What is a Community Mausoleum?

Community mausoleums offer a respectful and lasting option for above-ground burial. These shared structures provide individual crypt spaces in a quiet, well-maintained setting. Because the building is shared by multiple families, public mausoleums are often a more affordable option while still offering a clean, secure, and thoughtfully designed space. Many include natural light, quality materials like granite or marble, and areas for quiet reflection. Burial in a community mausoleum offers a practical, respectful way to honor a loved one’s memory for years to come.

What is a Garden Mausoleum?

Garden mausoleums are outdoor burial structures designed for above-ground interment. Unlike traditional indoor mausoleums, garden mausoleums are located in open-air settings, which makes them more cost-effective to maintain, as they do not require indoor lighting or climate control. This can be especially beneficial for cemeteries in colder climates. Garden mausoleums contain crypts that can hold either caskets or urns. While they are generally more affordable than indoor mausoleums, they still offer many of the same advantages—providing a dignified and permanent resting place for loved ones in a serene, landscaped setting. They also offer protection from the elements, making them a respectful and lasting option for memorialization and visitation.

What makes your mausoleum a good choice for memorialization?

Mausoleums offer several advantages for memorialization, making them a thoughtful choice for many families. They provide privacy and a serene, climate-controlled space for reflection, ensuring comfort for visitors. With year-round access, the ability to accommodate multiple family members, and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional burials, mausoleums are both practical and respectful. Additionally, their customizable design and often stunning architecture add aesthetic value, while requiring less maintenance over time. However, it’s important to consider factors like cost, available space, and accessibility when making this choice. If you’d like to explore this option, please contact us for personalized guidance.

Do you offer options for cremated remains?

California cemeteries offer several options for cremated remains, making it easy to include these choices in your advanced arrangements . You can opt for a traditional burial in a plot, complete with a marker and vase, or place the remains in a columbarium niche, which holds urns and typically features a stone cover with the name and date. Many cemeteries also provide serene gardens for scattering ashes. Additional options include keeping remains at home with a permit, storing them in a religious structure (if zoning laws allow), scattering them in approved areas with permission, or scattering at sea at least 500 yards from shore.

What services does your cemetery provide for families?

Cemeteries offer a range of interment services to help families honor their loved ones. These include grave locators to find resting places and leave online condolences, as well as columbarium for urns and private mausoleums for family entombments. Memorial gardens provide serene spaces for scattering ashes, and cemeteries often ensure long-term maintenance of the grounds. Additionally, they handle tasks like opening and closing graves, setting markers, and installing vaults to support families through the process.

What should I do if I need to update the engraving on a headstone?

If you require an update to a headstone engraving, get in touch with the cemetery administration, as they usually have procedures in place for such modifications. They will guide you through the process and may recommend trusted contractors who can carry out the work.

Can I request a dedicated staff member to assist with an ongoing genealogy search?

While some cemeteries might be able to assign a staff member to help with an ongoing genealogy search , this service may depend on staff availability and cemetery policy. It’s best to inquire directly with the cemetery to discuss your research needs and their ability to support you.

What is an advanced arrangement for cemetery plots, and how do I make one?

An advanced arrangement is the process of selecting and purchasing a cemetery plot before the need arises, offering peace of mind and financial benefits. To make one, contact the cemetery office to discuss options and finalize the details of your plan.

What role does the staff play in maintaining a cemetery’s appearance and operations?

The staff at a cemetery are responsible for groundskeeping to ensure a serene and well-maintained environment, as well as for overseeing day-to-day operations, including administrative duties, and assisting visitors. Their dedication is vital to the cemetery’s functionality and to providing a respectful resting place for the deceased.

Are mausoleums considered a secure method of interment in cemeteries?

Mausoleums are designed to be secure and enduring structures, providing a protected environment for the deceased within cemeteries. They offer a level of permanence and are typically built with materials meant to withstand time and weather.