Our Services
Funeral home & memorial services in the San Francisco Bay Area
Our funeral & memorial services
At Fernwood, we hold a deep reverence for our role in stewarding families through the passage of death. We understand that it can be difficult to know how to move forward after a loss. Our purpose is to help you honor a life, acknowledge loss, and hold every memory with care.
We offer funeral and memorial services guided by place and intention. Each gathering is thoughtfully held to reflect the life being honored, the traditions that matter, and the natural setting that makes Fernwood unlike any other funeral home in the Bay Area.
Funeral home services
Fernwood’s funeral home services support families through every aspect of care, from preparation and logistics to burial, cremation, and ceremony.
Graveside services
Graveside services at Fernwood are a meaningful final act of care, providing families a peaceful space to find closure, whether returning a loved one to the earth or placing a thoughtfully selected urn in a hillside niche.
Direct of witnessed cremation
Fernwood offers direct and witnessed cremation at our on-site crematory. Cremation ceremonies may take many forms, with family participation in preparation and rituals that reflect diverse traditions and faiths.
Burial services & options
Burial services at Fernwood are shaped by the land itself, with practices that emphasize natural return. Green burial is offered across traditions and beliefs, including Jewish green burial within Gan Yarok.
Tree planting
Families may choose to plant a memorial tree to honor a loved one. The family selects a native tree species that our team plants, creating a living remembrance within the landscape for generations to visit over time.
Memorial services
Memorial services at Fernwood offer a peaceful, nature-connected setting for remembrance. Services are inclusive of all faiths, traditions, and personal beliefs, and are shaped by each family’s wishes.
The funeral arrangement process
We approach funeral planning as a shared process, designed to alleviate stress and offer comfort during a time of loss. With steady guidance and thoughtful care, we walk with you through every step, handling each detail hand in hand.
The process begins with a personal consultation focused on listening. Families meet with our team to share their wishes, values, and priorities, whether planning ahead or making arrangements after a loss. This conversation establishes the foundation for all decisions that follow.
Initial consultation
We guide families in choosing burial or cremation, along with the final resting place for their loved one. Options include green burial, Jewish green burial in Gan Yarok, traditional burial, direct or witnessed cremation, or placement within Fernwood’s natural grounds, cremation niches, or scattering gardens.
Disposition & place selection
With disposition and location set, Fernwood’s team works hand in hand with families to shape the ceremony itself. We support the tailoring of the tone, scale, and details of the gathering so that every element is customized to the family’s wishes.
Ceremony planning & personal elements
On the day of the service, Fernwood’s team manages every detail with intuitive care. From timing and flow to coordination with celebrants, musicians, and valet, families can rely on Fernwood to ensure the ceremony unfolds smoothly, so they can focus on honoring their loved one.
Day-of coordination & care
Funeral & memorial locations at Fernwood
Ceremonies may be held in the Remembrance Room or at the graveside, with Fernwood providing attentive support throughout each step.
Remembrance Room
Our Remembrance Room is an open, peaceful, and contemporary setting for funerals and memorial gatherings, filled with natural light, greenery, and views of the patio waterfall. Modular furnishings and a fully equipped sound system support a wide range of service needs.
Graveside Services
Many families choose a private graveside service for an intimate farewell in direct connection with the land. Held among mature trees and open sky, these services offer space for prayer, reflection, and remembrance. Graveside services may stand alone or follow a funeral held in the Remembrance Room.
Off-Site Funeral Services
For families who wish to hold a ceremony at a church or other place of worship, a private home, or other setting, we offer off-site funeral services. We coordinate the transportation of the deceased and remain present to support the service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
A funeral service typically takes place shortly after the loved one’s passing, and a viewing, graveside service, or cremation ceremony may be a part of the funeral. A memorial service is typically held after the burial or cremation, and may occur days, weeks, or months later.
How long does a funeral service last?
The length of a funeral or memorial service varies based on tradition, ceremony type, and family wishes. Most services last between 30 minutes and one hour, though some may be longer depending on the gathering.
Can services be personalized to reflect individual wishes or traditions?
Personalized, meaningul services are at heart of our work. At Fernwood, we guide families in shaping ceremonies that reflect the life, values, and traditions of their loved one—whether rooted in long-held religious or cultural customs or something unique and personal. Every service is approached with care, attention, and a deep respect for the families we serve.
Do you offer grief counseling or aftercare?
Fernwood does not provide formal grief counseling or aftercare services. However, our team is always available to answer questions and can share information about local resources.
How do I begin making funeral or memorial arrangements?
You can call us or schedule an appointment to begin. We will walk you through each step, helping you understand your options and guiding you in creating a service that feels meaningful and personal.
What should I do if a death has just occurred?
If the death occurs outside of a hospital or hospice setting, please call emergency services first. Once the death has been confirmed, you or a hospice provider may contact Fernwood, and our team will bring your loved one into our care. From there, we will gently move intro making arrangements, following any wishes your loved one may have laid out.
