Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapel

Terrible place.
They had a funeral scheduled after ours. So they rushed us through. At one point, all our guests were standing in the lobby talking. Mr. Schoem actually came up to me and started talking threateningly to me, because our guests hadn’t left fast enough. It made a sad day much more stressful. I can’t recommend them at all.

From start to finish, Schoem’s Menorah Chapel took very good care of us.
Mom lived and died in California, so we worked with Sinai Chapel in Redwood City, CA to make the arrangements. They know everyone in the NJ/​NY area, they considered several, but they quickly chose Schoem’s Chapel as the best. This endorsement meant a lot because Sinai Chapel was… well…very picky.
There was a lot of strain because part of our family is ultra orthodox religious and wanted Mom to be buried immediately. The other part of the family wanted a little time to gather friends and family to honor Mom. That was Mom’s wish. But she also wanted the ancient traditions to be observed.
We couldn’t have imagined what came next. The religious side of the family, from NY, didn’t understand that by California law, in order for a body to be transported across state lines, 18 signatures from the Dept of Public Health have to be collected. Since Mom died late on a Friday night, and since government offices are closed on the weekend, it was impossible for Mom to be buried on Sunday, in NY, which is what they were demanding.
The religious zealots called, screamed, harangued Schoem’s Chapel many times. All the while, everyone at Schoem’s was calm and diplomatic while under heavy bombardment, And, they carried out Mom’s wishes to the letter. Diana, the office manager was terrific. I called to confirm the financial arrangements — she was on top of it. And she made sure that the body wasn’t buried before we could get there. This took a great deal of effort.
We were afraid there would be trouble at the funeral. So, Schoem’s dispatched Howard to be their representative. He efficiently, courteously, professionally and compassionately took care of the paperwork and made arrangements in case there was a disturbance. At the same time, he also was compassionate towards and cared for the needs of the religious members of the family.
But what I am most grateful for was what Howard did next. He took me aside, helped me to breathe deeply, meditate, calm down and connect with my Mother. At my request, he took me to visit Mom privately one last time at the hearse. The dam finally burst and all the emotions tumbled out — grief, regret, sorrow. I was surrounded by my husband’s beloved family who held me up as my legs failed me. The release I felt was profound and allowed me to go through the rest of the day calmly, even joyously, knowing my Mother’s spirit was freed from her frail earthly body and was reunited with Dad at last. Howard looks, and I’m sure, can be tough when needed, but he is also a very compassionate and gentle man.
When someone passes away you don’t even know what you need. But Schoem’s guided us through it and gave us what Mom wanted and what we needed.

Gary Schoem is a true professional. If you are Unilocaling funeral homes, my condolences for your loss. You will be in good hands here.