When most people think of burial, they picture a traditional casket placed underground in a plot marked by a headstone. But there’s another option—one that offers permanence, dignity, and, for many, peace of mind: the mausoleum.
At St. John’s Dixie Cemetery, we’ve seen a growing interest in burial services that reflect evolving family needs. For some, a mausoleum provides a sense of tradition and reverence. For others, it offers a practical or cultural alternative to in-ground burial.
If you’ve ever wondered how above-ground burial works—or whether it might be right for your family—this guide will help.
What Is a Mausoleum?
A mausoleum is a free-standing structure built to house caskets or cremated remains above ground. Instead of being buried in the earth, individuals are placed in a sealed crypt or niche within the structure.
Mausoleums vary in style and size. Some are large, public buildings with multiple levels, stained glass, and shared crypt spaces. Others are smaller, private, or semi-private areas designated for families.
The experience of visiting a loved one in a mausoleum is different, too. These spaces often feel more like chapels or memorial halls—quiet, climate-controlled, and designed for reflection.
For many families, the idea of visiting a loved one in a sheltered, maintained space within the cemetery offers comfort year-round, especially during cold or wet seasons when outdoor visits may be more difficult.
Why Families Choose Above-Ground Burial
There are many reasons families choose a mausoleum over traditional burial. For some, it’s a matter of culture or faith. For others, it’s personal preference—perhaps shaped by memories, values, or simply what feels right.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- Permanence: Mausoleums are solid structures that stand the test of time.
- Ease of visitation: Loved ones can visit in comfort, indoors, and year-round.
- Space efficiency: In urban areas where land is limited, mausoleums provide thoughtful use of space.
- Preservation: Some families appreciate the sense of containment and protection these structures offer.
At St. John’s Dixie, we offer both community mausoleums and family crypt options, with different styles and finishes to help reflect personal legacy and beliefs.
The Role of the Funeral Director
If you’re unsure where to start, a funeral director can guide you through the process. From helping you understand mausoleum options to arranging services, their role is to listen, support, and help you make decisions that feel meaningful.
Whether you’re considering a full funeral with visitation or a quieter, family-only moment, the funeral director will ensure all details are handled with care and professionalism.
It’s not just about logistics—it’s about creating a space where memory lives on.
How Memorial Services Work with Mausoleums
Just like with traditional burial, families choosing above-ground interment can hold memorial services to honour the person’s life.
These services can be held in a chapel, outdoors, or even inside a mausoleum if space allows. Music, eulogies, photo displays, and personalized touches can all be part of the event.
What matters most is that the service reflects the person being remembered—their values, their story, and the way they lived.
Understanding Cemetery By-Laws
Every cemetery has its own set of rules designed to protect families, staff, and the integrity of the grounds. These cemetery by-laws outline everything from maintenance expectations to what types of urns or vaults are permitted.
At St. John’s Dixie, our team is happy to walk you through these policies before any purchase is made. This ensures full transparency and helps families make decisions that align with both their wishes and the guidelines of the cemetery.
A Lasting Place of Connection
In the end, a mausoleum is more than a structure—it’s a place of remembrance. A space where families return, where stories are told again and again, and where grief finds form and grounding.
For some, the permanence of above-ground burial offers reassurance. For others, it’s the feeling of having a quiet, peaceful space to visit—one that’s sheltered from time and weather, but open to memory.
If you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to answer your questions with patience, compassion, and clarity.
Because every life deserves a place to be remembered—with care, with dignity, and with peace.