Having established itself long ago as San Diego’s most prestigious funeral home and cemetery, Greenwood Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory is truly a place like no other.
Built in 1907 on a slight hill with an ocean view, Greenwood’s appeal began with its location. Over the years, it has expanded to include several chapels, a mortuary, crematory, three mausoleums, a collection of international and rare vegetation and statuary.
Many prominent San Diego residents are laid to rest here and many of the markers tell a fascinating story. For those unfamiliar with Belle Benchley, for example, it might come as a surprise to stumble across a grave marker depicting the face of a gorilla. Known as The Zoo Lady, Benchley was the director of the San Diego Zoo from 1927 to 1953, and guided its expansion from a small collection of animals to an innovative, world-class zoo.
At Greenwood, we understand that losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and that’s why it’s so important to us that our clients feel like an extension of our own family. Our incredible team of professionals have many years of experience, and as we comfort families in times of loss, we work tirelessly to ensure they’re all treated with compassion and respect.
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The Inspirational Beauty of Greenwood
Greenwood is a beautiful final resting place where future generations can come to remember their loved ones in a spiritually uplifting setting. Having served the families of San Diego for more than a century, Greenwood is spread across 132 acres with many fine features that include: The Tree of Life. This spectacular Moreton Bay Fig tree is the second-oldest tree of its kind in the city. Our
Read More >>Respecting Our Veterans: The Honor of a Military Funeral
Few Americans give as much to their country as the members of our armed forces. They serve as they are needed, even if they are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. At Greenwood Memorial Park, we believe that because of this noble service, veterans are deserving of a funeral with full military honors. The elements of a military funeral lend the
Read More >>Is a Will Sufficient? Making Sure Your Family is Covered
When you think about the end of your life, it’s important to consider taking steps to protect yourself and your family legally. As you’re making plans, a will is probably at the top of your list. It’s a good step toward protecting your heirs and making sure your assets are divided according to your wishes. But is it enough to
Read More >>History and Legacy of the Funeral Caisson
If you’re planning a funeral, one of the many ways to make it one of a kind is to have a funeral caisson, which is traditionally used in military funerals. The history of the caisson begins on the battlefield. A two-wheeled cart pulled by horses, the caisson was initially used to transport cannons on the battlefield. It was also used to transport the dead and
Read More >>Jazz Funerals, Sky Burials and Other Unique Traditions
A funeral is typically thought of as a solemn occasion, but that doesn’t mean it can’t reflect the personality and traditions of the person it honors. Across the globe, there are unique funeral traditions that may seem strange to those unfamiliar with them. Yet these customs serve to create a sense of belonging and leave
Read More >>Grief Journals: Creative Expression and Healing
A grief journal can be very helpful in processing grief. It’s a safe space to express emotions and unburden yourself. When you’re writing in a journal, there is no judgment, and you can say anything you need to say. In addition to writing about what has happened and how you feel, you can use a
Read More >>Food after the Funeral: What’s Appropriate
After most funerals, it’s customary to have a reception or meal. During this time, family and friends gather to share food, fellowship and memories of the person who has died. It’s an important step in the grieving process because it allows people to connect and begin to heal. What’s the best food to serve? That
Read More >>They’re Playing Our Song: Incorporating Your Favorite Music into a Funeral
Playing music at a funeral is a time-honored tradition. Sometimes, the most suitable music is traditional, but in most cases, there is some leeway in the music you choose. You might be preplanning your own service, or you might be planning a service for a loved one who has recently died. Either way, it’s usually
Read More >>A Look at Our Ceremonial Cremation Package
Families come to Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary because of our longstanding tradition of providing sensitive, compassionate funeral services in San Diego. With more than a century of experience, we are well equipped to create life-honoring tributes, with or without a traditional burial. We offer several packages from which to choose, but our Ceremonial Cremation
Read More >>Why the Choice of Memorial Park Matters
In previous generations, burial and cremation options in the United States were limited, which made deciding on a final resting place a non-issue. People were often buried in a family plot in a local churchyard or cemetery, or sometimes even on family property. Today the options are broader, but the important thing is to choose
