San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home

San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home Our location is a one of a kind full service funeral home and cemetery. Housing memories since 1898. Cahill.

The San Francisco Columbarium, a Neo-classical architectural landmark located in San Francisco’s Richmond District, was originally designed in 1898 by Bernard J.S. The structure features a large rotunda, mosaic tile floors and stained glass and offers more than 8,000 inurnment spaces which house urns and memorabilia. A colossal atrium surrounded by lustrous balconies showcases four stories full of

history, with someone’s life story memorialized in each niche. Home to many of San Francisco's elite and famous, along with their family members, The San Francisco Columbarium is not only a great place to visit but an elegant resting place for your loved ones.

🎶✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening of live chamber music and contemplation! ✨🎶Wave Chamber Collective invites you t...
11/08/2024

🎶✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening of live chamber music and contemplation! ✨🎶

Wave Chamber Collective invites you to experience groundbreaking performances in one of San Francisco's most beautiful and historic venues. This is more than just a concert—it's an immersive journey designed to create lasting moments of connection, while enriching our city’s cultural landscape for generations to come.

By blending music, art, and the unique spaces we inhabit, Wave Chamber Collective is building a thriving ecosystem where creativity, innovation, and collaboration can flourish. Their mission is to make artistic transformation a central part of our community, ensuring that art remains accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.

🎟️ Tickets are available now through the link below, and we offer a sliding scale to ensure everyone can join us. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Don't miss this special event—let's come together and celebrate the power of music and community! 🌟

https://wavechambercollective.as.me/schedule/4e32016a/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=68814208

The San Francisco Columbarium is home to over 50,000 people—individuals who shaped our history, contributed to our commu...
11/08/2024

The San Francisco Columbarium is home to over 50,000 people—individuals who shaped our history, contributed to our communities, and lived lives full of stories. From notable figures to everyday people from all walks of life, each of these stories lives on in the city they helped shape. Today, we honor the life of one such person, Rose Pak.

Rose was a transformative force in San Francisco—a tireless advocate for the Chinatown community, a groundbreaking journalist, and a key political figure whose influence was felt throughout the city. Born in Henan, China, and raised in Macau and Hong Kong, Rose's journey was one of resilience. She arrived in San Francisco on a scholarship, earned her master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, and went on to make history as the San Francisco Chronicle’s first female Asian American journalist.

But her impact stretched far beyond the newsroom. Rose became a fierce and fearless advocate for her community—fighting to save the Chinese Hospital, securing Chinatown's future with the Central Subway, and using her voice to connect the Asian American community to city politics. A "gatekeeper" without an official title, Rose played a crucial role in nominating Edwin M. Lee as San Francisco’s first Asian American mayor and had a lasting influence on city politics for decades.

Her legacy endures today—through the naming of the Muni Metro Chinatown station as “Chinatown–Rose Pak Station,” the dedication of “Rose Pak’s Way” in Chinatown, and the establishment of the Rose Pak Community Fund.

Rose’s dedication to her community, her fierce advocacy, and her unwavering belief in social justice will always be remembered. Her story is woven into the fabric of San Francisco, and we honor her memory today. Thank you, Rose, for all you did, and for all you continue to inspire in us.

✨ Today, as we cast our votes, we are reminded of the rich history surrounding us. The San Francisco Columbarium has lon...
11/05/2024

✨ Today, as we cast our votes, we are reminded of the rich history surrounding us. The San Francisco Columbarium has long been a polling location for our community, offering a place for local residents to come together and participate in the democratic process.

Surrounded by the quiet strength of those who came before us, we feel the weight of their sacrifices and the privilege of our right to vote. It’s humbling to be part of a tradition that connects us to the past while shaping the future we will leave behind.

In this sacred space, we stand united—not just as individuals, but as a community committed to making our voices heard. Every vote we cast is a step forward, a thread woven into the fabric of our collective future. Together, we make it count. 🌟

🏛️✨ Check out this fascinating architectural drawing that appeared in the April 20th, 1897 issue of the San Francisco Ca...
10/29/2024

🏛️✨ Check out this fascinating architectural drawing that appeared in the April 20th, 1897 issue of the San Francisco Call, announcing the upcoming construction of the San Francisco Columbarium! Originally budgeted at $150,000 (a whopping $5.6 million in today's dollars), this drawing captures the vision for the structure.

