Fernwood Funeral Home in Mill Valley provided exceptional care and compassion during one of the most difficult times of my life, after the loss of my father. From the very first interaction, Raymond & the team was kind, patient, and deeply respectful. They guided our family through every step with clarity and sensitivity, making an overwhelming process feel manageable. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine empathy meant more than words can express. I am truly grateful for the dignity and care Raymond & the team showed my father and for the support they gave our family when we needed it most. Thank you Raymond and the entire team at Fernwood. read more

Gorgeous cemetery, and the only local one that offers truly green burial options (body wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and placed directly in earth, no casket or grave liner). Beautiful views from the higher parts, and the lower parts have their own kind of natural beauty, emphasizing native plants and minimal landscaping. Perfect for outdoorsy people. (Reviewers who complain about "weeds" are missing the point.) The staff was always kind and helpful to me & my family. We needed our first site on short notice, and Carlos kindly gave us a video tour and answered our many questions promptly. Later, Sonia was patient and helpful with the headstone engraving process. We are very happy with the results (pictured). They appear to be laying down new paths in the meadow (pictured), which should improve accessibility. The meadow border is lined with young redwoods and other trees, so it's going to grow even lovelier over time. The peacefulness of this cemetery and their burial processes made my dad change his mind about how he wants his remains handled -- instead of cremation, he's going with natural burial here. I chose the same for myself. read more

See all

Was there for a burial today and the pros of Fernwood were the lovely setting and thoughtful staff. The con was the accessibility issue - it was hard for our elderly and disabled members to stand for long periods on the uneven slope, and we couldn't get even find a good spot to set our portable stool. read more

Fernwood is the most beautiful and serene location to lay a love one to rest. The physical space for the service is modern, with a visible waterfall. The burial sites are surrounded by trees, with the ability to customize the plot. It's an oasis hidden in the hills. Raymond is compassionate and accommodating. Great at returning calls, problem solving, and ensuring a smooth service. read more

My parents are both interred with natural burial at Fernwood. (They died in 2019 and 2020.) They had chosen natural burial and the staff was incredibly helpful for their services, suggesting an officiant and the offerings for caskets were very pleasing. We couldn't have been happier. I can't express how comforting it was to have all arranged in advance and to be able to make a phone call and have their assistance in a difficult time. My sister and I recently chose a stone for our parents and Fernwood helped with the selection and were able to complete the engraving in a short time, which was wonderful. We had a picnic with friends at their graves, with birds flitting about. I know our parents would have been pleased. I loved Fernwood so well that I purchased the remaining graves in their section for myself and my family. It's comforting to think that we will be near each other. read more

During one of the most difficult times of our lives, Raymond and the team at Fernwood Funeral home provided much compassion, professionalism, and genuine care that went far beyond our expectations. He took the time to listen to our family's wishes and guided us through every detail with patience and understanding. The service was beautifully organized -- every element felt personal and meaningful. Raymond handled everything, from coordinating with the church staff and cemetery staff therefore, allowing us to focus on honoring our mother rather than worrying about logistics. What truly stood out was the kindness and empathy shown throughout the entire process. He treated our family and our mother with such dignity, and compassion, which meant the world to us. We are deeply grateful for the care and professionalism that made a heartbreaking experience a little easier for us to handle. I highly recommend Raymond and his team at Fernwood Funeral home, to anyone seeking compassionate, respectful services, during such a sensitive time. Thank you Fernwood! read more

There is a reason why Fernwood has been around as long as it has. This place is absolutely first rate. We had to make fairly last minute preparations for a green burial for my mother. Throughout the entire process, Raymond, Heather and the entire staff demonstrated a level of professionalism, generosity, and kindness of spirit that came as a real balm during a very challenging time. I recommend them in the strongest possible way. read more

Our family had an exceptional experience with Fernwood. Kind, knowledgeable, attentive staff. A beautiful space for the memorial services and the grounds are lovely. My sister and I worked with Sonia on actualizing the stone for our parents' site and she really pulled it off for us in record time and accuracy. read more

