Beneath the San Bruno Mountains lies Hills of Eternity Memorial Park. A place of quiet reflection it’s more than just a cemetery. It’s a historical landmark. It’s a story etched in stone.
Established in 1889 Hills of Eternity Memorial Park wasn’t always in Colma. Congregation Sherith Israel originally buried its members in San Francisco. As the city grew they needed more space. So in 1889 they relocated to this peaceful spot. Hills of Eternity shares its space with Home of Peace Cemetery another Jewish cemetery founded the same year.
This serene 20-acre park is beautifully landscaped. The grounds and mausoleums are meticulously maintained. Fresh flowers and plantings add to the beauty. Traditional ground burials are offered alongside above-ground options. The Portals of Eternity mausoleum is a stunning example of neo-Byzantine architecture. Designed by Samuel Hyman and Abraham Appleton it was built in 1934. Its tall octagonal towers are capped with tiled and copper domes.
Hills of Eternity holds the remains of notable figures. Jacob W Davis inventor of modern jeans rests here. So does Wyatt Earp the legendary lawman. Even Dianne Feinstein former mayor of San Francisco and US Senator is buried here. These individuals and many others represent diverse chapters of American history. Their stories intertwine with the very soil of this place.
The park reflects the Jewish tradition of respecting the dead. The phrase k’vod ha-mayat emphasizes this respect. It also shows respect for the mourners k’vod he-chai. Hills of Eternity embodies this. It provides a dignified and serene setting for remembrance. It’s a sanctuary of remembrance a testament to lives lived and legacies preserved. This isn’t just a final resting place. It is a living archive of stories. A place where history continues to unfold. A tranquil space reflecting on eternity.