Fairfax Memorial Park

When my husband died 8 years ago, I was totally unprepared for it. We had made no plans, or even discussed our own funerals or burials. While grieving, in shock and denial, and with the help of my grown daughter we were able to secure two burial plots at Fairfax Memorial Park, one for my husband and one next to him for my future use. To be honest, I don’t remember a lot of what happened the first few days after my husband’s death, but I do remember how well everything was handled in regards to the cemetery plot purchase and burial.
Grief has many stages, one of them being anger. I too went through a period of time when I was angry because of the loss of my husband. As I look back on this experience, I can only imagine what a difficult job it must be to work at the cemetery, dealing with everyone in their different stages of grief. Throughout the entire process the staff at Fairfax Memorial Park were friendly, honest and professional.
The cemetery grounds really are maintained impeccably. Each season at Fairfax Memorial Park has it’s own qualities and beauty. I’ve spent many hours visiting in the cemetery. I find peace and closure knowing my husband’s life has been memorialized in such a respectful manner. Someplace myself, my children, and grandchildren can visit and remember.
So here’s a couple of Do’s and Don’ts regarding Fairfax Memorial Park:
Do: If you have anything other than a quick question that can be answered by phone, it’s best to schedule an appointment. The office can get very busy (they have multiple services almost every day) so make sure you get one on one, uninterrupted time, with the counselor that’s been assigned to your family.
Do: Think ahead. Since my husband’s death, 2 of my siblings have purchased burial plots near mine and so has my daughter and her husband. They received discounts by doing this.
Don’t: Put out flowers that are so expensive or special that it would sadden you if they weren’t there the next time you visit. Remember, this is a public space. It took me a while to figure this out, especially during my «guilt» phase of grief. During the hot Summer months, I’ve actually seen crows yank flowers out of vases just so they could drink the water in the vase.
I highly recommend Fairfax Memorial Park.

It may be family owned and family operated but it is NOT family focused — if you’re considering a plot here, make damn sure it is NOT close to the cemetery roads because the service crews will throw away your flowers if there is a service in the same area. It could be done by maintenance or funeral service crews but if there is a service in your area, your floral arrangements WILL be thrown away. Family focused is a laugh — if you complain enough, they will grudgingly tell you to take something cheap from their pitiful silk flowers choices there — this happens on average twice a year so save yourself the trouble and choose a plot far away from the roads.

Upon talking to personnel, we have discovered that flowers are taken out when other plots are prepared for burials but the flowers are not secured to their respective gravesites, a clear sign of incompetence and indifference by Fairfax Memorial staff. Office personnel say there is nothing that can be done because of windy days and inclement weather but this is a case of indifference by these people because the most recent arrangements were in VERY tight. Grounds crews need to be held accountable when they remove flowers to return them to the proper gravesites because those silk floral arrangements aren’t cheap. Remember, «family owned and operated, etc.» means they have no problem telling you to kiss off because they have no board of directors to answer to — it’s a shame my fiancée went up there without me because you’d be seeing in on TV if I was there.