Everyone at CA Funeral Alternatives in Escondido were incredible. They helped us with my 85 year old Dad's passing in April and were kind, warm and very organized... everything we needed at a very difficult time. Marna and the staff were just lovely people - the place is not fancy, which is reflected in their pricing, but it has everything you need to do the best for your loved one. They don't rush or try to upsell you anything, and they obviously care very much about their clients. We were able to select the most beautiful and fitting urn for my Dad, which was just perfect. My Dad spent his last few days in hospice care at my home, and I think the thing that impressed me the most about CA Funeral Alternative's care was how kind and professional the people were who came to pick Dad up after he had passed. It was very late - 2 am - but they came dressed very professionally and were so gentle and considerate in how they handled him. They treated Dad like the person he was. I had been through a VERY different experience with a different funeral provider some years before when my stepdad had passed away, and so I was very concerned about how it would go. But the two men who came could not have been better, they did everything with gentle hands and took him in a brand new vehicle (which for some reason mattered in that moment). and they made a difficult time just that much easier for us. I would highly recommend this company - everything, from the first contact we had with them, to the care they took helping us get my Dad's ashes prepared for travel out of state for his funeral service, was well done. Thank you so much Marna and colleagues, we truly appreciated you. read more

Everything was so easy, which is important at a time of grief. Donna was so helpful!! We used California Funeral Alternatives when my dad died 13 years ago and were pleased with the services then, so using them again for my mom was a no brainer. They even worked with me on cremating her in particular clothing. I highly recommend them and have done so for the last 13 years read more

So helpful! They were empathetic and very organized. The process was seamless and they made a difficult situation easier.

We met with these fine people because I have reached the age where end of life planning should be done, even if it is not tomorrow. As a lifelong couple, my wife and I have discussed how we want things to be when we pass, and cremation is our choice. After several inquiries, we decided upon this organization, not because they are the least expensive, but mainly because they are close to where we plan to be living forever, and they receive high marks from other patrons. Essentially, I bought an insurance policy, so that, whenever it is needed, the cost is covered, the terms are specified, and my wife doesn't have to worry about who to call. We keep our documents in our trust folder, so the proof of insurance can be found, be it sooner or later. I rest more comfortably with this matter off my to do list. read more

I can't express enough how grateful I am for California funeral alternatives and the wonderful people behind it. When I called, I was overwhelmed with emotion and struggling to accept that my mother was nearing the end of her life. Donna answered the phone, and from the moment we spoke, she was kind, empathetic, and truly genuine. She provided me with all the information I needed and reassured me that I could reach out with any further questions. I immediately knew that we would trust them with my mother's cremation. Throughout the process, as I navigated paperwork and had countless questions, Donna was never impatient. Her kind and comforting words helped ease my grief. I simply can't say enough good things about Donna--she is absolutely amazing. read more

California Funeral Alternatives Inc - Mortuary Services Near Me - Poway, California

I used them when my father passed at end of October. We were caring for him at home and we were glad we did but it has come to an end. I frankly did not want to do any of this but I suppose that is for anyone who goes through this. I reached out to California Funeral Alternative. They were prompt, easy to reach and we wanted to cremate only because we were holding his funeral overseas. So thankful they took care of the most important parts and quickly and was so responsive. It really helps in times like this. read more

They did a great job helping me through the entire process. Donna was caring, compassionate, and did well following through on everything. At a difficult time, they helped to reduce the stress. read more

We prearranged our funerals with this company and they really helped us understand the process and options. We didn't want to leave the burden to our children to handle when we are gone. Very affordable and all our needs will be met. Thank you Jungas family! read more

Everyone at California Funeral Alternatives went above and beyond helping me in a difficult time. They were all polite, professional and prompt handling arrangements and questions I had. I like to give my business to the community in which I live and I couldn't be any happier with my choice. This is a family business that knows how important family and friends are and treats you as such. read more

Excellent service at a very difficult time. Staff was professional and responsive to our families needs. Thank you Dazio read more

