St. Mary Cemetery Frequently Asked Questions

Where is St. Mary Cemetery?

St. Mary Cemetery is located at 175 Beaver Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Do I have to be a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish to purchase a plot?

No.  You do not need to be a parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish to be interred at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

What are the days and times I can bury a loved one?

Burials will be conducted Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  There are no burials on Sundays, holidays or holydays.

If I am divorced or remarried can I be buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery?

Yes. St. Mary’s Cemetery inters people who have been divorced and remarried, also people of different traditions, for any cause of death. 

Can I buy a plot or niche before my family actually needs it?

Yes and in fact we strongly advise this.  Plots and niches can be purchased at any time.  The Cemetery Caretaker, Joseph Spencer, will make himself available to you to show you what is currently for sale and in what section of the Cemetery.  If you would like to make an appointment with him, please call the rectory Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 508-528-0020 and we will provide you with his contact information.  The rectory office is not open on weekends, holydays or holidays.

Is there any chance my plot or niche will be sold after many years?

No.  The deed purchaser has exclusive and permanent right of use.  This right passes to direct blood heirs immediately after the death of the recorded owner or owners.  The right of use can be transferred to another person, including the children of the owner(s), through a Will or with the notarized signature of all of the remaining children of the owners.

Can I put plantings on my plot?

St. Mary Cemetery does not allow the planting of any shrubs, bushes or trees. Please bear in mind that over time the roots from the shrub or trees will grow and they may disrupt the grave or even topple the headstone.  Previously planted shrubs, bushes or trees may be removed when they overgrow near the graves without notice to the owner.  They may not be replaced.  You may, however, plant flowers and put up various holiday displays.  Typically the holiday plantings and decorations will be removed a few months after the holiday if not done by the family sooner.

Can I put plantings near or on my niche in the Garden of Remembrance?

No flowers, plants or other decorations shall be placed in Garden of Remembrance and columbarium area except during the internment ceremony.  No floral memorials or other ornamentation shall be attached to any wall or structure in the Garden of Remembrance and columbarium. The Church shall have the right to remove any such ornamentation or correct any such alteration at the expense of the Purchaser.

Is there water available for my flowers?

Yes. St. Mary Cemetery does provide water for the flowers seasonally.  Water spigots are located at various locations throughout the Cemetery.  

Where do I dispose of my old flowers or plantings?

There are trash barrels placed throughout the Cemetery and we would ask that you discard all unwanted flowers, plantings and trash in those barrels.

I bought a plot at St. Mary Cemetery and now I am moving, what do I do?

Unused graves or niches may be sold back to St. Mary Cemetery at your purchase price.  Plots and niches may not be sold by deed holder to another party and are not transferable.  Please note:  Monuments may need to be changed or moved at a cost to the deed holder. If you want to sell your plot back, please contact Patricia Murphy, the Finance and Operations Manager, at the Rectory Office Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 508-528-0020, Extension 10.