In many San Francisco Bay Area families, traditions are passed down from generation to generation. This is particularly the case when it comes to rites of passage. Think about how your family celebrates holidays, birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Chances are, there are certain foods you make, certain types of gifts you give, and even certain songs you sing.

Something we have noticed here at Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary is that family traditions often extend from life to death. Families also have special traditions when it comes to farewells, whether it’s commemorating a loved one with an open-casket visitation, a funeral service with certain religious elements, a reception, or perhaps a graveside burial at the family plot.

Over the last few decades, trends have shifted. Old traditions are fading away and more people are choosing what is right for them as an individual or what is best for their family. As this has happened, we have seen more and more people choose cremation.

In fact, according to a 2017 report by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the rate of cremation in the U.S. is at an all-time high and surpassed the rate of burial for the second year. They expect the rate of cremation to reach nearly 79% by 2035.

Why are so many choosing cremation over a traditional burial? Reasons vary, but include matters of finance, convenience, greater religious acceptance, and fewer adherences to family traditions like the ones mentioned above. As cremation becomes more and more common, many are asking themselves, “Is cremation right for me?”

This is a very important and personal question. Our professional and caring staff can help you understand all of your options and make decisions along the way. If you have strong opinions on the topic, we recommend that you preplan, so your family is perfectly clear on what you wanted.

Rest assured, if you choose cremation with Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, you’ll have peace of mind knowing we adhere to the very highest professional and ethical cremation standards. While many funeral homes and cremation societies outsource cremation to third-party providers, our on-site crematory means your loved one is always with us. We are also able to oversee the entire process, ensuring all of the procedures and equipment meet our rigorous standards. Most importantly, we promise your loved one will be treated with dignity. We even allow loved ones to witness the beginning of the cremation.

We can help arrange for the scattering of ashes in a place of significance to you or your loved one. We can also offer you the majority of the aspects available with a traditional funeral service, such as a visitation, memorial service, catered gathering, or graveside burial. It’s all up to you.

If you would like to discuss further details, our funeral directors can help you put a plan in place that will bring meaning and comfort to you and your family. Be sure to ask about our additional services, such as online memorials and tributes, flowers, and much more.

Whether you choose burial or cremation, the Sunset View family is here to make sure you’re confident in your decision, and that your final farewell is exactly what you had in mind.