My wife Sharon passed away more quickly than we anticipated. I live in Mira Mesa and searched to find a funeral home to do our service. Sharon dearly loved working in her yard in Florida and in San Diego. Her desire was to have a safe haven for birds and wildlife, and her yards were recognized and certified by the National Wildlife Federation. She loved Monarch Butterflies and had a collection of some 30-40 milkweed plants in our Mira Mesa backyard. When the caterpillars eventually emerged from their chrysalises, the backyard would fill with Monarchs. She also made sure the hummingbirds in San Diego were all welcome in her yard. The various feeders she had spread out could sometimes attract 30 or more Anna's and Rufous hummingbirds at a time. Other smaller birds consumed the seed in her 5 or 6 regular feeders, which she filled every morning. Her garden also supplied needed water in this dry environment to the birds, bees, ground squirrels, and other wildlife that would pass through her yard and her network of 6 or 7 fountains. So, we decided to honor her, by having the service in our backyard where Sharon could continue to interact with nature and have her final sendoff be in her backyard, which is what she desired. California Funeral Alternatives came through, having no issues doing what our planning required. They were responsive to my phone calls, delivered everything we needed and were just there at every turn. They hooked us up with a non denominational pastor who called me several days before to talk about who Sharon was. He took that information and created a beautiful tribute to her and geared it around her sanctuary. Also recommended a florist in Escondido that we used that did a fantastic job on the flowers. Pricing was amazing, almost half as much as I was seeing at other places. What they did was perfect. We had an amazing service from them on a beautiful San Diego Saturday afternoon. I will always remember and cherish this service. I don't think you could go wrong with California Funeral Alternatives if the unfortunate need arises. read more

They were very helpful and patient with me at a difficult time. Covered everything from picking up my relatives body to delivering her cremains to my home. read more

Kourtney at California Funeral Alternatives is wonderful. Her communication was excellent and the whole process went smoothly. She even helped us get additional death certificates, which we needed at a later date. This was a sad and stressful time, but we never stressed about the details of the cremation due to the professionalism of the staff at California Funeral Alternatives. The price was in line with our expectations set by hospice. I would highly recommend this company. read more

They provided the cremation service promptly and the staff were very polite and friendly. Unfortunately their communication was terrible. Emails and phone messages were left unanswered The price included posting of a death notice but it never was read more

California Funeral Alternatives was very accommodating during my difficult time. Kourtney was very sympathetic towards my needs and helped planning the cremation of my mom every step of the way. She took very good care of me and walked me through the process including the pick up of her ashes. The prices were very reasonable and they also have two continent locations. I highly recommend this company for your cremations. read more

Vince has been so caring and kind as we go through the process of my fathers passing. They have lots of options and treat you with compassion. I highly recommend them and will have friends and family return for their services. Thank you for the empathy and understanding. read more

Very easy to work with. Paperwork was all completed ahead of time. They worked seamlessly with Elizabeth hospice. Such lovely people to speak with on the phone and so helpful and accommodating. This was an awful thing to have to take care of but California Funeral Alternatives made it as pleasant as can be. read more

California Funeral Alternatives helped take care of my father-in-law's service. Highly recommend them. They did a great job holding our hands through the funeral process, graveside service perfect, death certificates received timely, and most importantly very caring professionals. Nice to have a family run business alternative to the big business funeral homes in the area. Highly recommend. read more

I'll never forget the nighttime phone call advising that my brother passed away. My brother and I were barely 18 months apart so we were close, especially growing up. After that call and without hesitation I called our sister and family matriarch - she would know what to do, always does. California Funeral Alternatives was selected and we set an appointment to discuss cremation, which was our brother's wish. I work full time and was unable to attend but MaryEllen got the forms to my office making my experience tailored to my needs and convenient. Rather than airing dirty laundry on a review website, let's just say that my sister had her hands full dealing with challenges as we navigated this new territory, but MaryEllen's professionalism was that of a true expert, she was genuinely kind and unwavering - thank God we've been able to move ahead in peace. For all these reasons and many more, we highly recommend California Funeral Alternatives to service any family and budget. read more