Was very disappointed in this place. There pictures on there web sight does not look like where my sister was laid to rest. The weeds are so high that i couldn't even find her resting place. And when i went up to office they gave me an old map and they weren't very friendly or helpful. I still couldn't find her reting spot. And to get to my sisters resting place is not good for people who cant walk on unstable ground. Family members fell going down hill. So disappointed in this place. They need to keep the weeds down. I would never want to be laid to rest in a place that looks like a Cemetery for animals. read more

We laid to rest my mother-in-law in August '24. We had a vigil (with mom in a coffin) then a cremation the next day. We are very grateful for the wonderful staff. This was a huge funeral with lots of people attending. Valet park attendants were on duty, we had 3 "funeral attendants" helping us with what ever we needed & we were able to set up an area for snacks and drinks. It was a wonderful celebration of life. We were able to have a photo slideshow, set up 2 huge poster size photos of her (they had stands for us) & a family member played the ukelele. Seamless and courteous service from the staff. read more

Fernwood was the first and last place we looked at in our search because we fell in love with it (though you'd never think you can fall in love with a funeral home or cemetery). Everyone at Fernwood became like a family to us during this short but extremely vulnerable time there, letting us go through our grief while taking care of the transportation, cremation and celebration of life. Thank you Raymond, Jermaine, Alicia, Paula and Priscila. We will never forget what you did for us during such difficult time of our lives. read more

Fernwood - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Mill Valley, California

See all

One of my hobbies is genealogy and something volunteers do is take photos of other people's ancestors at their local cemeteries. This morning I went to Fernwood for the first time and went to the front office for help in locating several gravestones. Alexandra greeted us with a smile and a "can-do" attitude and gave us a map and directions to the historical section of Fernwood. She told us to give her a call if we got lost and she would come out to help. Of course, we did get lost and phoned Alexandra and she drove up in a golf cart, told us to hop in, and proceeded to aid us in our quest. She was absolutely lovely! Not once did we feel like we were taking her away from more important things (which I'm sure we were!). She was all smiles and excited when we did find what we were looking for. At the end, she drove us back and stopped to show us a few "interesting" epitaphs. Thank you, Alexandra! read more

The place felt balanced, serene. The earthy interiors, the flowing water just outside the hall, the wide windows with natural light all together made for a pleasant and gentle atmosphere. Speaking of logistical things: they had a valet parking service that made things easy, and they have the service set up to be streamed over Zoom or other video conferencing apps. Glad they are doing their best. read more

I swear wish I could of done my fathers funeral service but due to covid regulations wasn't able to water fall just beautiful. read more

Fernwood - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Mill Valley, California

This review is for Skip :) Sadly, my family & I found out about a friends recent passing few days back & wanted to visit & pay our love & respect. Although we were given clear instructions by the amazing staff my family and I were still having a hard time finding our friend (tomb stone hadn't been placed yet) we eventually went back to the office & Skip was so kind & humble to offer to drive/guide us to our friends burial spot. Thank you so much Skip, we are very grateful, you're truly an Angel! read more

Fernwood Cemetery recently handled my sisters funeral. I cannot say enough good about the location and the staff. It is a gorgeous site, which is beautifully maintained. Everything about the organization is professional and caring. Skip Dailey, Funeral Director, is a master at his job. Fernwood offered us the option to livestream and to video the service, which we shared with friends and family who could not attend due to COVID. This was a powerful way to support the grieving process. I definitely recommend Fernwood. read more

I've waited a while to post this, both because the memories are so traumatic, and because I wanted to wait long enough to make sure I was being fair in my feelings towards Fernwood. One year ago this month, they were able to provide cremation services for my wife, despite covid lockdown, and for that I am appreciative. However, in addition to a number of communication issues and covid-related limitations which in hindsight I find understandable, there remains one item which is frankly unforgivable. The room into which my daughter and our priest were led to pay our final farewells had numerous flies. Yeah. Let that sink in a bit. I will never forgive this place, and to this day every time I go past their gate I have to remember my experience in that room. read more

