Purissima's Story
Stunning Purissima Cemetery
Combining a rich history in a beautiful location, Purissima Cemetery dates back to the 1860s when the town of Purissima (for purísima, Spanish for “purest”) thrived here.
A lumber mill supported the redwood logging operation in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1868, resident John Purcell deeded some of his property to the town for burials. This generous act prompted the formation of the Purissima Cemetery Association which offered free burials to residents. Nearly 60 settlers were buried here.
Purissima was one of the earliest settlements along the San Mateo Coast but it was plagued with floods and crop failures. Residents also encountered great difficulty in maintaining the village due to its remote location. The population steadily declined before the town lost its last resident prior to World War II, leading to the abandonment of the burial ground.
The natural beauty of Purissima Cemetery was too appealing to be entirely forgotten. In 2017, Ed Bixby recognized its potential and acquired the site, intent on restoring its considerable charm, cleaning up the old gravesites, and creating new green burial spaces.
A lumber mill supported the redwood logging operation in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1868, resident John Purcell deeded some of his property to the town for burials. This generous act prompted the formation of the Purissima Cemetery Association which offered free burials to residents. Nearly 60 settlers were buried here.
Purissima was one of the earliest settlements along the San Mateo Coast but it was plagued with floods and crop failures. Residents also encountered great difficulty in maintaining the village due to its remote location. The population steadily declined before the town lost its last resident prior to World War II, leading to the abandonment of the burial ground.
The natural beauty of Purissima Cemetery was too appealing to be entirely forgotten. In 2017, Ed Bixby recognized its potential and acquired the site, intent on restoring its considerable charm, cleaning up the old gravesites, and creating new green burial spaces.
Services
Families seeking to lay a loved one to rest with a green burial will find no more impressive a location than Purissima Cemetery. Offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and farmlands, the site features massive cedar, pine, and redwood trees that stand serenely above Purissima Creek.
Natural Burial
Rest among Purissima's beautiful nature for eternity with natural burial. Historic Natural Burial Plots 3' x 10' Single Interment Plot - Hovious Plot: $5,500 - Dobble Plot: $5,500 - Pitcher Plot: $5,500 - Osterman Plot: $5,500 - Ponderosa Pine Plot: $5,500 Historic Natural Burial Plots 6' x 10' Double Interment Plot - Hovious Plot: $10,750 - Dobble Plot: $10,750 - Pitcher Plot: $10,750 - Osterman Plot: $10,750 - Ponderosa Pine Plot: $10,750 Woodland Off Trail Burial Plots - 5' x 10' Single Interment Plot: $3,500 - $5,500 - 10' x 10' Double Interment Plot: $6,750 - $10,750 At the Time Of: $1,500 Opening and Closing Fee All Services Include: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - A complimentary fieldstone that can be engraved or painted. *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
Tree of Life
Become new life after death with tree of life cremation burial. Tree of Life - 3' by 3' Single TOL Plot: $2,000 Plantings: The memorial tree/shrub that you plant must be indigenous to the area. Local garden centers are great resources for such. Service Includes: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - A complimentary fieldstone that can be engraved or painted. *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
Preservation Memorial Walk and Scattering Garden
Help us preserve and protect Purissima's precious natural surroundings by supporting the building of a memorial that will line the entrance of the eco-trail. Memorial Walk Plot - 1' by 1' Cremains Burial Plot: $1,250 Services Include: - Opening and closing of the gravesite. - A complimentary fieldstone from our selection. It can be engraved or painted. Scattering Garden - Cremains Scattering: $750 *Pre-Arrangement is Available |
