Funeral Service Industry Awards
We are passionate about recognizing outstanding individuals in our industry.
Click the link below to nominate an exceptional funeral service industry professional for our 2026 Funeral Service Industry Awards in one of the following categories:
Embalmer of the Year
Recognizes an embalmer licensed 2+ years who exhibits outstanding technical skill, attention to detail, and dedication to the respectful care of the deceased.
This award celebrates excellence in restorative art, commitment to upholding ethical standards, and supporting their professional community.
Vendor of the Year
Awards a supplier or service partner who delivers exceptional support to funeral or cemetery professionals.
This vendor stands out through reliability, innovation, quality, and a genuine commitment to supporting the funeral service profession.
Outstanding Mortuary Professional of the Year
Recognizes a funeral professional who is employed by a mortuary, crematory or alkaline hydrolysis facility that exemplifies dedication, integrity, teamwork, and service.
This award honors those who make a remarkable impact through professionalism, empathy, and consistent excellence.
Rising Star of the Year
Presented to an emerging professional licensed new to the industry or to their role, less than 2 years who shows exceptional promise, passion, and initiative early in their career.
This individual demonstrates strong potential and a commitment to excellence in serving families and supporting their professional community.
Outstanding Cemetery Professional of the Year
Recognizes a cemetery professional who is employed by a cemetery or memorial park who goes above and beyond, exemplifies dedication, integrity, teamwork, and service.
This award honors those who make a remarkable impact through professionalism, empathy, and consistent excellence.
Funeral Director of the Year
Honors a funeral director licensed 2+ years who demonstrates exceptional leadership, compassion & professionalism.
This individual consistently goes above and beyond to provide meaningful experiences, uphold ethical standards, and supports their professional community.
Legacy of the Year
Celebrates a distinguished career marked by 10 or more years of service, leadership, mentorship and contributions to the funeral service or cemetery profession.
This honoree has created a lasting mark in the industry through leading by example, mentorship, and continuous community and industry involvement.
2025 Award Nominees & Winners
Embalmer of the Year
Winner: Ashley Garwacki, McCormick and Son
Kamie Hendricks, Forest Lawn Cypress
JC Hopper, Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary
Melinda Ramos, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
Diana Spinn, OCPCC Dignity Memorial
Funeral Director of the Year
Winner: Raymundo Perez-Plascencia, Rose Hills Mortuary
Beth Campos, Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary
Cynthia Heineman, McAulay & Wallace Mortuary
Rich Landuyt, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
Mike Roudebush, Dignity Memorial OC
Legacy of the Year
Winner: Araceli Guerrero, Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary
Javier Cuevas, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
Jolena Grande, Cypress College
Scott & Linda McAulay, Scott McAulay Family New Options
Tracey Valenica, OCPCC Dignity Memorial
Vendor of the Year
Winner: CA Body Transport
Frigid Fluid
Prince Charters LLC
Southland Motor Escort
White Dove Release
Outstanding Funeral Service Professional of the Year
Winner: Nani Niumata, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
Connor McConnell, Pacific View Memorial Park & Mortuary
Sky Perez, McAulay & Wallace Mortuary
Daniel H. Pung, All Souls Cemetery & Mortuary
Sally Rivera, OCPCC Dignity Memorial
Liana Torres, Fairhaven Memorial Services
Guadalupe Vasquez, Melrose Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary
Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Valerie Serna, OCPCC Dignity Memorial
Melissa Corder, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
Rikki Fine, Green Family Cremation & Burial
Genesis Hernandez, OCEPCC Dignity Memorial
Keith Moldovan, OCEPCC Dignity Memorial