Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary

Having searched for an appropriate resting place for my daughter, we knew immediately that Windridge Memorial was where she was meant to be.
Upon a search of the Crystal Lake area, we discovered Windridge Memorial to be a beautiful and peaceful location. The moment you pull off of Rawson and enter the park you will experience a calm that is heartwarming. It is truly a place for family remembrance. The wooded grounds, rolling landscape and wildlife are a blissful setting. Two of my daughters are now together in a serene setting.

I would also be in remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the caring attitude of all the staff and especially Kelly Lawyer in coordinating our arrangement’s. She made us very much at ease.
Bob Vanek

We suddenly lost our son back in 2005 and we were devastated to say the least. We searched for burial sites in our area, and were amazed at how beautiful Windridge Memorial Park was. We then came in to talk to the staff and met Kelly Lawyer. At that moment we knew we had made the right choice for our sons final resting place. Kelly and her staff really are the best of the best. The compassion we were shown in our darkest moments just can’t be put into words. Kelly showed us around the cemetery and made the whole process of the next few days to come, go as smooth as could be. Kelly has always been there to help with whatever my needs have been and I’m truly grateful. She is so warm and inviting, always has some kind and thoughtful words for me whenever we see each other. She truly treats us like family. The staff is just as pleasant and helpful. Four years ago we buried my mother here as well. This cemetery has now become our family’s cemetery. My dad, my husband and myself all have bought plots here we love it so much. Windridge continues to make the park beautiful with all the additions they have added in the 16 years I’ve been visiting. It really is a beautiful peaceful setting. Thank you to all the staff for all you do for all the families who come to you in their darkest moments.

My wife and I were stunned by the beauty of the grounds and the excellence of the landscaping, groundskeeping and planning. The cemetery has nature trails, a pets-only cemetery and has sections where "natural burials" may be done. We were particularly drawn to the section of the cemetery that allows burials of humans and pets in the same plot. We were so taken with the concept that we bought a double "estate" (as the cemetery calls it) in the pets and humans section. We've worked with the cemetery to have our estate landscaped (by a private landscaper who was recommended by the cemetery but not affiliated with them), and have worked with the cemetery to purchase markers, a bench, etc. so that all those purchases are already taken care of when the time arises. Our survivors won't need to make those decisions and the items will be paid for. The cemetery tells us when special pricing and financing may be had. Every one in the office we've worked with has been exceedingly kind and helpful. We'd especially like to thank Kelly Lawyer for her professionalism, attention to detail and her kindness in helping us choose and design our memorials and estate layout. She has been a blessing to us over the years. She is very knowledgeable and sympathetic and highly attentive to our desires and needs. Another person to thank is the groundskeeper, Rich Phillips and his crew. They take time to greet us when they see us and Rich helped us choose plantings, where to best locate our markers and bench, and they did an excellent job installing these items. The cemetery often hosts special events, like Memorial Day ceremonies coming up this month. We very much recommend Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary.

Before we settled on Windridge we looked at cemeteries in other areas. At the time we were just interested in purchasing cemetery plots. After several visits back to Windridge we decided on Windridge not only for the beautiful grounds which are well kept but most of all was the service we received. The person who gave us such great service was Kelly Lawyer who is someone who really represents what Windridge is all about. Taking care of people like they are your own family is how we were treated then and it still continues. I would like to thank her for all she has done and continues to do for our family.

The staff at Windridge is exceptional. From the professionalism needed to handle such a delicate emotion as death, to the heartfelt, sincerity of each person. When my husband passed away nearly 18 yrs ago, I don't know how I would have gotten through it all without Kelly Lawyer, who truly held my hand and gently took me where I needed to go. I highly recommend Windridge with all my heart.

The Sutter family had the good fortune to work with Crystal Locke at a difficult time. Crystal exhibited a caring and well informed contact point for Windridge in the selection of a grave site as well as the selection of the grave marker. The site and marker selection process was handled professionally and was enhanced by her personal warmth. All subsequent dealing with Crystal have reinforced my positive opinion of her as a person and as a significant asset and representative of Windridge. I will gladly personally endorse her and Windridge to anyone looking for burial services. In addition I want to compliment Windridge on a well conceived and beautifully laid out property. It is well maintained, meeting all my expectations.

Kelsey was great at giving my family information on burial and plots. She really made me feel really comfortable. We will be making our final resting place for my parents at this location. The grounds are beautiful and it doesn't feel spooky. Definitely a place my family can come to and visit our loved ones who have passed.

