Very kind and helpful throughout the process. Great family owned and run business. Thank you for your support.

Daniel at Calif Funeral Alternatives was very helpful, informative, and compassionate. The care facility where my brother passed recommended Calif Funeral Alternatives since I'm not local to Escondido, and I'm grateful for the recommendation. They don't take advantage of you during the emotional time after losing a loved one. Do not hesitate to contact Calif Funeral Alternatives. read more

The staff at California Funeral Alternatives helped my family for both my dad's and my mom's funeral arrangements. They were helpful in arranging burial at a military cemetery since my dad was a WWII vet. Navigating the military procedures sometimes can be trying and the staff guided us through every step. The day of the burial for both dad and mom were special moments arranged by the staff honoring our parents. In addition, they honored all of my parent's wishes, from picking up their bodies (they died at home), to arranging embalming, to selecting a casket, arranging a private family viewing in their facility in Escondido, and assisting with the headstone engraving process. We were kept informed through all of the arrangements and they made both burials a very special family memory. They handled our arrangements with a lot of dignity and respect and empathy. This is a great staff. read more

California Funeral Alternatives - Mom and dad...a Purple Heart recipient - Mortuary Services Near Me - Escondido, California

During this sad time having Kourtney by mine and my family side was a comfort. She went above and beyond and helped navigate our final goodbye smoothly. read more

The people at California Funeral Alternatives were exceptionally caring, polite, professional and efficient. In every detail was handled perfectly and with caring. I would highly recommend them. This is what a person needs at this time of their life. read more

We have been able to rely on Richard and Marna several times in our of 30 years. Most recently with my Father in laws passing. They could not been more caring and respectful through every step. I just wanted others to know our experience. Thank you to all the staff. Sincerely Frank Caratachea. read more

California Funeral Alternatives was amazing. Mom was on hospice and I needed to make the arrangements for when the time came. Not only was Marna and Gabriella supportive and helpful, they actually cared about what I was going through, on a process for which I had no clue what to do next. When I needed to find a place for Mom's celebration of life, Gabriella offered their facility and it was just perfect. There was no upselling, and the cost of the arrangements was more than reasonable. At a time when a lot of funeral homes will take advantage of you in your weakest moment, I felt supported and respected working with CFA. Highly recommend! read more

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I had a them do a service for the passing of my Aunt & it went as bad as a funeral could be. There was a young "man" named Ryan or Rylan & he was rude to all of members of my family. It was clearly visible he was irritated whenever we asked a simple question. Not only that...he stinks. He literally smells foul. Like one of the bodies came out their grave, went to Ross to grab a button up, threw it on & started working. I had to called the company & asked for the boss. Her name was Marinara or something like that but she was just as rude as Rolan. Only to come find out, HES HER SON! Do not recommend this place. Even if it's the last place, just do it yourself at this point. read more

I'm very grateful for the support I received from CA funeral alternatives. They were very warm and helpful and greatly simplified a very stressful and complicated moment in my. I strongly recommend them and as they are very experienced professionals who can explain your options and provide a wide range of services, but at the end of the day truly listen to what you want and tenderly and attentively provide the support and services you choose. read more

Richard and his staff did an exceptional job of helping and guiding our family during a very difficult time. They took care of all the details that would have been overlooked while coming along side us with care and compassion. I can't say enough about how well our family was cared for with dignity and respect for our loved one. read more

Marna was very helpful and compassionate. All went well and I would definitely use them again and refer them.

