Heritage Memorial Chapel — Local services in New York

This is a review from a potential client who was not 100% impressed with their visit. This review is not meant to bash the business or its representative who i met with. I hope that the owners see this and correct things that I am going to mention.

On October 21st, 2022, my sister and I stopped by this funeral home on Blake Avenue to discuss arrangements for our deceased father. Upon our arrival,we rang the bell and were met with no response. We then called the number listed on the awning and a woman named Sharee answered the phone. She told us that staff were allowed to go home early and she would be back to the office in about 30 minutes.

This was not a big deal to us, so I decided to visit another funeral home in the area and come back. My sister waited for her there. After I was done with my other visit, I came back to Heritage. I was met with a beautiful woman with a short hair cut. Unfortunately, I was also met with her wearing pajama bottoms and furry boots. Although she was nice and very patient as we looked at caskets, I could not believe that she was conducting business in this attire.

During the visit, I asked her if I could see the chapel and she told me no because there was a deceased body in there. That was completely fair and understandable. However, I asked if I could come another day when it was empty. She literally told me "There's no reason for you to see it, because you can trust that we will make the chapel look very nice, but if you want to look online and view pictures you can do so"

I was shocked. In my mind, I was thinking to myself "did this lady really just tell me I do not need to see the space that I have to pay for?" Did she really expect me to pay money for a space that I may or may not like? Is she unaware that pictures can make things appear differently? That was when I knew I did NOT want to business with this place.

I must also mention that during our meeting, there was a point when she put her legs up on the desk. I always want people to feel relaxed and comfortable when talking to me , especially if we are conducting business, but legs up on the desk is insane. I must also add that the waiting area before you get into the chapel can use some revaming. It definitely gives more of a semi cluttered living room vibe rather than a waiting area of a funeral home.

I am glad to see a black owned business in the neighborhood of East New York, but I also want this review to be a teachable moment for this business and other black owned businesses. There is a certain level of professionalism that should be practiced across the board. I am sure that this doesn't happen with all of their clients, based on other reviews,but I was turned off by this meeting and I just had to write a review.

Heritage, please master the art of professionalism and also take into consideration that an online photograph can not compare to standing in a space and deciding if it is right for you and your loved one. Photos do not reflect the energy of a space and they also do not allow you to thoroughly inspect every inch of that space with...

I had to give myself a few months to pray and think about what I wanted to say without emotion being involved. I wanted to say that not only am I hurt, but disappointed about how my family was mishandled due to this unprofessional establishment. As a Saved Christian, I can give grace to people. My uncle passed away in January and a service for him was held at this establishment. One of the most disappointing issues was, my uncle's obituary was never left on the website for people to send their condolences. I sent an email inquiring about the aforementioned, no response. When I arrived to the service, it started about an hour and thirty minutes late, mind you. Also, programs were being printed as the guests arrived. I supposed they didnt want to waste paper. I will highlight that the service was nice and it was a "home like" atmosphere. I liked the music and my uncle's attire as well. I addressed Ms. Williams Pugh in regard to the online obituary and email I sent. Her response was "oh yeah, I saw that. I've been busy doing services back to back". My Uncle passed on 1/22, email sent 1/30, service 2/1. I was in utter disbelief at the response and overall level of unprofessionalism and lack of empathy. Is this what you say to a grieving person, that you were too busy? It is now July and it's still not up. This place was paid in full with cash. You may be used to be dealing with desperate people who are thankful to just have any service, because typically "we" don't carry life insurance policies. So because you do payment plans or what not, people should just accept what they get BUT we are not that family. No family should get less than service, regardless of their circumstances. It's sad that time and time again, black owned businesses prove to be messy. Not all, but most certainly yours. Additionally, my cousin had to constantly request my uncle's ashes WEEKS later. Yes, WEEKS. I pray you get yourselves together. My family is owed an apology, Ms. Williams...

I would like to thank everyone at Heritage Memorial Chapel, who helped make my husband’s home going memorial service a success. Nafar, my family and I would like to thank you for helping us put together a beautiful service with only 48hrs notice. Nafar was very patient, sympathetic, and understanding through this difficult process. He worked with my family and I to lay my husband Adam to rest on 11/18/23. I would like to also thank Collin for granting my 18yr old daughter’s last wishes in wanting to spend her last moments with her father braiding his hair. We never felt rushed, he provided all the tools to make the process less traumatic for her. He also provided a wonderful music selection. I would like to also thank Karen who oversaw the paperwork process. She did an amazing job. When we needed a few more obituaries printed out, without hesitation Karen was more than willing to provide anything we needed. All the staff at Heritage Memorial Chapel were wonderful. I felt more like a family member and very welcomed. I recommend Heritage Memorial to anyone in need of a funeral service. Unfortunately my husband was uninsured, and everyone worked with my family and I to make his sudden passing a...