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D.G.

Oct 6, 2003, 10:35 AM

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Ashes to Ashes

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Here's a topic I'd like explained more about, since many contributers live in San Miguel.

When that last moment on earth comes, what sort of options does one have as an expat in San Miguel? Specifically, is cremation a local option ? What about local burial? Are there opportunities for organ donation? What sorts of arrangements should be made ahead of time?

I know this may not be a very upbeat topic, but ulltimately, all of us will have to come to grips with the topic, and I'd like to know what people do about this eventuality.

Brian

Oct 6, 2003, 4:17 PM

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Re: [D.G.] Ashes to Ashes

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Your question is specific to San Miguel as will be my response. Here is the contact info for the 24 Hour Association:

Ms. Gerry Woden Jesus#52 Phone number is 152-1723. The association, for a reasonable one-time fee, provides body removal, funeral needs, plot, marker and perpetual care. They also notify the Consul and next-of-kin. It is open to all creeds and nationalities but is only available to San Miguel residents. The plots are located in the Panteon Municipal near the Hotel Real de Minas. I strongly doubt that there is an organ donation program (we aren't even equipped with a blood bank) but you could inquire at the Hospital de la Fe.

Brian

beckidid

Oct 6, 2003, 5:32 PM

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Re: [D.G.] Ashes to Ashes

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My mom and stepdad have lived in SMA for over 8 years. On Mom's last visit to the states she gathered all of her daughters together and told us her plans. She will be cremated and her ashes buried in a lovely garden in SMA. I am not sure where the crematorium is but I gathered it was nearby....maybe Queretero or Guanajuato. She said it is very inexpensive there. She is very happy in SMA and plans to live out her days there. On the upside...........she is 75 years old, looks and behaves as if she is in her 50-60's and we, the daughters, feel she will outlive us all!!!! What a gal!!

Becki

jennifer rose

Oct 9, 2003, 8:32 AM

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Re: [D.G.] Ashes to Ashes

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At http://www.mexconnected.com/..._string=organ;#19820 you will find a thread about organ donation in Mexico.

Jardines del Tiempo http://www.jardinesdeltiempo.com is probably the biggest chain of funeral homes and cemetaries in Mexico, and they offer pre-need planning.

If you go to the American Embassy's website http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov and drill down to the Guadalajara Consulate, and further into the American Citizen Services section, there is some helpful explanation of how to handle a death in Mexico. Along with that is a survey of Guadalajara area rates for cremation and funeral services in 1999. Realizing, of course, that those figures are Guadalajara-centered and already four years old, they are still helpful as a starting point. What I did find somewhat startling was the wide variance in rates for similar services.

Your options as an expatriate are really the same as those which might be available to a Mexican national.

D.G.

Oct 9, 2003, 10:11 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Ashes to Ashes

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Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. I think the information contained herein is valuable, although I know the topic is not a "happy" one and thus may run counter to most topics on MexConnect .

Having said that, one of the greatest gifts that a person can give to their survivors is some clear understanding of what to do when that time comes. Often, decisions are made under extreme shock and grief, and clear thinking may not prevail. Having information, is part of developing a reasoned approach, and I think many people need to think about the bridge before they cross it.