Testimonials:
I couldn’t have done it without Caryn . . .
I met Caryn Machado when my father was in his last few days of life after suffering a catastrophic stroke. Being the oldest son, decisions surrounding my father’s care leading up to and after his passing were carried over to me. This was no easy task, both emotionally and practically. Caryn took the time to get to know me, our family, and our needs in balance with my father’s wishes. She took the time to help us through the grieving process as well as working the numerous practicalities to be addressed in handling my father’s body after his passing, leading up to funeral services, burial, and resting place marker. Caryn was right there with us through the entire process. She was able to coordinate the publishing of the obituary in all the desired papers and secured my family the funeral venue of our choice on short notice. Caryn, on her own initiative, suggested one of the best bagpipe musicians in the bay area to honor my father’s heritage and homeland, Northern Ireland. We were able to get the piper at the service due to her diligence. Caryn worked with my family on the design and material of my father’s final resting place marker, ensured that it was correct before placed, and followed up with photographs. This, combined with many other details coordinated by Caryn, made my father’s funeral service and burial a true honor to his memory. I believe he was looking in from the other side, very pleased how his funeral and burial were handled. She also suggested and coordinated a perfect venue for the post-funeral reception.
There are no words to describe the overwhelming pressure of having to work all these practicalities while deeply in grief. It is incredibly difficult to focus on the realities of what must be done next. I couldn’t have done it without Caryn. Caryn was there to support me emotionally and coach me to the next steps all the way through. You only get one chance to make that service honor your loved one. Caryn was there to make sure we did exactly that.
Thank you Caryn!!
Andrew Kirkpatrick
Corpus Christi, TX
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Caryn was a true professional and guided me through everything with kid gloves . . .
My name is Tom LeBlanc and I am a former resident of California. In the winter of 2019-20, I had the opportunity to meet Caryn Machado under very troubling circumstances. From our very first introduction, I was made to feel completely at ease, and I was confident moving forward with the dreaded task at hand.
I had just been through the most difficult 2-year stretch of my life. During that string of several months, my wife, Pat, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March of 2018. That December we fell victim to the horrible Camp Fire in Paradise, California. We not only lost our home and all our earthly belongings, but we also lost our daughter, Kimberly (53) and the home we purchased for her. Pat continued the brave fight to rid herself of cancer, but she succumbed on December 6, 2019. It was at this juncture that I made an appointment with Ms. Machado to arrange for Pat’s cremation and service.
While going through that difficult process, I was handled in the most gentle and caring manner. I felt amazingly comfortable sharing my grief and preparing for the burial of her ashes. Caryn was a true professional and guided me through everything with kid gloves. I not only made closure on my deep loss but gained an exceptionally good friend. I cannot endorse this amazing woman with any more enthusiasm that I already possess.
Anyone dealing with the grief of losing a loved one will always be in good hands with Caryn.
Thomas A. LeBlanc
Beaufort, SC
