Cremation Services in Lethbridge
On-site crematorium — your loved one never leaves our care
Cremation is an alternative to casket burial — not a replacement for a service. At Cornerstone Funeral Home in Lethbridge, families have full flexibility in how they honour a life: a simple direct cremation, a memorial gathering with the urn present, or a complete traditional funeral with the casket present before cremation.
Because our crematorium is on site at our Lethbridge facility, your loved one stays in our care from the moment they arrive until you receive the cremated remains. There are no third-party transfers and no handoffs — just our own staff, in our own facility, every step of the way.
Three Ways Families Choose Cremation
Direct Cremation
The simplest option. Your loved one is brought into our care, the cremation is completed, and the cremated remains are returned to you in an urn or temporary container — without a formal service.
Best for families who plan to hold a private gathering on their own, or who prefer a simple farewell.
Cremation with Memorial
Cremation takes place first, then a memorial service is held with the urn present. The memorial can happen days, weeks, or even months later — giving family from out of town time to gather.
Best for families who want a meaningful service without the time pressure of a traditional funeral.
Full Service, Then Cremation
A complete traditional funeral with visitation and casket present, followed by cremation. This is the same as a traditional funeral, with cremation replacing burial as the final disposition.
Best for families who want the full ceremony of a traditional funeral with the flexibility cremation provides.
What Cremation Services Include
Transfer Into Our Care
We bring your loved one into our Lethbridge facility 24 hours a day, anywhere in southern Alberta.
On-Site Cremation
Cremation is carried out at our own crematorium — never at an off-site facility. Each cremation is performed individually.
Documentation & Permits
We handle all required paperwork, including the cremation permit, medical examiner authorization, and provincial death registration.
Urn Selection
A range of urns and keepsakes available — from simple temporary containers to handcrafted wood, ceramic, biodegradable, and custom options.
Memorial Options
Help arranging a memorial service in our chapel, your home, a place of worship, or any meaningful location — before or after cremation.
Final Disposition Guidance
Burial of the urn, scattering, niche placement at a columbarium, division among family, or keepsake jewellery — we walk you through every option.
Common Questions About Cremation
Does my loved one ever leave Cornerstone's care?
No. Our crematorium is on site at our Lethbridge facility. From the moment your loved one arrives until you receive the cremated remains, they stay in our care — handled only by our own staff.
Can we still have a viewing or visitation if we choose cremation?
Yes. Many families hold a full visitation and funeral service with the casket present before cremation takes place. Cremation does not require giving up any part of the ceremony.
How long does the cremation process take?
The cremation itself takes a few hours, but with paperwork, the medical examiner permit, and our scheduling, the process typically takes 2 to 4 days from when your loved one comes into our care to when the cremated remains are ready for the family.
Is direct cremation less expensive?
Yes. Direct cremation has the lowest service cost because there is no visitation, ceremony, or formal service included. We provide an itemized estimate up front so you can see exactly what each option costs.
What can we do with the cremated remains?
Common choices include burial of the urn at a cemetery, niche placement at a columbarium, scattering at a meaningful location (subject to landowner permission), keeping the urn at home, dividing into smaller keepsake urns for family, or incorporating a small amount into memorial jewellery.
Are there religious traditions that allow cremation?
Most Christian denominations, including Catholicism, now permit cremation. We have served families from many faith backgrounds and can accommodate the customs that matter to you.
Talk to Us About Cremation
Available 24 hours a day at (403) 381-7777, or send a message and we will respond promptly.