When somebody secures their burial space at Wildwood, they are purchasing the rights to use that land. That land can only be used by the “lot owner,” their direct descendants, and all others they authorize for use. Here is the process broken down, explaining what happens and who becomes the owner.
Situation 1: Lot Has an Original Owner
At some point between August 18th, 1863 and current day, if somebody purchased the rights for burial within the cemetery they became a lot owner. Typically the person who pays is the lot owner– however, at the time of purchase, should the party wish to designate somebody else as the lot owner rather than themselves, they can do that as well, so long as the other person agrees to ownership. If the original owner is still living, their descendants and they themselves are entitled to be buried there. Any other person must have permission from the lot owner(s).
Situation 2: Original Owner Wills the Lot
If the lot owner included the rights to said burial property within their will, whoever the rights are directed to now own the burial property. The newly designated owner, their descendants, and descendants’ spouses have permission to be buried there, unless otherwise specified.
If somebody sells the rights to a 5 grave lot where somebody is already buried (in this case, we will call him John Doe), John Doe’s spouse cannot be buried there without the express permission of the new right owner, assuming he is not a direct descendant of the new lot owner. To avoid this issue, lot owners should will down certain graves or make specifications for uses of burial graves.
Situation 3: Original Owner Does Not Will the Lot but Has Children
Should a lot not be willed down to a specific person/people, the next generation of direct descendants become the technical owners. If John has three children, each child has equal rights to the space; they basically become first-come, first-served graves.
If John’s 3 children wish to sell the graves, give them to another person, or allow their use for a non-family member, they must write and sign letters expressing their wishes to the cemetery at 1151 Cemetery Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.
Situation 4: Original Lot Owner Does Not Will the Lot and Has No Children
Suppose somebody purchases a lot in the cemetery and passes. If they do not have any direct descendants, the rights for the lot are assigned in the following order:
- The surviving spouse of the owner. If no spouse
- The surviving parents of the owner. If no parents
- The surviving siblings of the owner. If no siblings
- The surviving grandparents of the owner. If no siblings
- The surviving aunts or uncles of the owner. If no aunts or uncles
- The children of first cousins. If none of these
- The state of Pennsylvania.