I would highly recommend California Funeral Alternatives to anyone. They have helped me through many losses over the last 2 decades, offering nothing but respect and professionalism every single time. Marna was so helpful, caring and compassionate through each and every process. I was offered many options of urns and various burial services at reasonable prices. I have known other friends and family members who have used California Funeral Alternatives and were never treated with disrespect by any one of the employees. Highly recommend California Funeral Alternatives. read more

When my mom died, the team at California Funeral Alternatives helped us with every detail. They were caring, compassionate and professional. read more

CFA provided a professional and compassionate experience for me and my family with three different arrangements. They answered all my questions and provided true empathy. Everything was done with the utmost respect and I was grateful to have them walk with me through such a difficult time. read more

Such kind people! They arranged my mother in laws funeral service for us and made it as easy for us as possible. We felt so comfortable with having them handle our loved one. They were very sensitive and supportive in our time of need. read more

Had a relative calling around to different places to inquire about services. They were one on the list of calls. Apparently they are family owned, and my relative said whomever she spoke on the phone with sounded agitated and rushy. The tone completely discouraged her to continue. For a small company that has to deal with something as touchy as death, you would think they would be more soft and understanding. read more

My wife's mother was cremated and CFA was very helpful and supportive during this difficult process. We could not have been more happy with all the services they provided us. read more

These people were so compassionate and helpful in my time of need. They went out of their way to be kind and sweet. read more

The loss of my husband was both shocking and unexpected, and during such a difficult time, Marna and Kim provided incredible support and kindness. We held a small, intimate viewing with immediate family, which was just perfect. The services they offered went above and beyond my expectations, and their client care was exceptional. Overall, I found the pricing to be very reasonable given the quality of service provided. read more

CFA was the right choice when my father passed. They provided the services needed and presented them clearly. The fees were listed with descriptions of each service and then charged exactly how they were presented. There was no hidden extras, no surprises. They submitted a claim to an old funeral insurance policy and handled everything. I would highly recommended them. read more

Staff are there for you even AFTER the cremation and you have a question. When I needed a Death Certificate and I live out of state I was given exact steps to obtain on an expedited basis. I think there should be a "10 star" category for this company. This is a service we never want to think about, but will eventually need. They serve us with concern for the injured spirit within us. God bless all of you. Mary Ann M read more

Marna and her staff provided me and my daughters with help and true compassion during the most difficult time in our lives. Marna was quick to respond to phone calls and email and was available to answer questions or see me in person. Over 20 yrs. ago one of our family members used California Funeral Alternatives and had the best experience so when it was our unfortunate turn to find someone to help us, we turned to them and are so grateful we did. I will also add that their pricing is very reasonable. Thank you read more

horrible i couldn't get someone on the line for days!!! very unprofessional considering we are dealing with death

What an awesome group of people!! The facility was perfect for our needs. The staff was wonderful, caring and compassionate. Overall we got what we needed and didn't have to pay a fortune. Marna and her son assisted us all the way on burial day. Thank you California Funeral Alternatives. read more

CFA helped us navigate a process in which we had no clue what to do next, or how to get there. Their calm sureness, patience, and readiness to address all our concerns made this part of our family's journey just be a step along the way, and not an unpleasant part of the ordeal. They offered many options along the way, and honored our own special request to fill keepsakes vials to share with family and friends. read more

I not sure about you, but me and my gal pals don't normally hang out and talk about funeral directors, or if anyone has a recommendation. So, when my mom passed. Wow. We knew (for about 3 days), it was a possibility. A friend sent a text when he heard and passed along the contact for this business. I was extremely grateful. The funeral director kept in amazing close touch with me, using email and phone calls. I felt completely updated. They let us know when mom was in their care. We picked out what services we needed. They helped guide us through the whole process. When mom was ready to come home. We went to the office. A small unassuming place in Escondido. There was so much dignity and honor in the whole process. Again, not the professional you ever think about. But, we will all pass away, and if you need someone you can trust, I highly recommend them. read more

everything at CFA went extremely well. I'd recommend their services to anyone. Marna was helpful from the time I walked in the door to the day I picked up my wife's ashes. thank you CFA. read more

Mariana was kind and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She made the process easy. I highly recommend California Funeral Alternatives. Their affordability is unsurpassed! read more

