We had a truly beautiful experience with Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Reception…read moreCenter during one of the most difficult times in our lives. From the very beginning, their team was patient, compassionate, and never made us feel rushed or pressured. After a previous experience with another funeral home where everything felt urgent, this was completely different. The atmosphere here was serene, welcoming, and allowed us the space to breathe, ask questions, and make decisions with care. We genuinely felt supported every step of the way. Because of this experience, I now feel inspired to plan my own arrangements ahead of time so my family can focus on grieving and being together, rather than navigating logistics during such a painful time. I am deeply grateful for the care they provided. 10/10, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of compassionate and professional funeral services.

Valley Memorial was wonderfully helpful and kind when my dad passed 9 months ago with his handling,…read morecremation and everything that goes with it.. I would have highly recommend ed and given them 5 stars even then. But now, I'd give them 10 stars if I could. They were amazing as I navigated through last minute, challenging complications with my mom's remains leading up to her burial.... and they didn't even handle her or cremate her when she passed (an East Bay mortuary did). They truly went above and beyond even coming to pick up my moms remains at my home and finding a way to ensure it would arrive safely close to her burial site since I could not take her on a plane with her urn. They were kind, compassionate, professional, thorough, and go above and beyond at a time when it's really needed. Thank you Eugene, in particular!

Dear Jack, With…read moresincere appreciation I would like to Thank You and your staff for all you have done to make my nephews funeral so wonderful in such a tragic circumstance. So many of the guests said how nice the services were and what a memorable experience it was. That could only be with the help of you and your staff. You did everything you said you would do and I really really appreciate that. Warm regards.

WARNING: The state has revoked this business's cemetery license and seized its funds due to…read moremismanagement. You cannot buy new plots here. Check contract fine print for hidden opening/closing fees.

I'm sad to say that we did not have a great experience with Keaton's. After hearing it was the…read morepremium mortuary to use, we decided to go with them. They were very compassionate & respectful when my father passed HOWEVER, paperwork was bundled (on their part) and it took 3 WEEKS before he was cremated. We were given dates that were not met and ultimately it took 3 weeks before he was cremated. We were told that this was standard...it's not. I love giving positive reviews however I also feel it necessary to let people know about our experience. I can't recommend Keaton's. I hope for their sake and the sake of families who use their services, that they get the back office (Admin, logistics) sorted out.

Truly inspired by their completely mind-blowing insensitivity to leave a review…read more The first thing they did when we called was to tell us that the plans we had set five years earlier would not work and we had to use them for everything. They pretty much said and did everything wrong and seemed to go out of their way to be rude, uncompassionate, and try to take advantage of our situation to make money. It was remarkable how insensitive and rude they were. We ended up firing them and working with Brian at Montes in San Anselmo - and Montes was totally the opposite, very thoughtful, compassionate, tactful, and respectful - not even wanting to talk about taking payment until everything was taken care of. Brian is amazing and was totally supportive and perfect.

With an ailing older brother whose health was failing rapidly,, I was recently faced with arranging…read morefor the handling of his earthly remains. Although a transplant from the East over 30 years ago, I had no experience working with anyone from the funeral business out here. I might add that I come from 3 generations of funeral directors and I consider my late father to have run the most professional funeral home business ever. So back to the task at hand and reaching out to the various entities that serve Marin County, I was made aware of the preponderance of large corporations now running funeral homes that were likely originally single-owner businesses.There is often nothing wrong with consolidation within industries, but in my calls I found only one business that still seemed professional, caring and had true ties within the community. That was Monte's Chapel of the Hills. Over the phone, Brian Hood answered all of my questions and guided me through the process of what to expect once my brother passed. At the end of the day, I had decided Monte's would be my choice. Almost a month later, my brother passed away. I reached back out to Brian and he remembered me and everything we had talked about. I felt relief that he was able step in and provide the kind services that we had discussed. Monte's lived up to my expectations and I am very satisfied with their services and support.