I want to be buried in a pine box and silently rot away in Marin. My friends can find me via GPS tracker on their cell phone and hike around me and have a picnic. "A modern natural burial is an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices where the body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and be recycled into new life....Planting native trees, shrubs and flowers on or near the grave establishes a living memorial and helps form a protected wildlife preserve.....These sacred and natural places leave a legacy of care and respect for our planet.....Natural burial is a statement of personal values for many people who seek to minimize their impact on the planet. For people who are mindful of the cyclical nature of life, natural burial is a spiritually fulfilling alternative to the conventional funeral." Jessica Mitford would be proud. read more

Fernwood - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Mill Valley, California

What a nice resting spot. My grandparents have been resting here since 1985. I love how this location is surrounded by hiking trails and wildlife. I haven't had interaction with the employees since 1990, but won't remember since I was still a child. So my review is based on the view. I like how the buried are of all backgrounds and rest peacefully. read more

Fernwood - Goddess of Mercy - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Mill Valley, California

See all

My son was cremated here. Although the service was lovely the staff was incredibly rude. I was waiting to ask the lady behind the counter how to get my sons belongings and she was talking on the phone loudly and rudely about selling a car. I just left my son for the last time and she wouldn't even acknowledge us. I understand it is a business but they were so crass and classless. Shameful and disgusting how they treat families in crisis. read more

This is the most beautiful Cemetary in the Bay Area! My mom chose the Green Burial (body to earth) burial, where Fernwood has an entire section amid beautiful trees and rolling hills. This area is particularly beautiful and natural as they use engraved rocks versus headstone. The entire staff was wonderful, kind, compassionate down to every detail. A big thanks to Eamon who guided us through the process simply. I returned a week later to buy the space next to my mom.... it's that beautiful and incredibly affordable. 10 stars if it was possible. read more

My fiancé Carter wanted a Green Burial and I was aware of Fernwood through one of the owners, Tyler, with whom I had gone to college. Before Carter died we toured the cemetery and it surpassed his wildest dreams. Both the serenity of the place and the tranquil design of the grounds as well as a the offices/funeral home space appealed to him enormously. With Tyler, Alicia and the rest of the team's help, we were able to give Carter a special space in a special place for eternity. We are very grateful to Tyler Cassity and the rest of his team at Fernwood for their help and kindness through this difficult process relinquishing Carter back to the earth. I'm thrilled to be able to hike up to see him regularly when I'm in Mill Valley. read more

The upside is they offer natural burials, there are limited options for this. Also the facilities look nice. The downside is how they handle things financially. Everything from basic math error overcharging to precharging well in advance of actually delivering things like stone setting. The pricing is opaque, and the final invoice bears no resemblance to the quote. Nobody needs all the unnecessary added stress in an already stressful situation. I've been through this with another provider without any of these issues, so it is not typical. read more

I was very fortunate to discover Fernwood given they provide Green Burials in a heavenly, appealing atmosphere surrounded by old tree forests and rolling hillsides. The feeling of serenity and stillness overshadows the business at hand with preparations for the future. The office staff was exceptionally helpful, kind and patient with processing the wish fulfilling dream to be buried beneath divine, sacred grounds. Alicia Jackson helped me discover the most auspicious ground site with patience and understanding as it took me many days to walk the grounds for a future resting place, and ultimately a dwelling site to visit for now. I also want to acknowledge the grounds keeper, Oscar, for his kindness and respect at the site in locating the four directions to uncover the south orientation. Lastly, I want to thank Peony Wellen, Cemetery Manager, for her patience, professional expertise and gentle nature in assisting me with this part of the arrangements. Peony made my decisions easy, direct and with love. She continued to make sure all papers were received and copies made for the family. Thank you Peony very much for your gentle spirit and guidance, I appreciate you very much. Many thanks to the entire staff for this experience we all know is assured and the grounds of Fernwood Cemetery in Marin County are there for those who wish Green Burials. Tisha Mallon read more

This place is beautiful - the building, the grounds - everything. Breathtaking, actually. The prices are completely reasonable. But I'm afraid that I can't give them anything more than one star. When we brought my grandma here to be cremated, they asked if we would like to be notified when the cremation was about to begin. This is important to my family for personal and spiritual reasons. The person who helped us make arrangements said she understood (she was the one that asked in the first place) and took down all of our phone numbers and assured us we would be called before. Instead, only one member of my family received a quick call AFTER the cremation to let us know the ashes were ready to be picked up. This is unacceptable for a family who was guaranteed a phone call BEFORE in order to send grandma off in whatever way that family member saw fitting. read more