Interestingly, the final design that was completed in 1898 differs quite a bit from this initial concept. For instance, the drawing features a basement level with an exterior staircase that never came to be. Additionally, the numerous bullseye windows around the dome were scaled back, and the curved exterior wall with three niches was instead built with a large opening for a stunning stained glass window.

It's amazing to see how visions evolve over time! 🕊️💖

Thank you for stopping by and for the shout out!
10/24/2024

Thank you for stopping by and for the shout out!

The San Francisco Columbarium is home to some 50,000 people. Every life has a story to tell, and today we would like to ...
10/23/2024

The San Francisco Columbarium is home to some 50,000 people. Every life has a story to tell, and today we would like to share and honor the life of San Francisco artist René Garcia Jr.

On May 8, 2015, the art community lost an extraordinary talent at the age of 41. Born on July 9, 1973, in Burbank, California, René grew up exploring his artistic talents in Riverside, where his mother encouraged his creativity by letting him transform his bedroom walls into murals.

René was a multi-talented artist known for his dazzling glitter paintings, large-format installations, and vibrant multi-media sculptures that captivated audiences in galleries from San Francisco to Miami. His work often celebrated pop culture icons, especially those from the '70s through modern day, including his beloved Michael Jackson. The gigantic, glittering representation of Jackson as a Thriller zombie became a highlight of his studio, drawing in tourists and locals alike.

His playful spirit shone through not just in his art but in his grand gestures and adventures. Whether creating towering Rice Krispie Treat Christmas trees or inspiring kids as a volunteer art teacher, René believed in the power of creativity to uplift and connect us all. His work at San Quentin as part of the Prison Arts Project allowed him to share his passion for art with those seeking to express themselves, pushing them to think outside the box and embrace their stories.

René had a knack for making everything feel larger than life, from his iconic installations at Coachella to the heartfelt mixtapes he crafted for friends. He lived with a sense of wonder, always inviting others to see the beauty in the world around them.

As we remember René, let us celebrate his legacy of joy, creativity, and kindness. His spirit will continue to inspire artists and admirers alike to embrace life and all its adventures. 🌈✨



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc_90t2LGzs

🌿The San Francisco Columbarium stands as the last remnant of the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which was part of a larger comple...
10/18/2024

🌿The San Francisco Columbarium stands as the last remnant of the Odd Fellows Cemetery, which was part of a larger complex of four cemeteries that once covered nearly 170 acres in the heart of the city.

Between 1920 and 1941, around 150,000 bodies were relocated, with families paying about $10 for the transfer of their loved ones' graves and markers 15 miles south, often with a solemn procession.

But what happened to the rest of the headstones and stonework? Most were repurposed as building materials for breakwaters at Aquatic Park, Ocean Beach, and the St. Francis Yacht Club. The Marina's wave organ is even made from broken mausoleum pieces! Headstones were used for road bedding along The Great Highway and in constructing retaining walls and drainage canals throughout Buena Vista Park.

Interestingly, headstones occasionally wash up on Ocean Beach, a reminder of the past. Many broken headstones remain buried and can still be discovered today, with stories of children and teenagers finding them in their backyards or behind shops and businesses continuing to surface. 🪦🪦✨

Today, we pause to remember the Loma Prieta earthquake that struck on this day in 1989. This tragic event claimed the li...
10/17/2024

Today, we pause to remember the Loma Prieta earthquake that struck on this day in 1989. This tragic event claimed the lives of 63 individuals, forever changing countless lives and leaving a profound impact on our community.

We invite you to visit the memorial dedicated to their memory at the San Francisco Columbarium, a sacred space for reflection and remembrance.

We also honor the first responders who courageously rushed to help in the aftermath, risking their own lives to assist others and aid in the rebuilding of our community. Their unwavering dedication continues to inspire us today.

As we commemorate this day, let’s also recognize the resilience of those who rebuilt and the important lessons learned since then. Our thoughts remain with the families affected and the generations that followed. Together, we can strengthen our preparedness for the future. 🕊️💔

🌊 Today, we honor the remarkable life of Dr. Henry Washington Dodge, a survivor of the Titanic and a notable figure in S...
10/16/2024

🌊 Today, we honor the remarkable life of Dr. Henry Washington Dodge, a survivor of the Titanic and a notable figure in San Francisco's history. The San Francisco Columbarium is home to over 50,000 people, and Dodge's story is one of survival and hope.