When my amazing, sweet mom was nearing the end of her brave battle with Alzheimer's, my sister and I reached out to Elizabeth Hospice. Part of their guidance included a list of recommended funeral service providers. In the list was a company I was not familiar with, California Funeral Alternatives. If I was honest, I was dreading facing the difficult task of handling arrangements for my mom after she went to heaven. I kept putting it off, until one day when my mom's dear friends and neighbors, who lived in the condo across from her, mentioned their dear trusted friends who owned a business that handled funeral service arrangements. Wouldn't you know it was California Funeral Alternatives!? Still i couldn't get up the nerve to reach out and kept putting it off. And then mom passed quickly and peacefully and I was forced into motion. Once I instructed hospice to reach out to California Funeral Alternatives, everything went so smoothly. Every detail was handled professionally and gently. Marna, who handled our arrangements was AMAZING! She we kind, gentle, patient, helpful and to add joy to a really difficult moment in my life, it turns out that Marna knew and loved my mom, and they worked together for many years!! I cannot tell you how much joy that brought me, to know that by divine serendipity God had arranged someone to help us, who treated us like family! They had access to some pretty special options that personalized our memorial celebration and Marna made sure to locate the specific urn I had chosen that was out of stock, as well as handling some bookmarks that we had made to give out at the celebration of life. There are no words that would begin to express my gratitude to Marna at California Funeral Alternatives. She was magnificent and wonderful and made one of the hardest moments of my life joyful, memorable and beautiful. The pricing was so affordable and they made sure to everything was done with a fairly tight turnaround time! Thank you Marna and Thank you California Funeral Alternatives! I am eternally grateful and I know my mom would have loved all the details you handled so capably! God bless you!! read more

The help that Marna and her wonderful staff provided at such a difficult time was unmeasurable. Their kindness and understanding are so comforting. Whenever I needed an answer, Marna was right there, always quick to respond. I highly recommend California Funeral Alternatives for their expertise and ability to help navigate during this trying and unfamiliar time. Gene Lenahan read more

Marna is absolutely wonderful and genuinely sincere throughout the entire process. She kept us informed on what was happening every step of the way and what to expect so there were no surprises - from preparations to ceremony and cost. We put our complete trust in her and the California Funeral Alternatives staff without hesitation. They are true professionals that have so much compassion, respect and pride in what they do. My family and I are forever grateful for such an amazing experience during such a devastating time in our lives. Thank you all so very much from the bottom of our hearts! read more

I live on the East Coast and needed to make arrangements for my brother, who passed away in San Diego. Fortunately, someone put me in contact with California Funeral Alternatives, and Marna put me at ease about all the arrangements. I wanted him buried with our mother at Ft. Rosecrans and she walked me through the complicated process with expertise and empathy. It was all very professional and efficient, yet compassionate and affordable. I would highly recommend them to other families who don't know where to start in this process. Sharon R. read more

