About Us
The Chapel of the Chimes Difference
Since 1909, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Oakland community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge






We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.



Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.

1909
With a proud tradition of serving area families since 1909, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland is an architectural gem with great historical significance.

1928
Redesigned in 1928 by renowned architect Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame, it was conceived as a haven of peace and tranquility with an innovative array of gardens, cloisters, alcoves, stairwells, fountains and chapels that rose toward vaulted ceilings and were illuminated by soothing natural light. The project is considered by some as Morgan’s master work.

1984
Chapel of the Chimes Oakland’s funeral home was established in 1984, offering families a beautiful setting in which to come together to honor loved ones.

The resting place of legends
This meticulously maintained property is an exquisite setting in which to celebrate life. It is also the final resting place for some of the area’s most notable residents, including blues legend John Lee Hooker, explorer Harriet Chalmers Adams, U.S. Congressman John A. Elston, Oakland Raiders legend Al Davis, and baseball greats such as William Frederick “Bones” Ely and Dick Bartell.

One-stop convenience
Known for its dignity, peace and serenity, Chapel of the Chimes Oakland offers the one-stop convenience of an expansive funeral home and on-site crematory as well as cremation memorialization and above-ground entombment options.

Quality, sincerity & trust
Having provided exceptional service for more than 100 years, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built on quality, sincerity and trust, with services that celebrate the life of each individual and respect the wishes of every family. Today, we are leaders in our profession, caring for families from all faiths, traditions and cultures with integrity and genuine compassion.
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32K+
Legacies Honored
113
Years in Business
1.7M+
Moments Remembered
Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.

Cary Boisvert
General Manager
Cary, a former Bay Area resident of 16 years, joined the Chapel of the Chimes location in Oakland in July 2019 as the general manager. Cary is a proven leader with over fourteen years of experience in operations leadership and team development.
As a leader of multi-functional teams, he emphasizes nurturing a service culture mentality and continuous process improvement in order to achieve the highest satisfaction for the families being served.
He has been involved in several nonprofit organizations throughout his career, including the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and at the Living Desert Zoo in the animal rehabilitation department. He also loves cooking, cycling, RPG gaming and is an amateur mixologist.

Ed Brail
Location Manager
Ed serves Chapel of the Chimes Oakland as the location manager. He has been a licensed funeral director/embalmer since 1996, serving families in Chicago and Los Angeles.
As the location manager, it is his quest to bring the highest quality customer service to our families in the Bay Area. "Hearing a family tell me that I made the most difficult time in their life easier means more to me than a paycheck," Ed says. "Our goal is to achieve this with every family we serve."
"We will strive to make the beautiful, historical and architecturally amazing Chapel of the Chimes Oakland a true pillar of our community," he says. "I’m a firm believer in sharing this significant jewel as an asset for our community. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cup of coffee and enjoy this amazing Chapel of the Chimes with me."
CA Funeral Director 3787/CA Embalmer 9388
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
















What Families Are Saying
We couldn’t have asked for better care and support from Chapel of the Chimes. Everyone was helpful and clearly “customer services” is a value you all demonstrate. You never said “No, we can’t do that” and accommodated our changes and request. Thank you all!
N.J. 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We had attended many services at Chapel of the Chimes over the years. This was the first service for our immediate family. Everything from location, parking, facilities, and help from Chapel staff was always outstanding. I would highly recommend to friends and family members.
H.L 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Chapel of the Chimes was extremely helpful and sensitive to our needs when Grandpa passed away. We were greeted and shown all the choices we needed to make but never felt rushed or left with questions of any kind.
M. H. 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The staff were caring, responsive, and very welcoming. Their professionalism gave our family comfort during a tough time.
S. S. 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My Parents, grandparents, aunt and cousin are all in a niche at the Chapel. I am very pleased with the care that the Chapel has taken in the room where our family niche is. Recently the Chapel cremated my husband. Everything was handled very efficiently and professionally, I was very pleased with the experience.
M.S. 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
My experience with Mr. Tom Marsden and Mrs. Sophie Arreta was informative, comforting professional and I can truthfully say very pleasant. The two ladies who acted as ushers were also quite pleasant. The minister recommended by Mr. Marsden gave just the right spiritual touch. I would definitely recommend Chapel of the Chimes.
A.H. 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Chapel of the Chimes Oakland is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.