Blog

What to Say and What NOT to Say to a Grieving Loved One

When a friend or family member is grieving the death of a loved one, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Some hesitate to reach out because they’re afraid to say the wrong thing. Others feel awkward and wonder if they should say anything at… Read More

Finding Gratitude in Grief

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . .” If you’ve lost a loved one, you’ve likely experienced the confusing and painful mix of emotions when celebrating “big days” like birthdays and anniversaries. Come November and December, there may be an extra sharpness to grief, as… Read More

Honoring a Loved One with a Charitable Donation During the Holidays

One of the things many people face when grieving the loss of a loved one is the fear of forgetting him or her and what they meant to you. At Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, our team is committed to helping our neighbors in El Cerrito,… Read More

Why You Should Have a Funeral (Even if You Don’t Want One)

Quite often, when a couple in El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond meets with our staff at Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary to talk about planning their funerals, one spouse will insist they don’t want a service after they die. We hear comments like, “Give me… Read More

What Should I Send? And Other Funeral Etiquette Tips

When someone dies, it is often difficult to know how to show your support to the loved one’s family. Of course, you know they are probably feeling sad, shocked, overwhelmed, angry – or any combination of these emotions. What might help you when you are feeling that way may not… Read More

How a Funeral Reception Helps Loved Ones Heal

If you picture major life events you’ve been a part of – weddings, graduations, the birth of a new baby – it’s likely you commemorated the event by gathering to share stories, food, and drink. In a similar way, something special happens when family and friends come together after a… Read More

Special Touches You Can Add to Your Funeral Plans

Personalizing a funeral that highlights who your loved one was in their life is an important part of planning a funeral. Adding meaningful details shines a spotlight on their interests, hobbies, accomplishments, and passions. Many El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond families come to… Read More

I’m Not Sure Cremation is Right for Me. How Do I Decide?

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… Read More

Five Favorite Places to Reflect in the Bay Area

Grieving the death of a loved one is an individual process. Whether you’ve recently experienced loss for the first time or have faced it many times in the past, grief can feel overwhelming. Too often, working through unfamiliar emotions is so uncomfortable that people will stall, sidetrack, or sweep painful… Read More

How to Talk to Your Parents About Preplanning

At Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, we’ve noticed in recent years that more and more people in the El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond communities are planning their own funeral. And some choose to do it rather early in life – many as soon… Read More