Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 8178 South Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307

"8/21/2024: Chapel Lawn manager, Andi, called today and we had a lengthy conversation about my perspective of what transpired and my disappointment. She advised me that an internal error had been made in the handling of my grave marker and that she will work with me to (hopefully) find an acceptable resolution. Honesty and intent matter, so I have updated my rating from 1-star to 3-stars. Stay tuned . . . I will provide another update once I hear back from her. 8/17/2024: You may not receive your agreed upon grave marker design. My mother, who had pre-paid burial arrangements, died in September 2023. Her grave marker design, while simple, was extremely important. I am an artist and the fine details matter. Michael and I spent 3 hours designing the grave marker (spacing, font size, etc.). The design was finalized on 10/12/2023 and submitted to the Eagle Granite, complete with a representative image. The submission specifically stated "Please note design was completed collaboratively with client step by step over a series of days to her complete satisfaction. Spacing of names and lines are per customer approval. Please do not alter design or spacing as she is in love with it and wants no further alterations or modifications." The marker was installed 5/2/2024, but the design had been altered/modified by Eagle Granite and no one contacted me first to discuss the changes or to seek my approval. I felt ambushed. The text is too close to the border, lower case was changed to upper case, the font size was enlarged and the spacing was altered between the first/middle/last names. Why did Michael and I spend 3 hours designing the marker if the manufacturer was going to do deviate from our final design? More importantly, why wasn't I contacted before the design was altered? When I called Chapel Lawn, I was advised that the font I chose did not allow for lower case letters. This response does not explain the alteration in spacing or why NO ONE DISCUSSED THIS WITH ME before proceeding with the engraving. Chapel Lawn accepted responsibility for the "mistake", but informed me that I have no recourse. The marker was paid for in advance and the product has been delivered. I asked if the granite company could engrave the back of the marker to get it right and was told they would not do so. So, while Chapel Lawn staff were friendly and easy to work with (Michael is an absolute artist), this “mistake” changed what was initially a positive experience to a negative experience. Although the information is correct, my mother’s permanent grave marker that is not what I designed and expected. I cannot recommend this business."

"I am deeply grateful to Dignity Memorial for their outstanding service during a profoundly difficult time. From the moment we contacted them, they provided compassionate and professional care, ensuring every detail of my husband's memorial service was handled with the utmost respect and dignity. Lindsey and the staff was incredibly supportive, guiding us through each step with empathy and understanding. The attention to detail and the warmth of their service made a significant difference in honoring my husband's memory. I highly recommend Dignity Memorial to anyone in need of their services."

"I went to visit my grandparents' graves and was very disappointed to find this lack of respect for them by this cemetery. Could they have given any less space between the graves? Why did they choose to dig this new grave so close to them? Was it necessary? I submitted a question regarding this on their website and have received no reply."

"In such a hard time in our lives, these people made our experience easier. The professionalism, personal care and attention they extended to us made us feel like family. When we met with Molly at the funeral home she extended so much patience with us, and was very sympathetic. When we met with Darlene to go over the cemetary and burial portion of the service we were met with sympathy, kindness, and professionalism. Darlene made sure everything was on point, and that we were ok with how everything had been done. The day of the service, when we reached the burial site, Martin from grounds went above and beyond without us even asking. This man was so kind, and attentive, he was friendly, and caring, and acted as though he knew us. This was my first experience of having to prepare the burial of a loved one, and this team made it as comfortable as possible. I do want to add one more thing, this experience of loss was horrible, and I hate that death is a part of life; however, when you have people helping you through this process like this team helped us it really makes a difference. If you are facing this process, I pray you all find peace and comfort in your time of sorrow. I highly recommend Kuiper Funeral Home, and Chapel Lawn."

"They provided facilities for a beautiful service for my great grandfather. It was my first time being at a funeral for a loved one in which the body was on display, and they did an exceptional job. They accommodated us and made sure we were able to have the services at the time that worked for us so some family members would be able to be present. Amazing, caring, beautiful staff. Shiela made the experience a lot easier with her friendly personality. I thought I was going to be an emotional wreck, but she made everyone comfortable and made the process very approachable."