Oakland Magazine has named Chapel of the Chimes to their annual The Best of Oakland list under the category “Best Funeral Home”. Chapel of the Chimes was proudly voted #1 by the magazine’s readers.

Chapel of the Chimes was founded in 1909 and has become the Bay Area’s most desired mausoleum. Much of the columbarium was designed by world-renowned architect Julia Morgan who is also known for her work with Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA. Julia’s inspirational touch can be seen in the intricate stonework, generous skylights and peaceful interior gardens that reflect her architectural training in Paris and her love for California pottery.

Over 100 years of caring and the wide variety of service options have helped Chapel of the Chimes become the best funeral home in the Oakland area. General manager Marcie Russell explains, “We want our community to know we are here to serve them in a personal way and to get to know them. Our goal is to provide families with the best customer experience through our helpful staff, our beautiful facility and unique ceremonies.”

The Chapel of the Chimes Oakland has always been community aware and involved. Public events and concerts, including an annual Jazz series, help create healing experiences for the community. Schedule a tour of Chapel of the Chimes Oakland and find out for yourself why it was voted Best Funeral Home. Or call 570-379-5200 for more information.

The Best of Oakland edition is published annually each June and celebrates local and independent businesses. Oakland Magazine reaches 65,000 readers per issue and is distributed at fine stores, businesses, and hotels in the Oakland area.

Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland was established as a columbarium and crematory in 1909, and it’s one of the most beautiful historic buildings in California. We offer many end-of-life services, but we are a highly-desired cremation venue in the Bay Area, as well as one of the top cremation service providers in Northern California.

A columbarium is a building designed for storing and honoring cremated remains, and they typically consist of indoor, above-ground cremation niches. At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, our historic columbarium contains niches that offer space for the cremated remains of individuals, couples, or families. Architect Aaron Green was hired to create 6 additions to the columbarium in 1959, making us one of the comprehensive venues for cremation and end-of-life services in the region.

If you’d like to discover more about our funeral home and memorial park in Oakland, then please call Chapel of the Chimes Oakland at (510) 654-0123.

Have you selected cremation for a loved one who has passed on and do you wish to perform a unique ceremony with the cremated remains? If so, then continue reading to discover some unconventional choices for cremated remains.

Scatter by Air
If the deceased was an adventurous individual or enjoyed flying, sky diving, or bungee jumping, then scattering his cremated remains from the air could be a fitting send-off. Similarly, some fireworks manufacturers will incorporate cremated remains into a fireworks display.

Bury at Home
When it comes to keeping cremated remains at home, many people think of a cremation urn that’s stored in a special spot. A less conventional alternative to this option is to bury your loved one’s cremated remains at home. If you own your home and have a yard, then this is a possibility that may be worth considering, particularly if the deceased enjoyed being outside or had an outdoor area on your property that he enjoyed spending time in. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to dig up and take the remains with you or declare the presence of human remains on the property if you should decide to sell your home.

Send into Space
If a trip into space was a dream that your deceased loved one had, then sending his cremated remains into space could be a perfect tribute. You can find various packages available, some of which involve sending the cremated remains into orbit, and others that direct the memorial vessel into deep space.

Plant a Memorial
If your deceased loved one enjoyed nature and being outdoors, then consider creating a living memorial for him by planting his cremated remains in the ground along with tree seeds. You can find specially made, biodegradable urns that contain seeds for your tree of choice.

At Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, our funeral home offers a broad selection of cremation services in Oakland, as well as columbaria, cremation burial plots, and glass, granite, and marble-face niches. Please call (510) 654-0123 to learn more.

Today, the standards of proper funeral service etiquette are often more relaxed than they were in the past. However, there are still several things that you should and shouldn’t do when attending this type of event. If you’ve been invited to a funeral home for a service, then keep the following dos and don’ts in mind:

Do Check the Dress Code
For most funeral services, wearing all black and formal attire is not necessary. However, before deciding what to wear, look over the invitation to learn if any specifications about attire are included. If not, then choose clothing that is clean, neat, and respectful, and that is not too flashy or revealing.

Don’t Leave Your Phone On
Even if you leave your phone on silent, there is a good chance that you’ll be tempted to check it for messages or to read emails during the service. This behavior is more noticeable than you might imagine and is considered disrespectful, so it’s best to turn off your phone or leave it behind in the car.

Do Express Your Sympathy
When arriving, be sure to express your condolences to the surviving family members. It can be a challenge to find the right words to say to someone who is grieving, but a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” can be enough to show your sympathy. Also, bring or send flowers or a gift. If specified, you can make a charitable donation, instead.

Don’t Allow Your Children to Act Out
Deciding whether to bring your kids to a funeral is a personal decision that depends on your preferences. However, if your children do not wish to attend or are likely to be a disturbance during the funeral, then leaving them with a babysitter may be the best option.

If you’re searching for experienced and compassionate funeral services in Oakland, then look no further than Chapel of the Chimes Oakland. For information about what we offer, please contact our funeral home by calling (510) 654-0123.

As anyone who has suffered a loss knows, the grieving doesn’t end when you leave the funeral home. This fact goes for children as well, who can struggle to understand and cope with death. If you have a child who recently lost a sibling, then watch this video for guidance on helping her cope.

Speaking with your child and offering a listening ear are important for providing her with grief support. Also, be honest about what happened, answer her questions directly, and let her know that’s it’s okay to cry.

If your family has suffered a loss, then Chapel of the Chimes Oakland can help. We offer funeral and cremation services, as well as grief support in Oakland. Please call (510) 654-0123 for more information.