Blogs - Berge Pappas Smith

Keeping Memory in Memorial Day

The first long weekend of summer, when millions of Americans celebrate with backyard parties, beach trips, parades and general revelry.

May 19, 2026 No Comments

Funeral Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for Attendees

While funeral customs may vary across cultures and religions, certain etiquette guidelines apply universally.

April 19, 2026 No Comments

The Evolution of Funeral Services: Modern Approaches to Honoring the Deceased

Funeral services have long been a cornerstone of human culture, providing a space for communities to come together to mourn, remember, and pay tribute to those who have passed away.

March 22, 2026 No Comments

Essential Funeral Planning Tips for Peace of Mind

Discover key tips for seamless funeral planning, offering solace and clarity during difficult times.

February 22, 2026 No Comments

Why Pre-Planning Your Funeral is a Gift to Your Family

Learn how pre-planning your funeral can ease the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones, ensuring your wishes are honored.

January 21, 2026 No Comments

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide

April 6, 2021 No Comments

Customer Reviews

“
September 6, 2024
Our family has used the services of Chapel Of The Angels twice during our times of need. On both instances they made quick arrangements to retrieve our loved ones, and began the process of caring for them immediately. With regards to our mother, the grave site was clear out on the coast. They took care of the entire processional without any issues. They offer a full range of services and are responsive to all needs and requests. I know the entire family and am impressed with their intregity. I highly recommend Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels.

Fred B.
“
June 14, 2024
BPS were extremely kind, understanding, professional and accommodating, service went so smooth, they even knew exactly what the hindu priest would ask for, truly well integrated into bay area needs, highly recommend!

Vijay P.
“
September 2, 2024
Best service for the worst days of my life. Chapel of the Angels have provided unsurpassed end to end service to make the cremation and funeral ceremony trouble free. They have taken care of the complicated process and paper work so my family can be worried free and have a great celebration of life to the friends and family.

Raymond C.
“
September 12, 2024
From first contact to the final steps, they guided us through the process & handled everything with the upmost respect that you could hope for at the most difficult time in your life. Exceeded our expectations & we had complete trust in them to make sure all our concerns were addressed. Cannot thank them enough for all their help. 10 out of 10. Great people!

Chuck C.
“
March 30, 2024
Taylor the Funeral Director was excellent. A thorough professional yet congenial. The entire team was very cooperative. Thank you.

Shankar K.
“
July 19, 2024
The professionalism of Samuel and Michelle made my unexceptional experience comfortable from the first conversation. They made my choice to have them make the arrangements for my lovely wife of 32 years. We would have shopped around for flowers, caskets, and printing companies. We wanted Samuel to do everything, and I was delighted with everything

Gilbert B.
“
August 23, 2024
It was a very solemn and smooth process to say our good bye's to my Dad at the Chapel of the Angeles. The zoom experience was also very helpful to enable our dear ones to say their Good Byes virtually.

I want to especially mention that what was so convenient was that the staff even had some of the rare items used in our Hindu rituals handy for our use - something that we had tried hard to get and given up on.

Vijay D.
“
September 5, 2024
Our family used the services of Chapel of the Angels recently for a Hindu funeral. The services provided were stellar leading up to the day of the funeral - Ian and Michele were very responsive to all of our questions about logistics, documentation, and the event, including on the weekends. On the day of, the facility was incredibly clean, beautiful, and peaceful. Andrea helped us with logistics day-of and was so kind, flexible about timing, and clear about how the Zoom recording and audio logistics would work. Our family felt that all the staff were kind and helpful, and we would not hesitate to use their services again should we have that need.

Diya M.
“
July 10, 2024
I recently had the difficult task of planning a funeral for my mother, and I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel Of The Angels. Samuel Smith, the owner, and his team were considerate and patient throughout the entire process. As someone who has never handled a funeral before, I found Mr. Smith's detailed explanations and suggestions invaluable. He truly acted in the best interest of our family.

His team efficiently coordinated with the casket maker, florist, and arranged for a priest within a short time frame. We were particularly impressed with Father Finley, the priest they arranged. Despite having limited information about my mother, Father Finley's reflections were touching, profound, and heartfelt.

Overall, my brother and I were very impressed with the service provided by Berge-Pappas-Smith. Their professionalism and compassion made a very difficult time more manageable. I highly recommend their services to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate position of planning a funeral.
Thank you, Sam and your team, for making a very hard time a little bit easier.

Charlie M.
“
April 19, 2024
We were wrangling with a logistical nightmare with another funeral home when Chapel of Angels stepped in. They handled the transition with such grace and professionalism.

The staff was aware of Hindu customs and rituals and made accommodations for us to fulfill those during our father’s service.

The setting is unbelievably beautiful, rustic, and elegant - reminiscent of an old world cottage.

They had a strong network of partnering vendors who provided the necessary touches in such a short turnaround.

We are so thankful.

