Funeral homes are not usually associated with design, but Riverside Funeral Home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, challenges that stereotype. This family-owned business has been serving the community for over a century, and has recently undergone a renovation that incorporates local art and culture into its spaces. In this blog post, we will explore how Riverside Funeral Home blends design and tradition, and how it creates a meaningful experience for its clients.
History and Heritage
The first topic we will discuss is the history and heritage of Riverside Funeral Home. Founded in 1907, the funeral home has been owned and operated by the French family for four generations. The current owner, Tom French, is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a trained artist and sculptor. His passion for art and culture is evident in the way he has transformed the funeral home into a gallery of sorts, showcasing local artists and historical artifacts.
One example of this is the lobby, which features a mural by Santa Fe artist Carlos Cortes, depicting the four seasons of New Mexico. The mural serves as a backdrop for a bronze statue of a Native American woman, created by Tom French himself, as a tribute to the indigenous people of the area. The lobby also houses a collection of vintage funeral equipment, such as horse-drawn hearses and caskets, providing a glimpse into the past of the funeral industry.
The second floor of the funeral home contains a chapel, which can accommodate up to 200 people. The chapel has a vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and a hand-carved altar, all of which create a solemn and reverent atmosphere. However, the chapel also has a modern sound system and a projector, allowing families to display photos and videos of their loved ones during the service. This combination of tradition and technology is another example of how Riverside Funeral Home adapts to the changing needs of its clients.
Services and Support
The second topic we will explore is the services and support offered by Riverside Funeral Home. As a full-service funeral home, it provides everything from pre-planning to grief counseling. However, what sets it apart is its personalized approach to each client. The staff at Riverside Funeral Home takes the time to listen to the wishes and needs of the family, and to offer guidance and options that suit their budget and beliefs.
One way Riverside Funeral Home supports families is through its online obituary and tribute pages. These pages allow family members and friends to share memories, photos, and condolences, and to light virtual candles in honor of the deceased. The pages also provide information about the funeral service, including the date, time, and location, as well as a map and directions.
Another way Riverside Funeral Home supports families is by offering grief support groups and individual counseling. These services are provided by licensed therapists and social workers, who specialize in bereavement and trauma. The counselors work with the families to help them process their emotions, cope with their loss, and find meaning in their grief.
Location and Community
The third topic we will examine is the location and community of Riverside Funeral Home. Situated in the historic district of Santa Fe, the funeral home is surrounded by adobe buildings, art galleries, and museums. The location reflects the cultural richness and diversity of the area, and provides a sense of belonging for the families who use the services of Riverside Funeral Home.
The funeral home also participates in community events, such as the annual Santa Fe Indian Market and the Dia de los Muertos celebration. During these events, the funeral home opens its doors to the public, and showcases its art collection and historical artifacts. By doing so, it promotes cultural awareness and appreciation, and fosters a sense of community involvement and pride.
Furthermore, Riverside Funeral Home partners with local charities and organizations, such as the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and the Food Depot, to support their causes and to give back to the community. This social responsibility and philanthropic spirit are integral to the values and mission of Riverside Funeral Home.
Legacy and Memory
The fourth and final topic we will explore is the legacy and memory of Riverside Funeral Home. As a family-owned business, it has a vested interest in preserving the legacy of its clients, as well as its own. To that end, it offers a range of memorialization options, such as custom urns, keepsakes, and jewelry, that allow families to honor and remember their loved ones in a meaningful way.
Riverside Funeral Home also has a dedicated team of genealogists and archivists, who maintain a database of obituaries, death certificates, and other historical documents. This database serves as a resource for families and researchers who are interested in tracing their family history and genealogy. It also contributes to the cultural and historical heritage of Santa Fe and New Mexico.
Finally, Riverside Funeral Home has a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. It offers eco-friendly options, such as biodegradable caskets and urns, as well as green burial and cremation services. By doing so, it recognizes the interconnectedness of life and death, and the impact of our choices on the environment and future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Riverside Funeral Home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a unique and innovative example of how design and tradition can coexist in the funeral industry. Through its history and heritage, services and support, location and community, and legacy and memory, it creates a holistic and meaningful experience for its clients. By embracing art, culture, and sustainability, Riverside Funeral Home sets a standard for excellence and compassion in the funeral industry.
| Topic | Subtopics |
| History and Heritage | - Founding and ownership - Art and artifacts |
| Services and Support | - Personalized approach - Online obituary and tribute pages - Grief counseling |
| Location and Community | - Cultural richness and diversity - Community involvement and pride - Philanthropic spirit |
| Legacy and Memory | - Memorialization options - Genealogy and archives - Sustainability and stewardship |