Carol Van Ahlers

In an article earlier this year published in the Well Section of the New York Times, author Jancee Dunn focuses on the challenge of knowing what to do when you know someone you love is upset. What can you say that will allow the person to know you care but gives them the ability to […]

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season, something that many welcome with joy and anticipation. But for some people, this is the start of a very difficult time. Between now and the end of the year, we will use the platform of our bi-weekly blog to help those who are grieving (and the people

During the days running up to Thanksgiving, most of us focus on the food. We can smell the turkey and dream about the stuffing, gramma’s sweet potato casserole and pies, lots of pies. But after the feast, when it’s time to reflect on what was special about the day, our thoughts turn to family, fun

As expected, much has changed in the funeral industry over the past century, as it has in so many other aspects of our world. The most significant, is the growth of the industry itself. These changes have impacted how individuals approach end-of-life planning and commemoration. Dedicated funeral homes are now the norm, taking the place

In recent blogs we’ve discussed the importance of taking care of yourself this holiday season. We also provided an easy way to reach out to someone who is grieving, letting them know with one simple question that you are there for them however they may need you. Now is the time to share some tips

Every October, we like to reflect on our history, something of which we are very proud. It was 1927 when Reverend Samuel Hilgenfeld and his wife Lydia opened Hilgenfeld Mortuary in Anaheim. The fact that our business is fourth-generation family owned makes us doubly proud. Our family has been here for nearly 100 years, serving

In addition to ensuring that price lists are updated and easily accessible to grieving families, the Funeral Rule regulations also cover specific areas of funeral services and products. These regulations ensure transparency of what can be an overwhelming number of choices and decisions. Customers cannot be required to purchase services or goods as a package.

Most of us have been through it at some point in our lives – that emotional upheaval when we lose a loved one, coming to terms with the void of his or her presence. When you think about the family you will leave behind and consider how making advance plans for your funeral and memorial

Finding new friends can be hard in today’s busy, technological world; keeping them presents its own set of challenges. What makes a friendship last? How many of us have friends from childhood or other long-ago phases in our lives? How fortunate if we do. There are things we all can do to hold onto our