Sara Marsden-Ille
Co-founder & Editor — DFS Memorials
Sara Marsden-Ille is the co-founder and editor of DFS Memorials as well as US Funerals Online. She has been writing about funeral planning, consumer rights, and cremation costs since 2003, when US Funerals Online launched — one of the first independent funeral consumer resources in the United States. Sara is responsible for editorial standards across the DFS Memorials network and helps to host the Cremation Nation podcast.
Recent Articles Published
End of an Era? Exploring Why Families Are Abandoning Traditional Funeral Customs & the Rise of Direct Cremation
In an era where personalization trumps tradition and practicality often overrides pomp, the American way of saying goodbye is undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days when a traditional funeral service—complete with caskets, eulogies, and crowded chapels—was the default response to loss. Today, a growing number of families are opting for do-it-yourself memorials, intimate…
July 24, 2025
Your Guide to Flame Cremation vs. Water Cremation
This guide compares flame cremation and water cremation (also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis). While flame cremation has gained popularity as a disposition method in recent years, water cremation is emerging as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Especially for those considering sustainability but seeking a more affordable alternative to a green burial. Cremation services…
July 10, 2025
Understanding Cremation Costs in Baltimore, MD
The high cost of dying is becoming a concern for many families today. Not only can many of us not afford an elaborate and expensive funeral, but more people are deciding that they want something simpler and affordable that saves them from spending thousands on funeral or cremation costs. With over 70 funeral homes in…
June 30, 2025
The Role of Death Doulas in the United States: Cremation & Death Care Services in Holistic Flux
In recent years, the role of death doulas—also known as end-of-life doulas—has gained greater recognition across the United States. These compassionate caregivers provide non-medical, holistic support to individuals nearing the end of life, as well as to their families and caregivers. Much like a birth doula (or midwife) helps usher in life, a death doula walks alongside…
June 28, 2025
Arranging an affordable direct cremation in Vancouver
What is the average cost of a funeral in Vancouver, WA? These days, we are discerning consumers and very mindful of costs. People now realize they can price-shop for funeral services. Why should we not ask how much it costs? The Internet offers an excellent tool for researching funeral costs from the comfort of your…
June 25, 2025
Cremation costs in Queens, NY – just $495
Are you concerned about funeral costs? This brief guide to funeral and cremation costs in Queens, NY, can help you understand the differences in price for a funeral and, more importantly, how you can arrange a simple, basic cremation for as little as $495.00. A direct cremation service can enable you to keep funeral expenses…
June 22, 2025
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As Featured In
Cremation Association of North America [CANA] – From Tradition to Transformation: Women, Doulas, & the New Shape of Cremation & Death Care.
2/4/2026