Our Lady of the Pillar Cemetery replaced Pilarcitos Cemetery as the Catholic Cemetery for the coastal area. The first burial occurred in 1921.
The church and cemetery bear the name, Nuestra Señora del Pillar, of the oldest of the Marian shrines which was erected by St. James in Zaragoza, Spain.
Nestled near the Leon Arroyo, this is the cemetery with a view! Perhaps that is the reason that Sunset Magazine included it in its list of “Five Great Cemeteries Worth Exploring in Northern California.” I could probably name many others that would be on the list ahead of this cemetery, but that is probably because I love the mystique of the old pioneer cemeteries and the little city look of the Italian cemetery. But the view of the ocean is wonderful.
The church and cemetery bear the name, Nuestra Señora del Pillar, of the oldest of the Marian shrines which was erected by St. James in Zaragoza, Spain.Nestled near the Leon Arroyo, this is the cemetery with a view! Perhaps that is the reason that Sunset Magazine included it in its list of “Five Great Cemeteries Worth Exploring in Northern California.” I could probably name many others that would be on the list ahead of this cemetery, but that is probably because I love the mystique of the old pioneer cemeteries and the little city look of the Italian cemetery. But the view of the ocean is wonderful.
The graves themselves are interesting, with some very distinctive family plots, including the pink cast of the Bettencourt plot and the lush succulent gardens of the Cunha plot. Among other area families buried there are the Debennedettis, the Dutras, Alvez, Azevedo and many many more. The grounds seemed well maintained and there were many signs of visiting family.
P.O. Box 1577, Colma, CA 94014-0577
(650) 712-1679
Office Hours: By appointment only
Cemetery Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(650) 712-1679
Office Hours: By appointment only
Cemetery Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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