Maria’s natural burial story began while working as a nanny for a Jewish family. During that time, they shared the simplicity and beauty of Jewish burial with Maria - the natural processes, the direct return to the earth. Maria was deeply influenced by the direct return to earth and wanted this for herself, as she believed God intended.
Although Maria wasn’t Jewish, and wouldn’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery, when the time came, her family honored that inspiration by choosing a natural burial. Braeden of LifeSource, who provides green burial services, and Jill Shock of Death Doula L.A. worked with Maria’s family to create a beautiful celebration and later natural burial at Creston Cemetery in California.
Natural burial allows the body to return to the earth within natural cycles, meaning the body returns without embalming chemicals, so all of the elements of a body are fully returned to nature, on nature’s timeline.
Current conventional burials may include embalming, expensive and elaborate lacquered hardwood or metal caskets, stone markers, and concretee, metal, or plastic burial vaults (aka outer burial containers.). All of these elements remain far beyond natural timelines. and prevent the body from reintegrating with the soil.
In contrast, natural burials:
While there are certifying organizations like the Green Burial Council and the Conservation Burial Alliance, not all natural burial cemeteries are officially certified as such, but still may follow the same principles overall.
Maria’s burial was natural because:
Unlike conventional funerals, which often follow a set structure, natural burials inherently allow for flexibility and intention.
Families can choose:
Prior to the burial , the family held a closed-casket traditional funeral service for those that could not make the drive to the Creston cemetery.
The graveside service was by Jill Schock, and Maria's niece, who offered and encouraged the community to speak about Maria. Along with the help of Jill, children of the family were given space and gentle encouragement to share their thoughts and feelings as well- and this is just not as not common in conventional funeral settings. Involving children in the bereavement process helps them process loss as well.
Traditional funerals are often led by professionals that don’t allow for involvement from family members, aside from the opportunity to say a few words. Natural burial can invite something deeper: a way for families to participate, connect, and honor life in a more hands-on, cathartic, and meaningful way.
In Maria’s funeral, family members of all ages contributed, at nearly every stage.
Maria’s family carried her casket to her gravesite and placed the casket above the grave.
Family members placed flowers on the casket.
Maria’s dog was brought along to the graveside as well to say goodbye- healing for the family, and even the dog too- as animals experience loss and grief as well.
Children placed flowers onto her casket- connecting them to the experience.
Family members lowered Maria’s casket into the grave.
Family members not only ceremoniously placed dirt into the grave, but fully filled the grave.
Maria’s funeral was a return to the earth, carried out by the hands of the people who loved her most.
Natural burial is legal everywhere, but availability varies by cemetery regulations and offerings. If you would like to explore natural burial in California, LifeSource is here to help- you can reach out here.