Aradhana P.
“
June 13, 2024
The BPS team was the most gracious and accommodating team to work with. They are professional, comforting and down-to-earth. Every need was met and their patience in dealing with varying levels of angst among family members was handled with calmness and grace. Over the years, they were there for us with the passing of our grandmother, father, and mother, and I would highly recommend them to everyone.

Alice Gatz
“
Extremely courteous and professional. We had a service for our Grandfather that was completed through Berge-Pappas-Smiths’ guidance and our family was very well cared for. I’m grateful for the conversations that took place to coordinate our services - they were thoughtful, direct and easy to work with. They made a difference for our family during a strenuous time and especially helped with our vendor management and arrangements. Thanks for your services and care.

Jacque S.
“
Excellent customer service and care provided. If there was a 10 stars button I would give them that. My father passed away, we were devastated and we wanted cremation services for my father to honor him. Chapel of the Angels provided step by step guidance on our options and explained the entire process of cremation from start to finish. My family members and I were in tears and they comforted us as if we were just like their family. Chapel of the Angels are very well versed in religious traditions and rituals, and that was something I found absolutely amazing about them. We want to give a special thank you to Kevin and Michelle. We called them multiple times at 1am in the night because we were frantic and obviously in shock about my fathers passing away. To my surprise they were never annoyed with our excessive questions and special requests. They treated my late father Shyam Lal Mangi with such respect, honor and love. I am forever grateful to Chapel of the Angels for allowing us to have a beautiful and spiritual ceremony. If you have lost a loved one, honor them by calling Chapel of the Angels. You will be treated like family. And you can ask a million questions and they will respect you, comfort you, honor you and your loved ones. I know my father is shining down on us from Heaven. Thank you Kevin, Michelle and team! With love from the Mangi family.

Warriors For Empowerment
“
I so appreciated how Berge Pappas Smith took care of my Mom, and my whole family, during such a trying time. Sam, and the staff, were very caring and attentive to our needs and made us feel like part of their family.

Jane L.
“
Perfection. From beginning to completion of the appointment/arrangements and service. Caring, compassionate, kind in delivery and fair in cost. Kevin and his staff are A+. Thank you for taking care of Mom with grace.

T. T.
“
The kind, professional and caring services of Kevin and Dan were helpful when my mother-in-law passed many years ago When my daughter’s father-in-law died recently, there was a new generation: Sam and Ian were caring and sensitive to the family’s needs. Thank you for being there for us.

Michael B.
“
Long due from last Dec for my mom's funeral - Great job to help the family get through the hard time and arrange all the funeral details very well. Thank you!

Michelle W.
“
Our family has used the services of Chapel Of The Angels twice during our times of need. On both instances they made quick arrangements to retrieve our loved ones, and began the process of caring for them immediately. With regards to our mother, the grave site was clear out on the coast. They took care of the entire processional without any issues. They offer a full range of services and are responsive to all needs and requests. I know the entire family and am impressed with their integrity. I highly recommend Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels.

Fred B.
“
I can't say enough about everyone at this business. They're extremely kind and thoughtful and took their with me and my family. Thank you guys for the service you provided and always being available.

Steven J.
“
Our family used the services of Chapel of the Angels recently for a Hindu funeral. The services provided were stellar leading up to the day of the funeral - Ian and Michele were very responsive to all of our questions about logistics, documentation, and the event, including on the weekends. On the day of, the facility was incredibly clean, beautiful, and peaceful. Andrea helped us with logistics day-of and was so kind, flexible about timing, and clear about how the Zoom recording and audio logistics would work. Our family felt that all the staff were kind and helpful, and we would not hesitate to use their services again should we have that need.

Diya M.
“
Best service for the worst days of my life. Chapel of the Angels have provided unsurpassed end to end service to make the cremation and funeral ceremony trouble free. They have taken care of the complicated process and paper work so my family can be worried free and have a great celebration of life to the friends and family.

Raymond C.
“
Amazing service!

Jayaraj M.
“
We were wrangling with a logistical nightmare with another funeral home when Chapel of Angels stepped in. They handled the transition with such grace and professionalism.

The staff was aware of Hindu customs and rituals and made accommodations for us to fulfill those during our father’s service.

The setting is unbelievably beautiful, rustic, and elegant - reminiscent of an old world cottage.

They had a strong network of partnering vendors who provided the necessary touches in such a short turnaround.

We are so thankful.

Aradhana P.
“
The professionalism of Samuel and Michelle made my unexceptional experience comfortable from the first conversation. They made my choice to have them make the arrangements for my lovely wife of 32 years. We would have shopped around for flowers, caskets, and printing companies. We wanted Samuel to do everything, and I was delighted with everything

Gilbert B.
“
It was a very solemn and smooth process to say our good bye's to my Dad at the Chapel of the Angeles. The zoom experience was also very helpful to enable our dear ones to say their Good Byes virtually.

I want to especially mention that what was so convenient was that the staff even had some of the rare items used in our Hindu rituals handy for our use - something that we had tried hard to get and given up on.

