Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home

“On Thursday October 9th, we held my brother’s services with Bel-Air Funeral Home. This is the second time our family has used this funeral home in the last two years. The first time, our experience was wonderful. Mark met with us in the weeks before the services to plan and prepare, ask questions and get to know who my brother was. He was hands on, prepared the funeral cards, had a table set up and ready for the entry way, microphone set up for the speakers to use, and even stepped in as the officiant when we didn’t have one. For that service in 2023, our family was charged approximately $5200. This time around, our experience was unfortunately much different. We worked with Shari, who was nothing like Mark. From the initial point of contact, we were not offered a sit down meeting to discuss services, what our wishes were or even told what the funeral home would provide. It wasn’t until the morning of the funeral that I realized we didn’t discuss an officiant. When my mom called the funeral home to ask, she was told they do not provide that service. Which honestly, is no big deal because that should be up to the family to figure out. But in the midst of grief, families often don’t realize or remember all the things that need put into place. When my mom called regarding the funeral cards being prepared by Bel-Air, she was told that they would look into it and we never received an email or phone call response, so we had to rush to get those done. Again, this is not a big deal, I’m sure it’s something all families do, but with our previous experience, Bel-Air was much more helpful and accommodating. For this service, two years later, and only taking out the viewing and casket rental, we were charged $3100. When my mom inquired about the price discrepancy, she was told that Mark was pocketing money and over charging families. My mom was then told that that is why he was let go and no longer there. We were not offered any sort of compensation, nothing more than a simple “I’m sorry.” At this point I will say that yes, my first brother was a Native American tribal member, and the tribe did pay for $4000 of his services. Which means that the tribe was stolen from and taken advantage of, along with us. Who paid makes no difference, but since I see in a previous comment, I know this will be called out, so I will call it out myself. During the services, our officiant (that we luckily found last minute) didn’t know how to work the microphone. When I went into Shari’s office to ask for support, she said “I don’t even know if there’s a mic up there.” And I said “there is.” She then went back to her office and still did not provide any help or support. When leaving, Shari rushed us out and was only concerned about missing one of their easels. To which I said “this funeral home stole from us by over charging for my first brother’s funeral, I’m sure they can spare a $10 easel.” I’m not sure who the owners are of Bel-Air funeral home, but it sure seems to me that they need to be aware of the type of person they have running the show. Very disappointed with the services we were provided (or lack there of) during such a traumatic time for my family.”

— Elizabeth Banderas

“My family has used this funeral home for YEARS!! We have never had any issues we have always been accommodated and respected by the staffing, the last time we used this funeral home was August 2025 and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate Sheri, she definitely went above and beyond to give my sister the most beautiful funeral she could on her end!!! I highly recommend this funeral home.come with an open mind and respect and I guarantee you’ll receive in return!”

— Sabrina Plazola

“I am so thankful to Shari. They was so respectful and accommodating with us during my sisters funeral. They was patient with family members and helped us along the way. I don’t think I would have done it without their help and support.”

— Wallulatum xxx