Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Affordable Cremation & Burial Services in San Diego
San Diego Memorial Society has been dedicated to providing affordable cremation and burial solutions since 1958. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, we prioritize consumer protection by partnering with 11 local mortuaries to offer pre-negotiated pricing, ensuring members receive the lowest available rates. Our mission focuses on simplicity, dignity, and cost-effectiveness, with a volunteer-led board overseeing operations. Members gain access to five customizable plans, including cremation and burial services, while retaining the flexibility to pay in advance or at the time of need.We emphasize transparency, with all pricing details publicly available, and provide educational resources to help families make informed decisions. Our services extend to travelers through affiliations with over 100 similar organizations nationwide. With a legacy of serving over 36,000 families, we remain committed to ethical practices, community education, and reducing financial burdens during times of loss.
Services
Simple Cremation
Graveside Burial
Viewing Service with Burial
Viewing Service with Cremation
Memorial Service
Pre-Need Planning
Veteran Benefits Guidance
Traveler Coverage
Eco-Friendly Options
Urn Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We are a nonprofit organization focused on consumer protection since 1958.
- Our pre-negotiated pricing guarantees the lowest rates at 11 San Diego mortuaries.
- We offer 24/7 support for emergency arrangements and membership enrollment.
- Veteran benefits guidance available for burial assistance.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or sales pressure.
Associations and certifications
- Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA)
Services
Simple Cremation
Our Simple Cremation plan includes body transport, basic plastic urn, and return of cremains to family. Optional witnessed scattering or local urn delivery available for additional fees. Designed for cost-conscious families seeking no-frills arrangements while maintaining dignity and simplicity.
Graveside Burial Service
This package includes a simple casket and transport to a local cemetery for graveside service. Excludes cemetery plot costs. Ideal for families preferring traditional burial without chapel visitation, offering significant savings compared to full-service funerals.
Viewing Service with Burial
Combines visitation at mortuary with burial service, including casket, embalming, and cemetery transport. Perfect for families wanting formal viewing followed by graveside ceremony. Excludes cemetery plot expenses but offers transparent pricing for core services.
Viewing Service with Cremation
Allows formal visitation using a rental casket before cremation. Includes memorial service at funeral chapel, cremation with basic urn, and return of cremains. Provides traditional elements while maintaining cremation's cost advantages, with optional urn upgrades available.
Memorial Service with Cremation
This plan features a memorial service with urn but no body present. Includes basic cremation container, funeral chapel use, and register book. Suitable for families preferring to hold a service after cremation, with flexibility to personalize arrangements while maintaining cost efficiency.
People
Rudee Slavik
President
Rudee Slavik leads our volunteer board with over 20 years of consumer advocacy experience. Committed to funeral cost transparency, she ensures our organization maintains strict ethical standards while expanding member benefits.
Dorinda Miller
Vice President
Dorinda Miller oversees operational policies with a focus on service quality. Her background in healthcare ethics informs our approach to compassionate, dignified end-of-life arrangements for San Diego families.
Kimberly Katz
Secretary
Kimberly Katz manages our records and member communications. With expertise in nonprofit administration, she ensures accurate documentation and compliance with all regulatory requirements for our 501(c)(4) organization.
Luis Jarquin
Treasurer
Luis Jarquin oversees financial operations with a commitment to transparency. His accounting background ensures responsible management of member funds and maintenance of our low-cost service model.
Andrea Barnes
Office Director
Andrea Barnes serves as primary contact for members, handling enrollment and service coordination. Her decade of experience in funeral services ensures efficient support for families during critical times.
Questions
What membership benefits are available for San Diego residents?
Members receive pre-negotiated pricing at 11 local mortuaries, saving $200–$800 on cremation and more on burial plans. Includes transport, documentation, and 24/7 support.
Can I join after a loved one has passed?
Yes, we accept posthumous enrollments. Call 858-391-1267 immediately to enroll a deceased loved one and access member pricing.
What services are included in the Simple Cremation plan?
Includes body transport, plastic urn, and return of cremains. Additional fees apply for permits, death certificates, and optional services like witnessed scattering.
Do you offer eco-friendly burial options?
Yes, we provide green burial and water cremation options. Contact us for details about sustainable end-of-life choices available in California.
How does pre-planning work?
Pre-planning locks in 2024 pricing or allows payment at the time of need. Members receive a packet to document preferences and keep their membership card in their wallet.
Reviews (4)
Glenn G.
Jul 09, 2020
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My Mom bought a prepaid cremation plan in 2002 thru the San Diego Memorial Society. Apparently that original funeral home went out of business but the funds were suppose to be transferred to Humphrey's (Funeraria del Angel) I talked to Humphrey's and they said yes but the plan my Mom bought didn't cover everything, like $195 for the crematory fees itself. I told her the San Diego Memorial Society pamphlet my Mom gave me clearly showed that was covered. She said she needed to check with her boss. She called back and said they found out the plan wasn't funded at all. I have
Beth Flowers
Sep 06, 2019
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I joined posthumously for my mother and was able to save a lot of money on her memorial service and cremation. They are matter of fact, friendly, helpful in stressful times and understand what dying is all about for the family members. I cannot recommend them more highly. I talked my father into joining before his death and I joined at the same time. A great move and they provide materials to help you talk to family and loved ones about this taboo topic. It is better to know what each person wants for their memorial and disposition of remains after death rather than to just guess (and argue with
Kay F.
Apr 18, 2017
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This is so wonderful! We saved $800 by joining. It's a win win! They are so helpful! We signed up on the phone. It's such a great service!
Frances S.
Dec 20, 2012
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My family has used SD Memorial Society for our funeral and cremation needs since 1960. At least 5 family members have used them. The rest of my family are members. I'm planning to use them for my needs. If you don't want to pay the large mortuaries and cemeteries a fortune, membership in the Society will allow you to take advantage of discounts at some of the smaller places. The Society is a non-profit consumer watchdog group that contracts with local establishments for discounted services for their members. They are very knowledgeable and will walk you thru all you need to do. No high