Vijay D.
“
I recently had the difficult task of planning a funeral for my mother, and I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel Of The Angels. Samuel Smith, the owner, and his team were considerate and patient throughout the entire process. As someone who has never handled a funeral before, I found Mr. Smith's detailed explanations and suggestions invaluable. He truly acted in the best interest of our family.

His team efficiently coordinated with the casket maker, florist, and arranged for a priest within a short time frame. We were particularly impressed with Father Finley, the priest they arranged. Despite having limited information about my mother, Father Finley's reflections were touching, profound, and heartfelt.

Overall, my brother and I were very impressed with the service provided by Berge-Pappas-Smith. Their professionalism and compassion made a very difficult time more manageable. I highly recommend their services to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate position of planning a funeral.
Thank you, Sam and your team, for making a very hard time a little bit easier.

Charlie M.
“
Excellent, caring people in handling my sisters cremation.

Helen C.
“
BPS were extremely kind, understanding, professional and accommodating, service went so smooth, they even knew exactly what the hindu priest would ask for, truly well integrated into bay area needs, highly recommend!

Vijay P.
“
From first contact to the final steps, they guided us through the process & handled everything with the upmost respect that you could hope for at the most difficult time in your life. Exceeded our expectations & we had complete trust in them to make sure all our concerns were addressed. Cannot thank them enough for all their help. 10 out of 10. Great people!

Chuck C.
“
The Smith family is a very caring family to the many people that they help through trouble times.

Robin M.
“
Honest, Humble and Hardworking. You can't do any better.

Don G.
“
Dear Kevin & Staff - thank you very much for taking care of our family's needs during the cremation services of my mom. We thank you for keeping everything within our wishes, simplicity and genuine compassion. Everyone was thoroughly professional, understanding and very friendly.

Sunil K.
“
This company helped us through a difficult time after my mother in law passed away. They were so kind and helpful and they knew exactly how to advise and support us.

Sophia C.
“
Compared to a few places I spoke with prior, this place gave me a warm and sympathetic tone when speaking with them. Sam was a joy to work with and was great at serving as a resource and answering all the many questions we had. I also appreciated the time and patience he took to breakdown everything related to funeral planning given I went in pretty clueless about the entire process. I highly recommend them!

Lena L.
“
The arrangements and the cooperation by the staff right from the start till the end was exceptionally good.

Raj P.
“
I appreciated the attention to detail and kindness everyone showed. I specifically worked with Michelle Tokarski to complete the cremation and obtain death certificates. Michelle was kind and kept me up to date with the progress of each procedure throughout the way. I was never left wondering when the next step would be. I am so thankful for the help from her and the rest of the team at this facility.

Ashley T.
“
The service's I've been to for friends and loved ones have been very well handled. The facilities are very good.

Daniel B.
“
Kevin, Dan, and the entire staff at Berge-Pappas-Smith took great care of my mom who recently passed away. They were very professional and courteous - my family could have asked for a better place to take care of my mom! I plan to recommend Berge-Pappas-Smith to anyone dealing with the loss of a family member or loved one.

Tony G.
“
The staff and the facility was nothing short of professional and meaningful. We are glad they are part of our mourning.

Joseph T.
“
They were extremely attentive and accommodating, they made sure we had everything we needed to have a good service. They were knowledgeable about other burial services. They had enough staff on hand, place was clean, and they are affordable. Highly recommend.

Jessica R.
“
The overall experience was excellent and smooth transitions from the owner Kevin Smith to staffers; Becky Cummins, Sam Smith, Fabian and Ariel were absolutely going above and beyond their duties to guide and provided our family needs during the difficult time. The staffs ensured to support us all the details to make our family and guests as comfortable as possible. The garden hall just well maintained and peacefulness for viewing service.

Dan N.
“
Extremely courteous and professional. We had a service for our Grandfather that was completed through Berge-Pappas-Smiths’ guidance and our family was very well cared for. I’m grateful for the conversations that took place to coordinate our services - they were thoughtful, direct and easy to work with. They made a difference for our family during a strenuous time and especially helped with our vendor management and arrangements. Thanks for your services and care.

Jacque S.

Keeping Memory in Memorial Day

Funeral Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for Attendees

The Evolution of Funeral Services: Modern Approaches to Honoring the Deceased

Essential Funeral Planning Tips for Peace of Mind

Why Pre-Planning Your Funeral is a Gift to Your Family

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Receive FREE Preplanning Guide

Customer Reviews

Consistently Voted
Best of Fremont for
Nearly 18 Years

Keeping Memory in Memorial Day

Funeral Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts for Attendees

The Evolution of Funeral Services: Modern Approaches to Honoring the Deceased

Essential Funeral Planning Tips for Peace of Mind

Why Pre-Planning Your Funeral is a Gift to Your Family

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

Receive FREE Preplanning Guide

Consistently VotedBest of Fremont forNearly 18 Years

Consistently Voted
Best of Fremont for
Nearly 18 Years