5 Celebrities Who Chose Cremation
Cremation has quickly become the most common end-of-life choice. The rate of Americans who chose cremation in 2017 was 51.6 percent, and it is expected to hit 58 percent by 2022 in the U.S. and 75 percent in Canada. Since the mid-1900s, some of the world’s most well-known people have turned to cremation. Here are five examples of celebrities who chose cremation for their final wishes.
Albert Einstein
In 1955, Albert Einstein, often thought of as one of the smartest men in the world, was cremated after dying from an aneurysm in New Jersey. His ashes were scattered in an undisclosed location that he chose in his will. His brain was kept for neuroscientific research.
Walt Disney
Although there were false rumors that Walt Disney was cryogenically frozen after his death and preserved under the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland, he was actually cremated per his request after passing away from circulatory collapse in 1966. His remains are kept in a mausoleum at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
Alfred Hitchcock
In 1980, Alfred Hitchcock, renowned filmmaker of thrillers like “Psycho,” passed away in his sleep at 80 years old. He was cremated upon his request and his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean following a funeral service in Beverly Hills, California.
John Lennon
After he was shot in 1980, the Beatles’ lead singer, John Lennon, was cremated at the Ferncliff Cemetery in New York. His ashes were scattered in Central Park near the apartment he shared with girlfriend Yoko Ono. The specific spot in Central Park was dedicated as Strawberry Fields Memorial in 1985 where fans can pay tribute to one of the world’s greatest rock legends.
David Bowie
’80s rock icon David Bowie passed away from liver cancer at age 69 in January 2016. In accordance with his wishes, he was privately cremated in New Jersey and memorialized by his wife, daughter, son, and close friends at a small ceremony. His will notes that he wants his ashes to be scattered in Bali, Indonesia.
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The Neptune Society is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family.
Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.
