Columbia Gardens Cemetery — Local services in Arlington

Terrible experience. The staff were very deceitful. I was led to believe I was purchasing a flat stone when I arranged my mother's burial. I discussed the design of the flat stone over the phone since I was on bed rest and gave birth at the time I made the arrangements. The contract also listed a flat marker further confirming to me that I was purchasing a flat stone. However, several months went by and I saw my mother's flat stone had not been put in nor had anyone from the cemetery reached back out. I didn't think much of it since I heard it's common for it not to be made and installed right away. I reached back out to the cemetery only to be told that I had not in fact purchased the flat stone and needed to pay an additional charge from what was already a very expensive burial and funeral. This is also after they didn't provide other services they said they would (i.e. not having a canopy up despite the rain and wind stopping well before the burial). When I spoke to the owner Daun she apologized and said they would deliver what was initially promised (the flat stone). Only to back track when it came time to deliver. Lesson learned. My mother is the third family member/relative buried here but I do not plan to be buried here after this. I also intend to file a complaint. Be clear and up front with families about the services and cost. Don't lie to them and try to pull a bait and switch during the most vulnerable time of their life....

My mother passed away after years of battling severe dementia, which sadly led to her losing touch with many friends in the area. I knew her funeral would be a small gathering, but Katherine at Columbia Gardens gave us incredible guidance that made my mother’s funeral both beautiful and memorable. Many of my relatives on my mother’s side rest at Columbia Gardens, and I’ve always felt fortunate to have two of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country here in Arlington. Columbia Gardens is the kind of place where you might visit just for a peaceful walk, listening to the birds and the breeze rustling through the leaves. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover the beautiful event space they now have across from the rose garden, which turned out to be the perfect location for a small catered reception after the burial.

For those starting to plan, I had a rough experience with a local funeral home, which is now corporately owned, and ultimately decided to organize everything myself—and I couldn’t be happier with my choices. Following an intimate Mass at St. Agnes, Carewell Cremation, Seasons Catering, and Twin Towers Florist—all wonderful small businesses with heart—made everything come together seamlessly.

Thank you, Katherine, and thank you, Columbia Gardens, for helping us honor my mother with grace...

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Columbia Gardens Cemetery and Katherine. After researching several options and then visiting Columbia Gardens, it became evident that this was the perfect option. The grounds are beautiful and the employees genuinely care about the families who walk through their doors. It is such a sensitive time and topic to navigate, and Katherine made us feel safe and comfortable to do so. She was patient with us as we asked many questions while sorting through the decisions, and she helped to streamline the process. We were planning my mother's final arrangements from out-of-state and Katherine helped to ensure that this was as smooth as possible for us, which gave me peace of mind as a "details" person. She was also present at my mother's interment on a Saturday afternoon to ensure everything went smoothly and to give me a much-needed hug. We held a reception luncheon in their on-site event space which is lovely, bright, and newly renovated, and which I would also recommend. My father-in-law even commented that this was the most beautiful cemetery he had ever visited. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Losing a mother leaves a void like no other, and I am grateful to have such a beautiful setting in which to visit her for many...