In early 1912, Dr. Dodge, a San Francisco physician, city supervisor, and banker, sailed to Europe with his family on the Olympic. For their return, they booked a first-class cabin on the Titanic's maiden voyage. Four days into the journey, on a clear, cold Sunday night, disaster struck when the ship hit an iceberg.

"We had returned to our stateroom, and the noise of the collision was not at all alarming," Dodge recalled in The San Francisco Bulletin. Initially, everything seemed orderly, with the orchestra playing lively tunes. But as the situation escalated, passengers were urged to don life jackets.

Dodge’s wife, Ruth, and their four-year-old son boarded lifeboat No. 7, while he remained behind. As the gravity of the situation became clear and the realization set in that there weren't enough lifeboats, Dodge found himself on the starboard side of the ship. He helped load women into lifeboat No. 13, and when no more women appeared, he was urged to join the others.

Remarkably, Ruth had tucked a lunch menu from that day into her purse, and we know what was served for lunch in first class because of it. That menu sold at auction in 2012 for over $120,000!

Dodge described the chaotic scene: "The lifeboat was nearly swamped at least twice." After a tense half hour, the Titanic’s lights went out, and in a final plunge downward, Dodge witnessed a shooting star streak across the sky on that fateful night.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of courage in the face of tragedy. Let’s remember not just the disaster, but also the incredible lives of those who experienced it. 🕊️✨

🌳🕊️ Did you know? The San Francisco Columbarium is the last remnant of the Odd Fellows Cemetery that once stood on this...
10/11/2024

🌳🕊️ Did you know? The San Francisco Columbarium is the last remnant of the Odd Fellows Cemetery that once stood on this site..

On November 19, 1865, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows opened a beautiful 30-acre cemetery on the west slope of Lone Mountain in San Francisco, creating a rare green space in a time when public parks were scarce. While it primarily served the Odd Fellows, the cemetery also welcomed plots for others, including sections for the Greek community and the Grand Army of the Republic, which held Memorial Day parades there.

Among those interred was the notable Charles de Young, co-founder of the San Francisco Chronicle, whose funeral procession led to the Odd Fellows Cemetery in 1880. His widow commissioned a stunning monument at the entrance, celebrated for its picturesque beauty.

As the cemetery filled and funds dwindled, the Odd Fellows adapted by opening a crematorium in 1895 and a striking neo-Classical Columbarium designed by architect Bernard J.S. Cahill in 1898. However, by the early 1900s, San Francisco’s expansion prompted a shift in policy, with an ordinance in 1900 prohibiting new burials within city limits, followed by a ban on cremations in 1910.

Facing closure, the Odd Fellows purchased land in Colma in 1904 for a new cemetery, Green Lawn Cemetery. Despite the relocation orders issued in 1912, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the city enforced the removal of bodies, moving around 26,000 graves by 1932.

While much of the former cemetery was transformed into residential neighborhoods and shopping areas, the Columbarium has endured. After falling into disrepair, it was restored by the Neptune Society in 1980 and now stands as a historic site, reflecting the rich past of this once-thriving cemetery amidst San Francisco's ever-changing landscape. 🏛️✨

🌟The San Francisco Columbarium is home to some 50,000 people, from notable figures to everyday individuals from all walk...
10/09/2024

🌟The San Francisco Columbarium is home to some 50,000 people, from notable figures to everyday individuals from all walks of life. Each life has a story to tell. Today, we would like to honor and share the life of Aaron E. Curry, also known as OFRN.

OFRN was one of the most prolific graffiti artists in San Francisco history, renowned for his unique artistry and extensive tagging. His journey began in difficult circumstances, as he grew up as an orphan and faced many challenges before finding his passion for art. With a creative spirit that flourished in the streets of San Francisco, OFRN transformed urban landscapes into canvases filled with whimsical imagery and poignant themes.

For over 25 years, he captivated the community with his playful yet thought-provoking work, leaving an indelible mark on the city. A proud member of several graffiti crews, OFRN was dedicated to his craft and inspired countless others with his bold, imaginative style.

Today, we remember Aaron E. Curry not just for his art, but for the resilience and creativity he embodied. His legacy lives on in the vibrant streets he loved, reminding us of the power of expression and the stories that connect us all. 🌈✨

Address

1 Loraine Court
San Francisco, CA
94118

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 3:30pm
Sunday 8am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+14157710717

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