When families choose cremation, they often bring urns home with plans to decide “what’s next” later. But for many, grief and uncertainty can delay next steps. Lakewood’s new Waterside Terrace and Pier offers a serene space for scattering ashes in a way that feels personal, peaceful and meaningful—making those difficult decisions easier.
A New Space for Connection and Reflection
Leslie, who lives just a few blocks away from Lakewood, recently held a Waterside Scattering Ceremony for her mother—a decision inspired by years of quiet walks and one memorable conversation.
“My mom and I used to walk at Lakewood all the time,” Leslie says. “Whenever we came near the private lake, Mom would say she would like to have her ashes scattered there. I guess for her, that was preplanning,” she pauses, with a quick smile.
“She passed away about two and a half years ago, near the end of November. It was too cold to scatter her ashes then, so I kept them in an urn on my fireplace mantel. I grew so used to that urn I didn’t want to part with it. One day, my daughter suggested taking a walk at Lakewood. When we saw the new Waterside Terrace and Pier, she reminded me how much mom had wanted to be scattered in the lake. We decided right away that’s what we would do.”
Opened this past spring, Waterside offers families a private lakeside setting for scattering ceremonies and moments of reflection. It’s one of many ways Lakewood helps families navigate end-of-life choices with care and compassion.
An Abundance of Choices
Another popular choice is scattering ashes at a traditional grave site. Seth Kaltwasser, Family Services Manager, recently helped a couple who had kept a great uncle’s ashes for years. They chose to scatter them at a grave site they inherited. “After the ceremony,” Seth says, “they told me that finally choosing a memorial site had given them a deep sense of peace.”
For those who prefer to place an urn, Lakewood offers several options, including the Garden Mausoleum, filled with natural light. Outdoor options include columbarium niches, the Garden of Remembrance, or traditional grave sites for burial.
A Lasting Legacy
Whether families choose scattering or placement, Lakewood offers permanent memorialization in a place of beauty and meaning. Each loved one’s name is recorded in our online database, where families can share birth and death dates—and even tell their story for future generations.
We’re Here to Help
To learn more or schedule a private appointment, call 612-822-2171 or email info@lakewoodcemetery.org.
