Brutus (WSYR-TV) - A mix-up at a Cayuga County cemetery has left at least one family upset – and wanting answers.
17 years ago, their family bought several plots next to their loved ones in hopes that they could join them when the time comes.
But two weeks ago, David and Jean Thayer discovered someone else had mistakenly been buried in one of their spots at the rural Weedsport cemetery.
“I thought ahead. Family means a lot to us and we’re together now in life and we want to be hopefully after life,” said Jean Thayer.
Then the couple discovered work being performed on one of the open plots that belongs to them.
“We noticed there was a poured slab of concrete for a headstone,” Jean Thayer said.
So they contacted the cemetery’s caretaker and were told the problem would be addressed. But eventually a headstone appeared and they learned the ashes of a woman had been buried there.
The Weedsport Rural Cemetery Association oversees the cemetery. They admit that a mistake was made. They also say the woman’s family has been notified and they’ve agreed to pick out a new plot.
As time passes, however, the Thayers are becoming concerned.
“As time goes on, I just think this will just compound the problem,” Jean Thayer said.”It upset us greatly ... this isn't supposed to happen in this day and age."
A member of the association says their records for the cemetery are old and that mistakes are bound to happen. They say they regret the error and it will be fixed.
The cemetery association says they're waiting on the other family to select another plot.
