Sara Marsden-Ille
Co-founder & Editor — DFS Memorials
Sara Marsden-Ille is the co-founder and editor of DFS Memorials as well as US Funerals Online. She has been writing about funeral planning, consumer rights, and cremation costs since 2003, when US Funerals Online launched — one of the first independent funeral consumer resources in the United States. Sara is responsible for editorial standards across the DFS Memorials network and helps to host the Cremation Nation podcast.
Recent Articles Published
Simple cremation in Manhattan, NY – $495 direct cremation
Our attitudes to death and funerals are changing, and many families are finding that cremation offers a simpler and more affordable option. More families are deciding they want a “no fuss” option that can be delivered at a low cost, such as a simple cremation in Manhattan. A direct cremation package can help you arrange…
June 20, 2025
Cremation Industry Overview: Trends, Technology & What Families Need to Know in 2026
An overview of the US cremation industry in 2026 — covering cremation rates, technology advances in cremation retorts, industry consolidation, and what it all means for families arranging a cremation.
June 19, 2025
5 of the Best Affordable Cremation Services in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s high cost of living extends to end-of-life services, making affordable direct cremation an attractive option for many families. Cremation rates in the Bay Area are significantly higher than the national average, which is now at around 62%. Direct cremation has become a popular choice for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Direct cremation, which involves…
June 7, 2025
How to arrange an affordable cremation in Palo Alto, CA
Do you need to know how to arrange a funeral at an affordable cost? We have put together this short guide to help you understand how you can save thousands when arranging a funeral. In fact, you can arrange an affordable direct cremation for just $995 in Palo Alto. The average cost of a traditional…
June 1, 2025
How to arrange a low cost cremation in Fresno – $995
These days, saving money wherever possible is becoming increasingly imperative, and this is no exception when it comes to arranging a funeral or cremation. Why should you pay thousands of dollars for something you can arrange for much less? You can arrange a low-cost cremation for just $995 in Fresno. We have compiled this guide…
June 1, 2025
Guide to Cremation Costs in Pennsylvania
This guide will help you understand cremation costs in Pennsylvania. The different service options available, the legal requirements for cremation, and how to set up an affordable cremation plan. Breakdown of cremation costs in Pennsylvania Below, we have included some of the best-priced cremation costs in Pennsylvania. Call your nearest DFS Memorials cremation provider now…
May 23, 2025
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As Featured In
Cremation Association of North America [CANA] – From Tradition to Transformation: Women, Doulas, & the New Shape of Cremation & Death Care.
2/4/2026