Martha Stewart Reveals Unique Burial Plans in Pet Cemetery

Martha Stewart has announced her intention to be composted and laid to rest in her pet cemetery, alongside her beloved animals, when she passes away. The 84-year-old lifestyle icon shared her unconventional plans during an episode of the podcast 50+ & Unfiltered, hosted by Shawn Killinger. When asked about her preference between burial and cremation, Stewart stated, “Oh, I’m going to be composted,” emphasizing her disdain for traditional funerals, which she described as “such a racket.”

The television personality explained that she already employs a similar method for her pets at her extensive estate, known as Cantitoe Corners, located in Bedford, New York. When one of her horses dies, Stewart ensures it is wrapped in a clean white linen sheet and buried deep in a dedicated field. “We have a pet cemetery,” she noted. “I want to go there.”

Stewart appears confident in her decision, even when Killinger raised potential legal considerations regarding her burial arrangement. “It’s not going to hurt anybody. It’s my property,” she asserted.

Human composting, formally referred to as natural organic reduction, became legal in New York in December 2022, after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that made the state the sixth in the United States to approve this environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial methods. The process involves placing a body in a vessel containing materials such as wood chips, alfalfa, and straw, where naturally occurring microbes decompose the remains over several weeks, yielding nutrient-rich soil suitable for planting. Washington was the first state to legalize this practice in 2019.

During the podcast, Stewart also revealed her preference for not having a traditional tombstone, indicating that she would like to return to the earth in a manner similar to her cherished animals. In addition to her burial plans, she shared what she hopes will be her final meal: scrambled eggs from her own chickens, prepared with butter. “They’re the most delicious things on earth,” she remarked about her farm-fresh eggs.

In discussing her approach to aging, Stewart mentioned her beauty regimen, which includes having her face waxed approximately every three months. She has no plans to undergo surgery, instead advocating for self-care through disciplined lifestyle choices. “If one takes care of oneself really well and follows strict, but not life-threatening kinds of disciplines, one can look good, feel good, and be good for a whole life,” she explained.

In contrast, Stewart recounted that her late mother, Martha Kostyra, chose a different route, opting for a facelift at the age of 85, facilitated by the renowned New York plastic surgeon Gerald Imber. Kostyra passed away in 2007 at the age of 93. Remarkably, Stewart noted that neither she nor her mother ever developed grey hair.

Despite her age, the lifestyle mogul continues to thrive, demonstrating a commitment to her passions in home décor, cooking, and entertaining. Stewart’s candid discussion about her end-of-life wishes and her approach to aging offers a glimpse into her distinctive perspective, reinforcing her status as an enduring figure in modern culture.