BEYOND GLAD to have discovered Fernwood. On the day of my father's passing I called Fernwood and had the pleasure of speaking with SKIP DAILY. Skip was KIND, COMPASSIONATE, CONCERNED AND RESPECTFUL. Skip has every trait that is needed in someone assisting you in your most vulnerable time of grief. Skip gently lead me through the process of making appropriate arrangements for my father's burial and memorial service. I felt he was more than fair and honest through a most difficult, heart wrenching process. Skip connected me with the right person to create a most meaningful memorial service that was personal and comforting. Skip, also, assisted in arranging for streaming and video taping the service for relatives who could not be present. Knowledgeable, polite, informed and with a genuinely helpful goodwill, SKIP DAILY renders those most comforting virtues needed when you lose someone you love. read more

Markus and his team provide exemplary service at a price reflective of the service they provide. For folks of the Jewish faith, Fernwood is America's first Jewish green cemetery and incorporates three sections: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Renewal. This was comforting for several of my friends and community members to know about once I shared this information with them. I highly recommend Fernwood Cemetery for anyone interested in finding a beautiful, peaceful last resting place for yourself and loved ones. read more

There are two parts to my review. FOUR STARS Part A -- I cremated a loved one about four years ago. I was assisted by Marcus, who, if I'm not mistaken, was relatively new at the time. Both he and the rest of the staff were kind, patient, and helpful. I also felt soothed by the office's clean, modern atmosphere. Based on that experience -- and some woefully awful experiences that I have had at other mortuaries -- I give Fernwood a full thumbs up. The reason I don't feel that I can give a five-star rating is that parking near the office is tricky, and a challenge for people with certain disabilities. ONE STAR Part B -- More recently, a friend asked me to help him make arrangements for one of his family members. (This is a pre-planning situation, so it wasn't urgent.) I made the mistake of calling on a weekend. What I got was a shabby, difficult-to-hear voice mail message, obviously connected to someone's cell phone. It was thoroughly unprofessional, and I was completely turned off. I give that encounter one star. For shame, Fernwood. Haven't you heard of answering services? And why don't you provide your e-mail address on your website? I don't see that, a description of your staff (and e-addresses for them), or information about how Fernwood came to be and who runs/owns it. When someone has to make a decision about someone they dearly love, all of those bits and pieces contribute to building trust. read more

This is a place I wouldn't come often, but Fernwood Funeral Home is the best funeral service I highly recommend. Cindy was so nice and thoughtful, I couldn't stop thanking her for planning the viewing date so perfect. Not only Cindy but all the staffs there were so nice and thoughtful. I am as a granddaughter who would want my grandpa to have the best service and I found it. This place is awesome, everything is awesome. The price is affordable. The guests couldn't stop saying nice things about this place. Thanks to be so thoughtful. I am so happy and I think my grandpa would be too. read more

We just had a service here and got a spot on the historical section for my son. We picked it based on the location to our home and the phenomenal view it is so peaceful.i want to visit him daily. Price wise it was huge. For this area. For premium price .I would figure that the would be perks like consideration with sprinkling times. I arrived on the first day after his burial to find the sprinklers on at noon on a gorgeous day. Going for well over an hour I couldn't go and sit peacefully with him yesterday . I had to call 2x asking for it to be turned off. There is no automatic sprinklling systen... At all??? They have ground crews do it. Why on earth is not watered at 5an is beyond me. Its done by a crew that's on staff 8-3 manually? So I can't sit and be with him??! I left feeling hollow and robbed .. They need to get automatic sprinklers and do it first thing early eatly so during the day we can visit. And not feel invaded. Also although they tried to be considerate but the person who helped us cane up to us during the cremation and I who was not doing well told my husband it would take a while for the temp to get hot enough. .. If that isn't tactless I don't know what is. .. cremation is already difficult enough to wrap ones head around. .. I think that they forget they are dealing with grieving families. .. They need to be reminded details and tact matter. .. please try and be better going forward. read more

