Like many funeral homes and crematoriums nationwide, Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes and Crematory, with locations in New Castle, Newark, Delaware City and Middletown, holds the unclaimed/abandoned cremated remains for many individuals. On May 12, the family-owned business dedicated a mausoleum at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington to provide these individuals with honor and dignity, while potentially also serving as their final resting place.

“The mausoleum will provide not only a dignified resting place for the cremains of more than 50 individuals but also some degree of access should someone step forward to accept cremains in the future,” said Matthew C. Smith, owner of Spicer-Mullikin. “We’re grateful to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and All Saints Cemetery for collaborating with us on the mausoleum and ceremony. We’re honored to be able to make this a reality.”

Present at the private dedication were Smith; Delaware National Guard representatives Brig. Gen. Kenneth Haltom, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ronald Wilson and Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly Hines-Fairfax; a representative from the office of Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long; Scott Hudson, supervisor of All Saints Cemetery; Monsignor Steven Hurley, pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Wilmington; and the Most Rev. William Koenig, bishop of the Wilmington diocese, who performed the committal ceremony.

Miguel Hurtado, constituent relations manager for the lieutenant governor, presented a proclamation on behalf of her and Gov. John Carney recognizing Spicer-Mullikin, the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington and All Saints Cemetery for establishing the mausoleum. The proclamation stated that the dedication was a fitting way to honor the lives of those interred there. spicermullikin.com