Carol Van Ahlers

The holidays often arrive with a script — bright lights, cheerful gatherings, and traditions meant to feel joyful. But when you’ve lost someone dear, those familiar rituals can feel like they belong to another life, another you. This year, there may be little energy for the old script. That’s okay. Think of this season as […]

Thanksgiving often brings families together around tables filled with food, stories, and laughter. But when someone we love is missing, that same table can feel achingly incomplete. The empty chair — once filled by a familiar face — becomes a powerful reminder of what was and what will always matter. This year, rather than turning

Though often mistaken for a “Day of the Dead” celebration of ghosts or fright, Día de Muertos is, at its heart, a profoundly spiritual tradition—one rooted in love, memory, and faith. The holiday actually spans two days, November 1 and 2. The first day honors deceased children and is known as Día los Inocentes or

Since 1927, Hilgenfeld Mortuary has stood as a cornerstone of care and compassion in Anaheim. Located on the same Anaheim street since opening nearly a century ago—Hilgenfeld Mortuary is more than a business; it is a part of the city’s story. Beyond dedication to their profession, the Hilgenfeld family has long believed that being a good

Thinking ahead about your own funeral may feel strange, especially if you’re still years away from needing it. But preplanning isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about shaping the story of your life and protecting the people you love. Most people imagine funeral preplanning as something reserved for their grandparents. But the truth is,

Choosing charitable giving as a way to honor a loved one is a beautiful gesture. Still, many families wonder how to begin, what options are available, and how to make the process meaningful. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about memorial giving. How do I set up a memorial donation? In many

When we lose someone we love, we naturally look for ways to keep their memory alive. Flowers, photos and gatherings bring comfort, but charitable giving offers a lasting memorial. It’s a way to take love and loss and turn them into something that continues to do good in the world. Donating in someone’s name allows

In this second of our two part series, we hope to provide details about the option of choosing a burial for a loved one who has passed. Part one, which ran two weeks ago, provided information about cremation. The purpose of this series is to give families enough information to help them make an informed

When a family is faced with planning a final farewell, one of the first decisions is whether to choose cremation or burial. Each option carries its own traditions, benefits, and possibilities for personalization. As a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home, we have seen many families faced with this decision and know the importance of giving them

Giving a eulogy is a deeply personal way to honor a friend or family member who has passed away. While the task may feel overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to bring comfort, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived. The first step is to prepare, by taking time to gather your thoughts and reflect