It became a requirement in July. Whomsley said he added the requirement for the sake of maintenance. Karen said that when she told the funeral director she was confused about the liner, she was shown a grisly picture of a collapsed grave. So I just gave in and bought the cheapest liner. A nother surprise for Karen was the cost of digging the grave, called the opening fee.
Cemeteries also charge another opening fee when the second person is buried.
Still, it was more than Karen, who had two toddlers to support, really wished to spend. But Whomsley said parish priests may request a price break for a needy family. A few weeks after the funeral, Hank's brothers held a beef and beer party to help pay the bill. Karen still felt numb. At home, she was bombarded with calls from monument dealers.