Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum — Local services in Mahwah

Losing a loved one is an emotionally overwhelming experience, and the last thing any grieving family should have to endure is unprofessional conduct from those entrusted to handle such a delicate occasion. Unfortunately, our experience with Maryrest Cemetery was deeply disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable.

At the start of my mother’s burial service, in front of our family and friends, a staff member loudly called out my sister’s name and announced—before anything could proceed—that she needed to go to the office to “settle” a matter. This was done publicly, without prior instruction that such a step was required, and in a manner that was both disruptive and insensitive. Considering that this was our first time arranging a burial, clearer communication beforehand would have prevented this entirely.

We had hired a harpist to create a serene, dignified atmosphere for my mother’s final farewell, but this incident shattered the sense of peace and reverence we had worked so hard to create. The way my sister was spoken to—both on-site and over the phone—lacked professionalism, compassion, and basic respect. For a business that operates in such a sensitive space, empathy and discretion should be a given.

I would strongly caution others against using their services. The absence of care in their approach not only disrupted but also tainted what should have been a sacred and heartfelt moment for our family. Maryrest Cemetery would do well to cultivate a culture that values humanity and respect above procedural formality. Sadly, there was nothing peaceful about how they handled my...

I went there to visit the grave of Alice Guy-Blaché, the first film director in history. Not having any idea where the grave was, I went into the office, where the woman behind the desk was the most lovely person you could meet, looking up and showing me, in detail, where the grave was on a map and happily re-answered questions I had repeated for certainty. having never been before. The graveyard itself indeed looks like a spectacularly maintained park, it was among the best-maintained I...

I agree with the post below. George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, where my family is buried, has a similar policy, although it's not posted. Both cemeteries are beautiful, well maintained and provide a peaceful and restful...