In a nod to its growing Hispanic clientele, a South Side mortuary and cemetery today will host the first altar contest in honor of the Day of the Dead celebration.
And in the coming weeks, South Lawn Mortuary's parent company, Houston-based Service Corporation International, will change the property's name to Funeraria del Angel South Lawn. "Funeraria del Angel" roughly translates as "funeral home of the angels."
Nathan D. Friend, mortuary manager, said South Lawn is the only mortuary-cemetery catering to the Hispanic community.
"It signifies that we are here to serve that particular community," he said. "We are very Hispanic- and Mexican-friendly."
That's something that requires gestures beyond burial services, said Angelina Cuestas, an associate in the cemetery office at South Lawn.
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"It's not just about a cemetery," she said. "It's about embracing the everlasting life of your loved ones."
Service Corporation International's Web site says the trademarked "Funeraria del Angel" name is being added in markets across the country in response to demographic changes. Tucson's Hispanic population is about 36 percent, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.
"In a growing number of markets with large Hispanic populations, SCI assists families through specialized cemetery services and through funeral homes identified with the name Funeraria del Angel," the corporate Web site says. "These locations pride themselves in caring for families with dignity, respect and a keen understanding of cultural needs."
Last summer, a large granite statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was placed in the predominantly Catholic section where today's altar-judging contest will take place. A Mass with mariachi music is set for 10 a.m.
The Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico, with variations in other Latin American countries, to honor departed family members and friends.
Friend said the employees and community members will serve as judges for the altar contest, which is open to anyone, including non-Hispanics. He sid one employee created an altar for Tucson veterans.
For more information on Service Corporation International or its Funeraria del Angel initiative, go online to www.sci-corp.com.
Did you know . . .
The 80-acre South Lawn Mortuary and Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave., was founded in 1936 by a Baptist minister. It is about half-developed.