“My mother passed away 2 1/2 years ago. It was a sudden death for which we were unprepared, and I did a fair amount of research to determine how to care for her body in a way that was respectful to who she was in life. Even after all this time, I feel very, very fortunate to have found The Natural Funeral team.
They had just started the body composting program, and my mother was among the first to undergo the process. From the very beginning of working with them, I felt such a strong sense of compassion and care in every interaction. They were patient with our constant questions and the way in which we needed to approach the process while grieving her loss.
My mother was a very nature-oriented woman, and the thought of embalming was hard to swallow, seeming very far from her own values. The choice of composting was a more costly option than others available, however in my mind it was absolutely worth it in its respect for both the person and the earth.
As far as the composting itself, the team walked us through it step-by-step, making sure we were able to anticipate the various stages. The team ensured that we could take an active part in the process: they held a small ceremony for us at the side of the chrysalis, and my father, son and I all placed hay atop her body (which was shrouded). This felt to be such a personal way to say farewell and to experience closure. Although the chrysalis was housed in their facilities which were in an industrial area of the city, they created a warm and welcoming area for us inside. The composting took a few months, and once complete, we were able to pick up the soil (It is quite a lot of soil if you choose to take the full amount, so that large containers are necessary to house it. However, the team also offers the opportunity to donate the soil.) The soil has been used in the gardens of her sisters and brothers, and in our own gardens, with little bits being scattered at some of the places that she loved.
It has taken me a while to be able to look back again on the memories of her passing, but I at last feel comfortable revisiting the experience, including leaving this review for a team of people who truly care for the families and people in their care - both alive and passed. If I have to make such a decision again, I would absolutely choose The Natural Funeral.“
“I cannot say enough good things about Kelsi Matthews and In Memoriam. As a Nurse and business owner who works in the end of life space she has always been the "light" at the end. Her kind words, her thoughtfulness and her competence really shine. Thank you for your support to myself and the clients whose lives you have the privilege of impacting. You are appreciated my friend.“
“The staff was very friendly, the lady who helped us was excellent and what we liked most was that she spoke Spanish and explained and helped us with all our doubts and the tutor was very well explained.“
“Wonderful level of service for those not needing the trappings of a mortuary. Chad and staff always responded quickly, were very helpful in walking us through the process and went out of their way to solve some glitches with the coroner's office. They are respectful without being gushy, which we especially appreciated.“