One of the oldest funeral homes in the area, we used it to prepare our son's funeral. Absolutely…read moreprofessional and without pretense, Directors Brian Hood and Fiona Norte treated us as good friends. They were wonderful in many ways. Our 47 year old son had died of a massive heart attack when his aorta burst. Fortunately he was inside on a conference call at a local yacht club. Coroner and police were called and sent his body to Monte's. We did not want his body embalmed, only displayed for a private viewing followed by cremation. Brian honored our wishes. I have attended to many funerals in my life and have seen very bad make-up jobs and dreaded seeing my son looking like a made-up clown. I was so relieved to see him in a display coffin looking like he was asleep. I wish I could have touched his forehead and brought him back. His wife and sons, along with my wife, his brother and I were very pleased. Thank you Monte's. Later in the week, I met with Brian to pay for his services and to get his advise on next steps. He had a great check list and went over it with me in great detail. DMV, social security, banking, credit reporting agencies, insurance, financial accounts, deeds and titles were covered, along with suggestions on how to precede. Golly...I felt fully prepared and went over it all with our son's wife. A very shocking and sad occasion brought us, fortunately, to Monte's and we highly recommend you keep Monte's Chapel of the Hills in your memory for when you really need someone to trust. Thanks again, Brian and Monte's.

Fernwood is the most beautiful and serene location to lay a love one to rest. The physical space…read morefor the service is modern, with a visible waterfall. The burial sites are surrounded by trees, with the ability to customize the plot. It's an oasis hidden in the hills. Raymond is compassionate and accommodating. Great at returning calls, problem solving, and ensuring a smooth service.

My family is very glad we chose Fernwood for the interment of our loved one's urn of ashes. The…read moregrounds are beautiful, and the "hybrid" plot we chose (between the entirely "green" and the "traditional" options) sits in a peaceful green meadow, full of wildflowers, beneath a view of Mt. Tamalpais. Natural boulders are used for headstones, maintaining the pastoral look of the meadow. Sonia, who is designing the headstone from the boulder we chose, is responsive and sensitive. Raymond, who managed our transaction, patiently guided us through our options, led us to our choice of plot, and treated us fairly and kindly. Thanks to all.

I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the lack of empathy and professional flexibility shown…read moreby the staff at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. We are currently navigating the devastating loss of my close relative, who passed away while under the 'care' of her 'husband.' Despite the fact that the biological family--not the 'husband'--has fully funded the burial and the headstone, the administration is stubbornly siding with his demand to include his name on the monument. Without a head stone it has been very difficult for mourning family to even identify where she is buried. They have refused all attempts at compromise. The cemetery personnel have remained completely intransigent, ignoring the family's wishes and the specific circumstances of this tragedy. Rather than being a place of peace and healing, their rigid adherence to "standard protocol" over common sense and financial responsibility has added unnecessary trauma to an already heartbreaking situation. If you are looking for a facility that values the input of the grieving family members who are actually responsible for the arrangements, look elsewhere.

My family laid my Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather to rest here, so when my Grandmother…read morepassed this where she wanted to be. First of all, it is a BEAUTIFUL location, so peaceful. My Grandmother's service was last year and the woman we worked with was great. Since her service I have visited monthly and always bring a bouquet of silk flowers for my visit with her. The first handful of months when I would visit, the flowers I had brought her were still present in their small terracotta pot that I arranged them in (with the green styrofoam in the bottom of the pot--as one would do to secure the flowers from flying away or falling). As the months went by, and I went to visit, the flowers from the previous visit would be removed, which bothered me a bit but I didn't think too much into it, as there were many rainy days. This past month I visited once again and her flowers were once again removed, but this time, the terracotta pot was left behind. The flowers removed and styrofoam removed, which had to take some effort because I am sure to jam it down into the bottom of the pot. Not only was the empty pot just sitting there, but there was TRASH IN IT next to my Grandmother's plot. Needless to say, that was the point of me being officially upset. I went to the office and waited for someone to come out so I could speak to them and figure out what the deal was with maintenance, thinking maybe they have a system in place where they dispose of flowers after a certain amount of time. A woman did eventually come out, not the sweet lady that helped with my Grandmother's service, but another woman who I wish I had got her name, but I didn't. Either way, I explained the situation and concerns, and asked if there was a schedule for disposing flowers so I could adjust my visits accordingly to be sure my Grandmother has flowers rather than nothing or an empty pot with trash in it. The woman informed me that they actually don't allow "decorations" and any "decorations" are disposed of whenever the landscapers come across them. I was taken back and had to clarify, that she did in fact mean that flowers were considered "decorations" and that they were not allowed, to which she said "yes, that is correct". I looked on their website and see nothing about this but conveniently see a whole section about sending flowers. I find this very off putting and in poor taste. Especially given that throughout the property there are many trees with ornaments in them in honor of peoples loved ones who have passed, and flowers all over the property. I hope that the owner or director can provide information about this on their website, as I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys visiting their loved ones and bringing flowers. I am going back next week and I am hoping that if my Grandmother's flowers were once again disposed of that they did not leave an empty pot next to her plot to become a trash can. I will not be as kind and understanding if that is the case.

