About Us
The Grace Difference
Since 1970, we have been honored to deliver healing experiences to the Hudson community. We exist to serve the unique needs of every family. Learn our story. Lean on us. And let our expertise lead you through the best experience possible.
Our pledge
We’re here to give you care and comfort as we help guide you through the planning journey.
Our Story
We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family. People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
Our beginnings
Grace Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home was founded in 1970 by Melvin Scherer, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel. As a local resident who attended many services at Hudson Cemetery, Mr. Scherer recognized the need for a new cemetery to serve the growing community.
Splendor for acres
Grace Memorial includes several gardens specific to a faith or organization affiliation within the community such as our Catholic, Jewish, Greek and Masonic Gardens, as well as mausoleum complexes throughout the cemetery.
Dedication, compassion & experience
We have built a reputation for excellence and are committed to creating a unique personalized experience for every individual that will properly honor a life well lived. We promote expression of individuality and encourage protecting your generations to come.
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Our team
We're members of the local community who have many years of experience caring for families from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Families know they can count on us to provide them the comfort they need when they need it most.
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Mark Neal
Managing Partner, Operations
Growing up around the family business, I learned the trade from my parents and grandparents. Later I would graduate from Vincennes University with a degree in Mortuary Science, making me a 3rd generation Funeral Director. My love for the industry has seen me go from funeral director to manager and to owner and my passion has taken me from Illinois to Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Kentucky. The weather, year-round activities and fishing brought me back to Florida.
I am the proud father of two beautiful young ladies, I’ve gained two incredible sons in-law and with our blended families I’m the grandfather to seven. My wife (Cherie) and I met while working together in Daytona Beach and we are getting ready to celebrate 15 years to together.
With well over 40 years of knowledge and experience, I’m here to help you through the process of creating a meaningful service memorializing your loved one.
Please stop by and see what we have to offer . . . . . . I promise, you’ve come to the right place.
Ben Samel
Managing Partner, Family Service
Ben has been a resident of Pasco/Hernando County for over 2 years. While he is still relatively new to this part of the Sunshine State, he has served families all over Florida for over twenty-six years in this profession. Ben has a degree in banking/finance that he earned from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Ben is a Catholic and a father of two wonderful young ladies, who just graduated H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. One will be attending the University of Florida in Gainesville and the other Florida State University in Tallahassee. His passions include golf, hunting and fishing. One of his favorite activities is to take his daughters fishing all over this great state.
He is exceptionally proud to serve the families of Grace Memorial Gardens and grateful to work alongside his amazing colleagues.
“I am truly grateful to serve the families of this area and to work alongside amazing colleagues," Ben said. "I take great pride in how our team has contributed to make this memorial park such a beautiful, park-like and serene place for families to visit."
Susan Perlowski
Cemetery and Funeral Home Office Manager
Susan, a lifetime resident of Pasco County, has over 18 years experience in the funeral home profession, with the past year and a half here with Grace Memorial Gardens. Susan and her husband, Scott, are proud parents of two daughters, one being a teacher and one a radiological tech student, and one grandson.
Her family is very involved in bowling and they enjoy the comradery and sense of community it brings. Working in the funeral/cemetery profession gives Susan the opportunity to be there for families in their time of need and is an honor and a privilege she holds dear.
We illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies and memorial tributes that honor your loved one.
What Families Are Saying
I met with Rosie on 8-29, she was so upbeat & bubbly. Rosie has the perfect personality for helping others with prearrangement of final rest. She explained everything from start to finish, and have me a your of what my family could expect, which by the way, was a beautiful experience! Bless you Rosie, you have been placed there for a reason! ☺️
Author: Cori rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I attended Rosie’s seminar and she did an excellent presentation that made me decide I needed to sit down and talk with her. She explained everything very well at my one on one appointment and I made my decision and arrangements at that time.
Author: Jim Hussemann rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Five Stars for Rosie Anderson our Community Service specialist! She presented all our options with out pressure or rushing and answered all our questions and made picking our final resting place stress free. We are very happy with the choices we have made with Rosie's help! Kevin and Mary Herrick
Author: Kevin And Mary Herrick rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kelli and Felicia were very professional at their job and making very hard decisions easier than thought. The funeral was very beautiful and exactly what we planned.
Author: Kimberly Guarino rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Visited family grave site. Office staff was very helpful in locating his marker. The grounds are expertly maintained and in a beautiful setting. Made my visit very pleasant and memorable
Author: C Alt rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is this is the second time I have utilized Grace Memorial for end of life planning. I had a very calming experience and felt at an amazing peace about everything involved.
Author: Jerry Anderson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rosie Anderson was wonderful and helping me to make my final plans. Grace Memorial Gardens is a beautiful place that I am so happy that my children will be able to come and visit me if they so desire I would recommend anyone make their pre-death plans there.
Author: Donna Wallace rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great people to do business with. Miss Andrea Demopoulas is an Angel. I recommend them all in your time of need. God Bless you. 5 stars plus.
Author: William Pfaff Jr rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have used their services before and Andrea and Mike assisted me in planning my final arregements. I highly recommend Andrea and Mike and Grace Memorial Gardens in future planning. Absolutely!!
Author: Linda C. Knight rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
They are very friendly and accommodating
Author: Tammy Morrison rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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News & Events
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Join us
We offer a healthy work/life balance and invite ideas and innovation. Grace Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is where our team members' purpose and passion unite.