Thoughtful, compassionate, and caring throughout this very difficult time. Having to be the only family to care for and ultimately take care of my sister in life and death was not an easy time. The people at California Funeral Alternatives were sincere and compassionate in all of our communications and arrangements. Thank you read more

California Funeral Alternative has been wonderful. The communication is great and they walk you through the entire process. I would definitely recommend. read more

I highly recommend this company from their caring, informative demeanor to their professionalism and non-upselling style. The person who came to our home to take over the care of our deceased mother was very professional and sympathetic during an obvious difficult time. We worked with Vince, who always had time to discuss any questions we had and was very compassionate. He was great when we went to the office to pick up our mother's cremains. We highly recommend this company for their services. read more

CFA was recommended to me by a senior community after my sister died. They were great, even offered to drop off the death certificates to my house. Highly recommend. read more

California Alternative did a very good job with careing for my wife's body during the cremation cycle. I worked with the Poway office and have only one complaint. the representative I worked with started out being very kind an responsive but after the first contact with her any many attempts to get status of the progress she NEVER RETURNED MY CALLS, TEXTS or many messages I left with this company. they have LOST. the sensitivity that we as customers are going through. I would suggest they require all their employees to have additional training in this area. For that reason I would beware of using this company unless you get a commitment up front that communication is key in handling the emotional stress all us customers are feeling. California Alternatives start with teaching Mariana this importance to respond to your customers. A simple call would help lots. I hope this will be posted and not just ignored. read more

Vince was amazing and helped me get through many of the hardest things I had to deal with in the cremation of my mother. He went above and beyond to get me through all the red tape to have her laid to rest at Point Loma National Cemetery. read more

Excellent service from Marna Farwell at this company. Highly recommend using this company if you need to prepare in advance for the passing of a loved one. No monies required by this company at the time the arrangements are made; & when the time comes, it's a relief to have everything in order. In Sept. 2015, when my elderly Mom moved from New Jersey to California,I met with Marna to set up the arrangements I needed, had my sisters sign the appropriate paperwork saying they were in agreement; and when my Mom passed away this spring, I called Marna, and she was able to seamlessly take care of everything. My Mom's remains were cremated and were sent back to New Jersey, and Marna made everything as simple and easy as possible for the family. The final costs were right in line with the estimate I had gotten in 2015. CA Funeral Alternatives has 2 locations, one in Poway & 1 in Escondido, & you can go to either location. Well worth the advance planning. Excellent company to work with. Costs are very competitive compared to other companies who perform this type if service. Highly recommend. read more

Absolutely amazing and supportive business. I cannot express enough how thankful we are to have found them to help us through the most devastating experience of our lives. Marna went above and beyond to help us through this process of laying a loved one to rest, from the constant phone calls and updates, her comforting presence and expression of the options and process made this an easier process on all of us. Our family extends the biggest thanks to you and all of the staff at California Funeral Alternatives. Thank you again! read more

California Funeral Alternatives has handled the cremation of several of my family members from 2000 through 2022 and each time we have been pleased with their service, knowledge and reasonable pricing. our confidence in them is such that my husband and I have now contracted with them through Great Western Insurance to prepay our own cremations. read more

So very thankful we found California Funeral Alternatives. They were so helpful and supportive throughout the process, answering all our questions without any pressure to upsell. They are kind, considerate, and caring along with being very affordable. Our entire family is grateful for their services, and most importantly, their compassion read more

I chose this company based on the call I had before my mom passed, with Marna, the daughter, whose parents started the company. The gentleness, understanding, the helpfulness, I am forever grateful. Hospice had asked me to call around to find out who I want to have. Even though they might've been slightly higher in cost, it was not much and it was worth it for me and my sisters as we navigate these difficult times. She talked about a lot of things upfront which helped me so that after my mom passed, I knew exactly what to do. I also had multiple questions about the forms I needed to fill out and she was very helpful. I felt like she was always there for my family and me. I cannot say anything bad about this company and I have very high expectations. read more

