French Funerals & Cremations

It has taken me over two years to find the words, but I want to sincerely express my gratitude to French Funerals, and especially to Giovanni Baca, our assigned funeral director. When my husband passed away at the age of 45, I had no prior experience with funerals and was unprepared for the many decisions that followed. From my very first interaction, Giovanni and his team provided a level of professionalism, compassion, and care that was truly reassuring. From the two young ladies who came to respectfully and professionally retrieve my husband from our home, to the service I arranged six months later while planning to spread his ashes internationally, every step of the process was handled with dignity and meticulous attention. Their professionalism and high level of respect gave me confidence that my husband was in capable hands. Giovanni guided me through every detail with patience and empathy, presenting all options clearly without ever pressuring me. He ensured I felt supported during a time that was already overwhelming, and his compassionate approach made an incredibly difficult process more manageable. Months later, when I required documentation to transport my husband’s ashes internationally, Giovanni personally delivered the necessary documents after hours to ensure there were no delays. His dedication and kindness during the most challenging period of my life will always be remembered. I am profoundly grateful to Giovanni and the entire team at French Funerals for their professionalism, care, and humanity. Their support provided comfort and reassurance during a time of immense grief.

French has been super helpful in the unexpected passing of our mother. From Hannah, who helped us make arrangements over the weekend for a quick burial (and also came to the grave and helped on the day of the funeral), to Giovanni, who was our primary funeral director, (setting up the contract, going over options and paperwork) and Kathy with Aftercare - everyone was super helpful and great to work with. Aftercare is a service provided by French at no extra cost. It has been unbelievably helpful in getting our mom’s affairs in order. They helped us locate all her outstanding accounts through a credit check. They also provide detailed instructions on all the steps you need to take after your loved one’s passing. There’s so much to do, but it’s great having one place to look for everything you need.

My experience with French Funerals & Cremations has been the best by far of the many funerals I have attended in general, and of the 7 family funeral/memorials I have directly participated in (providing eulogies for 6). My family has worked with French since 1983, and my grandfather was friends with Chester French (the original founding owner) until Chester's passing in 1966. In fact, my grandfather drove hearses to and from Santa Fe for French during the 1980's. The University facility is the perfect venue for a funeral/memorial, especially if the burial or entombment is to be held at Sunset Memorial Park. The French staff was very helpful, courteous and professional. The funeral director and manger were great, and the officiate that they recommended was fantastic. Again, one of the very best experiences I have ever had during such an occasion. I will point out that there was a glitch in scheduling that caused concern, but the funeral director, the facility manager and even the owners were quick to resolve the issue to my extreme satisfaction. The post-funeral support has also been spectacular, albeit unexpected. I think this, and the overall experience, makes French shine far above other facilities in Albuquerque, where I have previously experienced only very basically cookie-cutter, average service. I would strongly recommend French above all other facilities in Albuquerque, and will use them again if and when the need arises in the future.

French’s Funeral home did an excellent job for us. Giovanni took care of us, was very helpful, did not try to sell us, and took perfect care of all our needs. The aftercare service with Lars was fantastic. They take care of all those phone calls and notifications that take so much time and frustration. They do it all for free. Everyone should know about this. It’s worth anything to take all that off your plate. Thank you so much for your kindness and your help.

I would first of all like to take the time to thank Denton for being very helpful and understanding. Knowing the situation my husband and I were in and not living in Albuquerque, NM. He really took the time out of his own weekend to let us know our daughter was ready for pick up and, to open up the funeral home for us on a Saturday when we drove into Albuquerque. I thank you so much Denton and highly recommend French’s funeral home. Denton, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for this beautiful Lego rose piece for our girls to put together for their sister ❤️

I recently lost my husband. French Funeral made it the most pleasant experience I could have asked for. From start to finish they were kind, compassionate, and very professional. Vernon or director intern was AMAZING. I felt understood and trusted everything we did throughout the whole process. I would HIGHLY recommend this company to any needed their services.

The services for my mother were exactly what she had planned before her passing. Shawn was very helpful and respectful and knew exactly how to make the arrangements easy for me to finalize. On the day of the funeral he was supportive and did an excellent job of explaining the events to my family. I received many comments from funeral goers about how smoothly the services were. The flowers were perfect and my mother looked beautiful and most importantly, there no surprises. Carla with Aftercare has been very helpful and informative as well as respectful of my time and concerns.