Schiavo’s Body Is Cremated as Family Friction Continues
TAMPA, Fla. — Terri Schiavo’s body was cremated Saturday as disagreements continued between her husband and her parents, who were unable to have their own independent expert observe her autopsy.
The cremation was carried out according to a court order issued Tuesday establishing that Michael Schiavo had the right to make such decisions, said his lawyer, George J. Felos. He said plans for burying her ashes in Pennsylvania, where she grew up, had not yet been completed.
Terri Schiavo’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, had wanted to bury their daughter in Pinellas County, Fla., so they could visit her grave.
Terri Schiavo, 41, died Thursday after the removal of the feeding tube that had kept her alive since 1990, when she suffered brain damage that court-appointed doctors determined had placed her in a persistent vegetative state. Her parents had fought in court to keep her alive, disputing the doctors’ opinions and saying there was hope of improvement.
Michael Schiavo is required to tell his wife’s parents of any memorial services he plans for Terri Schiavo and where her ashes will be interred.
The Schindlers plan to have a memorial service Tuesday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport, Fla.
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