Til death do us part?

The rough economy is inflicting hardship on people even in death.

Coroners and funeral directors in several cities say the number of people seeking government-paid funerals, cremations and burials is spiking. Most counties and states will use public money to cremate or bury people who are too poor to pay for private services.

"People just aren't in a position to pay $7,000 for a private funeral and burial," says Lt. David Smith of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, where the number of people seeking county burial has nearly doubled since last year.

I tend to take a more utilitarian view of funerals (apologies to my friend Carmenucc [yes I know the spelling is grammatically incorrect] ) and absent the celebration of Mass will be happy with a cost effective disposal of my mortal remains. But I understand that many people have a need to have a more spectacular send off. If you can afford it and that is what you really want, knock your socks off. But like anything else in life, you may want a Ferrari but can only afford a Hyundai. The rest at the link.