Holy Angels Funeral Center/Sorensen Chapel

Joan was so caring when we came to make arrangements for Dad. She even encouraged mom and I to do a «family viewing» which I was very unsure of. Explained everything we would see and walked in with us until we were okay. I will always be grateful for how she did that. She wanted to make sure I had no regrets. Can’t thank her enough. Small place with a personal touch…

My fist Unilocal review in weeks…
When my father died, the heartbreak was unbearable for me and the family. And at times, it still is. Anyone who has lost a very close and awesome parent knows how it sucks the life out of the survivors. Yet through the pain, decisions have to be made. My dad always joked that as a former Navy guy, we should just have a ship throw his body into the sea. Who knows, the next time we order thresher shark in a restaurant, he might be on the table! But my mom would never approve. Thankfully, my dad had the wisdom to give alternative instructions on how he wanted to be remembered on his last days on earth. I am writing this not just because it helps heal me. But hopefully other Unilocalers who have not yet traveled this journey will have a few more tools when they go through this ordeal.
The most important insight I can give is that discussions about this life event must be made beforehand. Guessing can be costly, and any funeral and cemetery sales person can just try to make you guilty to overspend if you don’t know what the person of honor wants. Discussion about type of casket, type of service, music at services, who should be pallbearers, and who to invite are some things to discuss. What about the cost? A simple cremation with no frills is the cheapest way to go. But dad wanted a place where we the kids and grand kids could visit his space. Even decisions about life support are critical. Poor planning can result in a lifetime of financial crisis for the survivors, and guilt as well. So, my dad was very cool to tell us what he wanted and got. I think dad would think my mom did overspent on the casket, but we’ll forgive her on that one.
Holy Angels Mortuary was owned and still operated by Sorenson Brothers — and they have done so for 100 years. If you or your loved one is Catholic and in Hayward, San Lorenzo, or Castro Valley, this is the place to consider. Tom was our counselor, and made sure everything was in place time-​wise, in layout of the viewing and memorial service, Dad’s move to the Catholic Church and eventually the cemetary. This involves contacting the city Police and CHP if needed.
So why aren’t they a not five star? For one, they don’t have a website that will create a homepage for the person of honor. They also don’t have a service to help families create a memorial CD which we wanted to display at the memorial service. We had to get those done somewhere else. Otherwise, the family and I were quite happy with the basic services of this old school mortuary.