My family and I booked a sail with Marin Memorial Services to scatter my uncle's ashes. From…read morecalling to reserve with Todd, to the actual sail day with Capt Ron and Jim, the whole process was flawless. Capt Ron and Jim made sure my family and I were well taken care of and walked us through the scattering of the ashes. We were able to pinpoint where exactly we wanted to scatter my uncle's ashes and Capt Ron and Jim provided us with a card noting that latitude and longitude of the location for a nice memory and keepsake of my uncle. While Capt Ron drove the boat, Jim the deck hand conversed with us all and directed us on how to properly scatter the ashes on the bay water. Both Capt Ron and Jim were very knowledgeable regarding the safety rules when on the ship while also making sure we had a sweet memorial service for my uncle as a family. 10/10 recommend Marin Memorial Services!

Our family was extremely fortunate and blessed to have Marin Memorial Services provide our father's…read morelast wishes. The Captain and first mate tended to everything we needed to allow the family and friends to focus on celebrating and remembering our fathers. We appreciated the efforts and thoughtfulness that the company extended its services. We would recommend Marin Memorial Services for your celebration of life experience. The boat was quality and the value for the number of family and guest was exceptional.

Recently, I lost my father suddenly. I was completely lost and unprepared. I cannot thank Casey…read moreHanley enough for her professionalism, knowledge, but mostly for her compassion. She was attentive to every detail and went above and beyond to ensure I was put at ease in the most difficult time of my life. her communication was seamless and she took the burden off of my shoulders. I am confident my father was treated with dignity. Thank you, Casey from the bottom of my heart.

They were very helpful in our time of need. I had a plan before the unfortunate happened with my…read moredad. Service was very attentive and straight. The value was affordable. I would recommend anyone who has a loved one that is sick or planning ahead.

I grew up in a Catholic and Jewish background. This was my first Shabbat service since my family…read morepassed away. Everyone was very welcoming. The service was quite long ( 3 hours) and there was a lunch. The majority of the service was sung in Hebrew. My brain shut off at about an hour and a half but very nice service.

I was a Kol Shofar member from age 5 to age 23 (the last year I could go to high holiday services…read morefor free under my parents membership). My family has seen Kol Shofar change over the years from the leadership of Rabbi White to our current Rabbi, Rabbi Derby and now, Rabbi Levy as Co-Rabbi. High Holidays at Kol Shofar hold many cherished memories for me. Todd Silverstein's soulful interpretation of the holiday melodies is a delight to witness. Rabbi Derby's sermon's are always powerful yet accessible. And even though there are many people in attendance, the atmosphere is still warm and familiiar (probably because my mom *always* insists on sitting in the front row, even when we show up late!) There are truly some remarkable teachers here. Fred Cherniss, Rabbi Derby and Yetta Robinson to name a few. I'm not super fond of the Co-Rabbi, Rabbi Levy, but Rabbi Derby is an amazing spiritual leader who more than makes up for Rabbi Levy's shortcomings. If you are synagogue shopping in Southern Marin, I'd definitely recommend you take a look at Kol Shofar. Be advised that Rabbi Derby is on sabbatical for the next 9 mos.