Caring For A Business That Is Nearing the Century Mark!
For Becky Areias, president of Hilgenfeld Mortuary, every day at work is not just a day of running a successful business, it is a day of moving forward a mission that has been part of her family for 97 years. On October 27, 1927, Areias’ great-grandfather, Reverend Samuel Hilgenfeld, opened his doors on Broadway in Anaheim. From that day forward, Hilgenfeld Mortuary has been led by four generations of family members.
Just as those before her, Areias’ focus is to bring compassionate care to families who turn to Hilgenfeld Mortuary when they have lost someone they love. She is proud to carry on the business established by her great-grandfather so many years ago.
“Knowing that I am responsible for continuing to run this business as it was established by my great-grandfather is something in which I take great pride,” said Areias. “As I followed in my grandfather and mother’s footsteps, I not only learned the technical aspects of running the family business, but even more importantly, the underlying mission of compassion in serving our clients. Serving individuals and families at some of the most difficult times of their lives involves more than just providing basic funeral and memorial services, it requires an understanding of what they are facing and how best to ease them through their grief.”
According to Areias, the industry is constantly changing with new technology, the impact of social media, digital services and a host of other factors. She is proud of what she and her staff have accomplished, especially with the challenges presented in the recent past and the impact of the COVID pandemic. As it has always been, her goal is to maintain the initial mission of her great-grandfather, by providing her community with a respected, compassionate and caring service to those who have lost someone they loved.
Congratulations to the Hilgenfeld Mortuary family and staff on their 97th anniversary.