Read More >>
The Inspirational Beauty of Greenwood
Greenwood is a beautiful final resting place where future generations can come to remember their loved ones in a spiritually uplifting setting. Having served the families of San Diego for more than a century, Greenwood is spread across 132 acres with many fine features that include: The Tree of Life. This spectacular Moreton Bay Fig tree is the second-oldest tree of its kind in the city. Our Read More >>Respecting Our Veterans: The Honor of a Military Funeral
Few Americans give as much to their country as the members of our armed forces. They serve as they are needed, even if they are called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. At Greenwood Memorial Park, we believe that because of this noble service, veterans are deserving of a funeral with full military honors. The elements of a military funeral lend the Read More >>Is a Will Sufficient? Making Sure Your Family is Covered
When you think about the end of your life, it’s important to consider taking steps to protect yourself and your family legally. As you’re making plans, a will is probably at the top of your list. It’s a good step toward protecting your heirs and making sure your assets are divided according to your wishes. But is it enough to Read More >>History and Legacy of the Funeral Caisson
If you’re planning a funeral, one of the many ways to make it one of a kind is to have a funeral caisson, which is traditionally used in military funerals. The history of the caisson begins on the battlefield. A two-wheeled cart pulled by horses, the caisson was initially used to transport cannons on the battlefield. It was also used to transport the dead and Read More >>Jazz Funerals, Sky Burials and Other Unique Traditions
A funeral is typically thought of as a solemn occasion, but that doesn’t mean it can’t reflect the personality and traditions of the person it honors. Across the globe, there are unique funeral traditions that may seem strange to those unfamiliar with them. Yet these customs serve to create a sense of belonging and leave Read More >>Grief Journals: Creative Expression and Healing
A grief journal can be very helpful in processing grief. It’s a safe space to express emotions and unburden yourself. When you’re writing in a journal, there is no judgment, and you can say anything you need to say. In addition to writing about what has happened and how you feel, you can use a Read More >>Food after the Funeral: What’s Appropriate
After most funerals, it’s customary to have a reception or meal. During this time, family and friends gather to share food, fellowship and memories of the person who has died. It’s an important step in the grieving process because it allows people to connect and begin to heal. What’s the best food to serve? That Read More >>They’re Playing Our Song: Incorporating Your Favorite Music into a Funeral
Playing music at a funeral is a time-honored tradition. Sometimes, the most suitable music is traditional, but in most cases, there is some leeway in the music you choose. You might be preplanning your own service, or you might be planning a service for a loved one who has recently died. Either way, it’s usually Read More >>A Look at Our Ceremonial Cremation Package
Families come to Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary because of our longstanding tradition of providing sensitive, compassionate funeral services in San Diego. With more than a century of experience, we are well equipped to create life-honoring tributes, with or without a traditional burial. We offer several packages from which to choose, but our Ceremonial Cremation Read More >>Why the Choice of Memorial Park Matters
In previous generations, burial and cremation options in the United States were limited, which made deciding on a final resting place a non-issue. People were often buried in a family plot in a local churchyard or cemetery, or sometimes even on family property. Today the options are broader, but the important thing is to choose Read More >>
Recent Obituaries
“Every single person we encountered was phenomenal! Desmond was outstanding! He was so pleasant and thoughtful” — P.K.
“I viewed my 98-year-old great grandma at Greenwood. Thank you for doing such a nice job on her makeup. She looked absolutely beautiful in her casket. I am happy that she is at peace and that my last image of her will be a good memory.” — K. B.
“I lost my son in a tragic situation. He was a young adult and the comfort I needed came so effortlessly from the staff at Greenwood. I was in shock, grief, disbelief, numb and clueless as to what had to be done. Jennifer Berry’s warm, caring manner and comforting words helped put me at ease. Jennifer held my hand and took care of everything for me. I feel she was purposely put in my path and I will be forever grateful.” — E.M.
Contact Us
Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary
4300 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
California License FD#: 843 / COA 661
619.450.1479