When a family member passes, the last thing you want to deal with is incompetence. We were so fortunate to have picked California Funeral Alternatives in Poway as the mortuary to create my father-in-law. Let me tell you why... My father-in-law passed away this past Saturday. Based on our religious beliefs, it is very important to us to cremate and bury his body as soon as possible. I started working with Marna today, Monday, after he passed and by the end of the day, we had ALL our ducks in order to proceed with cremation and a burial the same day. This was absolutely INCREDIBLE! I had asked other mortuaries if such a request was doable, and the standard answer was NO, it will take a MINIMUM of 3 days just to get the paperwork in order and only after that can you schedule the cremation. If we went somewhere else, we would not be able to bury my father-in-law until this Thursday, but we're all setup for tomorrow, Tuesday! This was an absolute extraordinary effort by Marna and Ivana. They were not only super competent, but also compassionate, personable, and professional. Their rates are super reasonable and you get the feeling that they will do what they can to help the families achieve what they want during these difficult times. I rarely write reviews, especially at a time like this, but it is worth the time to commend the outstanding effort that I witnessed today. Thank you Marna and Ivana, this absolutely could not have happened without your help! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! read more

Having a loved one pass unexpectedly is traumatic for any family. I would like to recommend California Funeral Alternatives ( Poway) as a company that really came through for us. Ms. MaryEllen was available by phone promptly and then in person to guide us through the entire process. Ms. MaryEllen was knowledgeable and exceptionally compassionate. I deeply appreciated how she anticipated questions and showed true empathy and integrity. Everything that was agreed upon was delivered as promised. I would like to thank California Funeral Alternatives ( Poway) for the thoughtful and caring way that they supported us during a very challenging time. read more

I recently utilized California Funeral Alternatives (Poway location) after the loss of my dad. Mary Ellen made the process as easy as possible. All of the paperwork was done by phone and email. I only had to go to the office one time which I appreciated, especially during a pandemic. All of the staff I encountered were professional, informative and compassionate. read more

Nothing but praise for California Funeral Alternatives. From first contact with owner Marna to the excellent guidance provided by MaryEllen in the Poway office, my brother and I were sure that we had made the right choice for handling our Mother's cremation. Pricing and services were clearly communicated and we were guided through the process with efficiency and kindness. California Funeral Alternatives is a family owned business and MaryEllen took care of us like we too were family. read more

I can not recommend a better funeral services establishment. Marna and MaryEllen were a pleasure to meet and were extremely helpful in planning one of the most difficult times in our family's life. We went to other mortuaries and spoke to a few on the phone prior to finding them and as soon as we walked into the office we knew we had found the right fit for us. They worked hand in hand with the church we selected and the cemetery as well. Marna and MaryEllen are kind hearted people who make you feel at ease during a emotional time and will give you peace of mind that they have everything under control. read more

I worked with Marna to plan my husband's burial and she was so kind, patient, and helpful which is so important at a difficult time. I would highly recommend her services. read more

I cannot express my appreciation for California Alternatives. My mom passed and Mary Ellen was wonderful in helping me in the whole process. She made me feel very comfortable and at ease with the whole process. It was very hard dealing with moms loss and not knowing what to do but I feel I made a wonderful choice. I feel California Alternative treats you with love and compassion like it was one of their own family members. Thank you so much and God Bless read more

These folks were wonderful after my mom died. They were very compassionate and helpful, and I really appreciated that they didn't try to sell us more than we wanted. When my dad died many years ago and we just wanted him cremated, the mortuary we used took out catalogs of caskets, fancy urns, and other items we had already said we didn't want, "just in case." California Funeral Alternatives asked what we wanted and actually listened.I highly recommend them. read more