I am very grateful for the entire Fernwood team's practical help, compassion and professionalism during our family's hardest hours, especially from our point of contact Alicia. Fernwood is a an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place and people who work there make everything as easy as possible in the saddest of circumstances. Thank you for everything! read more

Hello all: We did a hillside burial for my aunt in 1994 and the staff couldn't have been more kindly, pleasant, helpful and sensitive. Examples are that they brought out chairs for the elderly relatives who needed them (as it was on a hillside), showed us where to drive them close, and were so good about working with me as to when to approach to do the burying. I just called them to check on another family member's prospective plot, and they were as kindly and helpful now as then. I saw the review below from 2009 and asked the manager whether they are in receivership etc. They are NOT - it was an insurance company that did some of their contracts, and Fernwood is completely clear. read more

The staff at Fernwood was very compassionate, professional and helpful. They were honest and kind with us about certain personal requests we had. I highly recommend their services. read more

My Mom died from cancer. My dad wanted to say one last goodbye. We went to Fernwood that following Friday for Mom's cremation. Mom was wheeled out in a cardboard box. The worst part was (my father was understandably extremely upset) The 2 gentlemen were trying to rush us as they had a full schedule that day. One of the men opened the door to where her box was going to go through (for cremation) - as if to say...lets get a move on. At that point I was horrified - and ran out hysterical. It was the coldest thing they could have done. Its just business for them. For us, she was our wife and mother. From this experience I couldn't recommend them. read more

I just had my mother cremated at Fernwood Funeral Home in Mill Valley and the experience was very pleasant and calming. Cindy and all the staff, including their answering service, was 5-star. I am so happy my mother's friend recommend them to us. My confidence was very high and they made the unpleasant a little lest so. Thank you! read more

Our family had the most beautiful service at Fernwood. It could not have been more magical and peaceful, befitting my mother's legacy. Our adviser, Markus, was kind, patient, professional and respectful. He made the process smooth during this difficult time. Thank you, Markus! read more

The 1-star rating is not a reflection on the service we had for my father (1979) or mother (1999) but my most recent interactions. On 02/11/2017 I ventured up the windy road to where my father and mother are buried. On the drive, across from a maintenance shed, I was very surprised to see my fathers military-provided bronze headstone leaning against some concrete berms on the side of the road. When I stopped at the office to ask why I was told it had been replaced with the headstone for my mother and father who are buried side by side. That made sense but whats happened since does not. I was told on 2/11 that Fernwood would contact me to discuss what the steps were to get the original back. Long story short: I got very busy prepping to sell our house and buy one the Sierra foothills and forgot to follow up. That's on me. I called this morning (09/19/2017) after sending in an email two days ago asking for a call back. Was told by the manager that the military headstone was destroyed. No call back, no contact just destroyed. That's on Fernwood. Services might be great but communications is absolutely horrible. read more

Grounds are beautiful. Service was not. A: They requested no photograph, so the makeup and hair were totally inappropiate for my 97-year-old mother. B. After paying extra for a viewing, they had no table for flowers or picutres, and they did not cover the ugly cart. C. The pillow was ruined on the shipping back east, due to poor preparation. D. Just not professional enough. Check others out first. read more

The site itself is lovely. The service was lousy. Cindy got exasperated on the phone when we asked basic questions, Alicia rushed around huffing and and also exasperated when we sat down to sign all the forms. The lack of sensitivity to our grief state was shocking and unforgivable. Two months later, Alicia, who must be new and not really know what she's doing, keeps sending us new forms to sign that she forgot. We sign and return them only to have her write and say "You sent in the wrong form," even though it's the one she sent. Instead of "I apologize, I sent you the wrong thing. Here is the correct form," she blamed it on us. It's just a drag to have bureaucracy still going on and to be treated rudely again on top of it. The strangest experience I've ever had. It's as though they forgot they are running a funeral home, interfacing with grief stricken people. Unbelievable. If there were another eco-burial company, I'd go there. read more