Further to my earlier reply re deaths in hospital, agree would be almost certain that F Sheridan is a Hospital representative (very likely pathologist )who saw the body only after death.
His/her important legal responsibility would be independently and formally to complete a form C, cremation form, having checked the identity (at the hospital mortuary) and circumstances of death thus 'allowing the body to be cremated', and the body being released to the undertakers, and for family arrangements to be made.
Certainly your information makes cremation not burial the outcome, and for the bereaved widower ,may have represented a 'release' from earthly suffering for his wife while he concentrated on his family's future?? Though I can understand the feelings of loss of the descendants for 'no specific resting place'apparently.
For this important form filling there would be a professional fee, and the implication that in any further enquiry in court of law eg of medical negligence, foul play he could be questioned .This is in addition to form B completed by a doctor (often quite junior, caring for patient before death occurred in hospital.) All safeguard measures.
(Post Shipman this has added significance....)
Chris
