4529 Howe St, Oakland, CA, 94611
License #fd1958
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
Ask whether assignment is available for your policy and location, what fees apply, and what you must pay upfront. MedaSynq does not arrange assignments.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
Know Your Rights
Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must give price information by telephone and a written General Price List when you visit in person. Federal law does not require them to send the list by mail or email. You can select individual goods and services and use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Average in California
$3,244 – $10,202
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
Funerals in this area run $3,244–$10,202. If your family knows of a life insurance policy, Claim Assist can help file and follow up on the claim. The insurer decides whether to pay. There is no upfront fee; separate service terms apply.
“Update: Maria from St. Mary’s has continued to be a pain, as she is unhelpful and has actually lied to us on several occasions during this process. Her reportee, Tony, has been nothing but helpful, but often his hands are tied with Maria’s demands. My family member purchased a funeral plan with St. Mary’s before they passed. On the day that my relative passed (in a local hospital) we immediately contacted St. Mary’s to transport the body, and they did not call us back for over 4 hours. By the time they did call us back, we had been forced to work with a different funeral provider in the area, Chapel of the Chimes, that was much more responsive and had a better customer service experience. St. Mary’s then informed us it would be a $1500 fee to transport my relative from Chapel of the Chimes to St. Mary’s, even though THEY had not called us back for 4 hours. I would not recommend them to anyone.”
— Tia Kim
“I visit this cemetery because my parents are buried here. It is also the resting place as well of several neighbors, friends and members of my parish. Catholics consider cemeteries to be holy ground and it is a place for prayer. It is a place that holds many memories, some are bittersweet but some are comforting as well. Although I have cried many a tear here, I have found beauty and healing in the flowers and the many angels among the monuments.”
— Carrie McClish
“My family had a very negative experience with St. Mary Cemetery. In a time of grief, they’ve been dismissive, unresponsive, and tried to strong arm us into paying fees when we’ve paid for all of the services already. I would never use St. Mary’s Cemetery again.”
— Nikki K
If your family knows of a life insurance policy, Claim Assist can help file and follow up on the claim. No upfront fee; the service fee and terms are disclosed before you enroll.
Are you St. Mary Cemetery?
Claim and verify your free listing to show your services and pricing and receive family requests. Optional services have separate terms.
Claim your free listing“Do you offer payment plans?”
Many funeral homes allow you to spread the cost over time. Ask about down payments, terms, and financing options.