Blog

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

American playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder once said, “The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” To be sure, grief is inescapable, and a part of the normal human experience after a death occurs. But one way we can express our gratitude to our loved ones is…

Back to School Tips for Grandparents

You may have seen the bumper sticker proclaiming, “If I had known grandchildren were so great, I would have had them first!” With a new school year approaching, grandparents and their grandchildren are relishing these last days of summer all around El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Oakland. Our team at Sunset…

Your Family’s Wishes vs. Your Wishes

One of the primary benefits to planning your own funeral is having the ability to make your wishes known. Your family, no doubt, wants to honor you by fulfilling your final wishes, and preplanning allows you to communicate those desires to them clearly. If for any reason, there could be…

3 Common Myths about Cremation

The number of people choosing cremation has grown exponentially over the years, from 25% in 1999 to more than 50% in 2018. Even with this surge in popularity, our staff here at Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary realizes many of our neighbors in El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond have…

What Do I Do If My Loved One Dies While Traveling?

The world gets smaller every day. No one understands this more than those of us who live in the incredibly diverse area of El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond, Berkeley, and Oakland, with people living and visiting here from every corner of the globe. More people are traveling and spending longer periods…

4 Patriotic Things to Do in the Bay Area for 4th of July

It’s true that our community goes all out for Independence Day, with parades, cruises, music, festivals, and plenty of good old-fashioned family fun at every turn. At Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, we know our neighbors in El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Oakland anticipate this beloved summertime holiday as much as…

Personalization: Show What Made Your Loved One Special

At Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, we believe every life in El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond, Berkeley, and Oakland represents a unique story. When it comes time to say goodbye to your loved one, our goal is to help you tell their own story in the most meaningful, personal way possible.…

3 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Cemetery

Here at Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary, we know there are many personal decisions to make throughout life, and among them is selecting a final resting place. Some people in El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond, Berkeley, and Oakland choose well in advance of need, often opting for a cemetery they either…

Honoring Those Who Gave All

Every Memorial Day for the past 150 years, people have gathered across El Cerrito, Oakland, Berkeley, and other places in the Bay Area in solemn remembrance of those who have died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The whole team here at Sunset View Cemetery & Mortuary respect and honor…

Ideas for Reconnecting with Life After a Loss

It’s quite usual – and normal – for people who have suffered a loss to go into a kind of isolation. It’s common to feel tremendous sorrow and dislocation even long after the funeral is over. The normal routines of life have been cruelly interrupted. At Sunset View Cemetery &…