy to work directly [...]
No. Only under rare and extraordinary circumstances is embalming required. Outside of a very few countries (including the US) it is not done in most of the rest of the world and some European countries forbid it by law. In Texas, the law does not require embalming. But most carriers will require a body to be embalmed prior to shipping. Because [...]
In all states, including Texas, it is legal to have your loved one’s body at home after they die. Texas does not require you to involve a licensed funeral director in making or carrying out final arrangements. However, Texas regulations require anyone who assumes custody of a body to file a “Report of Death” form with [...]
No. Once again, refrigeration is easily accomplished to keep the body stable within the time frame allowed by law.
No. Outside burial containers are not required by law in any state. Regulations requiring the use of them are set by individual Cemeteries, not the government. Cemeteries certified by the “Green Burial Council” permit burials only without outside containers.
No. Caskets are not required by law in any state. A simple burial shroud is allowable if one wishes. Once again, individual Cemeteries set the regulations in these matters.
Chrysta Bell Zucht
Chrysta Bell Zucht is an internationally known Actor, Musician and the Steward of Countryside Memorial Park. She has always shared her father’s passion for Natural Burials, and upon his unexpected death in 2009 had the soul-satisfying experience of giving him the green burial he had always wanted. She remains deeply dedicated to Countryside and has vowed to continue to offer it as a serene, peaceful place for eco-conscious families to bury, memorialize and celebrate their Beloveds.
Learn more about Chrysta in our News & Information section: News & Information
Sunny Markham
Music adds a memorable and deeply moving element to any ceremony, especially if it is music that your Loved One loved.
Sunny Markham is a professional singer who truly loves singing at weddings and funerals. She knows some of the finest musicians and vocalists in the San Antonio and Austin areas, and is pleased to help you create the perfect, unique ceremony for your Loved One.
Sunny also offers beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-engraved natural stone markers.