In 2017 my parents celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. My Father gave my Mother a beautiful diamond/gold wedding band that day, which she wore every day of her life, night and day. Shortly after their anniversary my Dad passed away, so that diamond ring took on even greater significance for my Mom. In 2021 during the height of Covid restrictions, my Mom woke up, unable to breathe. She was taken to the hospital by our local paramedics, recovered, was transferred to a rehab facility, had a recurrence two days later, and passed away at the hospital. We were not allowed to visit her at the hospital or the rehab center. A short time after her passing it occurred to me that no one had notified me about the items she would have had at the hospital - eyeglasses, hearing aids, and her precious anniversary ring. I contacted the hospital and was told that it would have been on her when she was picked up by the funeral home. I contacted California Funeral Alternatives, and was told by the female who answered the phone that all jewelry is removed by the hospital, prior to being picked up. So my search returned to the hospital. Because my Mother was transferred to several different areas of the hospital, to a rehab center, and then back to the hospital, it took several weeks to speak to everyone involved and find the appropriate supervisors to search safes where valuables are kept. Eventually I was informed that there was a document showing that my Mother still had the ring on when she was picked up by California Funeral Alternatives. The man who picked up her body signed the document, which mentions a gold/stone ring on her left hand. I immediately contacted California Funeral Alternatives, and was told that the female employee who assisted me with the arrangements had since been fired. The woman I spoke to blamed this other woman for the confusion with the ring, saying that my Mother had been cremated with the ring still on her finger. I contacted another funeral home to ask what their policy is on jewelry, and was told that they require a signed release prior to cremating someone while wearing jewelry, and that the crematorium also requires this signed release. When I told this to the woman at California Funeral Alternatives (I believe she was the owner or director), she once again blamed this former employee, saying that they used the same form, and didn't know how this mixup could have happened since we never signed a release form. I was extremely upset. I told her that I didn't believe for a minute that my Mother had been cremated while wearing the ring, that I believed someone had removed the ring, and that I intended to share the story on social media. A few days later I received a phone call from "Richard", the owner of California Funeral Alternatives, who is also the father of the woman I spoke to. He repeated that this mixup was caused by a former employee, agreed that it should not have happened, but there was nothing to do now. He didn't seem to grasp why I was so upset, and didn't understand why I should be concerned about the ring's disappearance. Was my signature forged on the release form? Did the crematorium receive the release form? It seemed to me that there were several problems with the way this was handled. Richard asked me what I wanted them to do about this - I assumed he thought I would ask for money or something. I told him that there was no way to replace the ring...it wasn't about money. And I grew even angrier with him that he would think money would solve the problem or soothe the pain. I honestly don't know why Richard called me. I had already come to terms with the loss of my Mother's ring, and his cold, uncaring tone brought me to tears. I thought Funeral Directors were supposed to be comforting! I guess the threat of a bad Yelp review brings out the worst in everyone. I should add...at the time this all transpired, California Funeral Alternatives had the ashes of both my Mom and Dad. I had paid them to scatter their ashes at sea. When I brought the ashes to them I was told by their employee that it would be a couple weeks before the scattering took place, and that they would contact me when it was scheduled. I never heard from them, and contacted them twice asking for an update. Both times I was told it would be a couple weeks. Finally, after six weeks or so I received a certificate with the date/location of the scattering. No one ever contacted me. When I brought this up with Richard, he became a bit angry, and said that there was no regular schedule, it just depended on how many "scatterings" they had. The blame was placed, once again, on a former employee. I expected more from these people. I expected them to care for my Mother professionally, respectfully and honestly, and to do the same with me. They failed. read more

Wonderful service... everyone was pleasant, capable, and comforting... deep heartfelt thanks!

They were very helpful in this time of sorrow. Very knowledgeable about military services.I would recommend them for sure.

If losing a loved one isn't already challenging enough, it is even more of a struggle in an extreme time of pain and suffering to find a mortuary that isn't after every dime and penny. Not only was California Funeral Alternatives extremely reasonable with pricing, but also so personal and kind and treated my family and deceased sister with so much respect and support rather than trying to suck all the money they could out of us. Marna kept us in the loop on every detail throughout the entire process. I have no words to accurately describe the kindness and support Marna provided to my family while trying to make quick arrangements upon my sister's passing. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! I cannot recommend California Funeral Alternatives enough. read more

California Funeral Alternatives went above and beyond what was expected. They made an extremely sad and difficult situation so much easier for our family. They communicated everything very well and made sure we were updated on a regular basis. Their attention to detail was amazing. I want to thank Daniel Farwell and Marna Farwell for all their help and input and also Kim and Gabriella for their help as well. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. They're a wonderful team. God bless them!!! read more

Marna was so helpful and kind. They made everything so easy especially in time of grief. Thank you!

Their programs offered many options and we found the perfect one to meet our family's needs. Staff are very courteous and respectful. They follow through on every commitment and provided updates throughout the process. read more

very kind and compassionate the staff is very reliable And helped us thru this difficult task