Memorial Societies

Your article on the simplicity and economy of cremation was timely and informative, yet incomplete (“The Simpler Way of Cremation” by Jeannine Stein, July 17).

Nonprofit memorial societies have offered this choice to their members for years. For a minimal, one-time-only membership fee, society members select the service of their choice--immediate cremation, immediate burial, or a full service funeral--and put their choice in writing in the form of pre-arrangement instructions. The cost for these services generally runs less through a society membership than the same services contracted for by an individual at the time of need.

Information about local Southern California nonprofit memorial society memberships can be obtained by writing the Los Angeles Funeral Society, P.O. Box 44188, Panorama City, Calif. 91412; or the Tri-County Memorial Society, P.O. Box 114, Midway City, Calif. 92655.

We are pleased to see the mortuaries and cemeteries in this area offering this choice to the consumer. For many years the nonprofit societies campaigned for simplicity, economy and dignity in this industry. If this is now a reality, the societies deserve the thanks.

PAMELA S. OSBORN

Signal Hill