The first time I went to Windridge was when my Dad passed away. My Mom and I went in and talked to Kelly (Manager). My Mom knew what she wanted, but really wasn't in her right mind. Kelly was so compassionate, caring, patient and just wonderful. I then started getting my families arrangements in order. Again, they were there to help me every step of the way. I really can't say enough about Kelly and the staff at Windridge. Then my Mom passed and I was just devistated. Kelly was there again to help me every step of the way. It is not easy to take care of any of this in the first place, but the staff does do everything they can to make it easier. Thank you Kelly and staff.

From beginning to end what a journey it has been to find a cemetery that brought peace to the process. Windridge Memorial Park is outstanding. My family service counselor, Kelsey W., who was exceptional, provided amazing understanding and patience as decisions were made. Our service at the burial site was beyond expectation with Kelsey in the 'wings' to make sure everything went without any problems. Thank you for making this such a positive experience.

What a beautiful spot, matched only by it's compassionate staff. Kelly Lawyer made the whole process so easy when my wife passed away at 49. This is truly a cemetery like no other when it comes to the beauty of the trees, the pond, multiple waterfalls. It has been a special spot to enjoy all the wildlife and peacefulness of the surroundings that bring comfort.

I lost my parents 16 yrs ago and they had plots at Windridge. After visiting with Kelly & her staff, I knew why my parents wanted to be buried there. Not only is it beautiful and peaceful, I didn't feel like I was visiting a cemetery. My husband & I bought plots at Windridge too. Thanks to Kelly, who I now call my friend, and her staff for doing a great job during that difficult time.

Windridge Memorial Park & "Sanctuary" says it all in it's name. Just a drive through the grounds bring you peace and comfort. Although grieving is part of the natural process, this is more of a place that you can visit with a sense of peace, calm and serenity. Kelly Lawyer and all the staff treat you with respect and kindness. Kelly remembers you by name and I look forward to stopping in to say Hello each time I visit there. Definitely a 5 star rating for the beautiful grounds and the compassion with which the staff treats you.

Working with Kelly Lawyer during one of the most difficult times of our life was so comforting. When my dad passed away quickly our lives are turned upside down. Kelly and her team made it so easy for us to feel comforted and cared about. They guided us every step of the way. We’ve also been very impressed with how well the property is being cared for. I appreciate everything that they have done for our family..

I have trusted Windridge for over 16 years to take care of everything I've needed for my beloved pets. Living in Chicago in 2004, it was nearly impossible to find a pet cemetery that would not be developed into commercial property or someone who would care about my animal as much as I did. With Windridge, I found both. Kelly L. has been there for me from the first moment I called, through every painful step and every pet I have had to say goodbye to, as if she were experiencing the loss with me. I know her compassion and empathy have no limits when it comes to understanding grief. I wouldn't want anyone else to guide me through the process of arranging a burial. This is why I have chosen Windridge as my final resting place. I know as a sanctuary, it will be protected from development and it is a beautiful place to be with my pets forever in their people and pets section.

This review is about my experience with Kelsey's free consultation and follow-up. A week ago I met with Kelsey to discuss pre-planning burial options for my parents. She is remarkably dedicated, makes herself available and is responsive - she answered all my questions- I definitely had a positive experience. We also toured the natural sanctuary and I really appreciated the setting, it's very serene. Following this posting, should I make a purchase I will update this review.

We met Kelly 16years ago and we could not have asked for a more caring compassionate person. She truly makes the worst time in your life a little easier.
We come and sit with our family and just feel the peace
The flowers in the spring and the waterfalls the deer it truly is such a clean beautiful place
We could not have asked for a better place for our family's final resting place
Thank you Kelly and all the windridge staff for all you do.

Grieving the loss of a family member is always a difficult thing. It is even worse when it is unexpected. Making plans can be so challenging but my family was so lucky to come by Windridge. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and the staff is amazing. Crystall walked my family through all the necessary steps when we were unsure what we needed to do. She was patient and caring the whole time which made us feel at ease as we struggled with our loss. I will be returning to work with her for future planning. This memorial park is absolutely beautiful. Thank you Crystall for your kindness and patience.

My wife and I have been looking at cemeteries for the last 6 months and nothing excited us. That was until we visited Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary. What an outstanding place for our final resting grounds. It truly is a nature sanctuary.
This can only be topped by our counselor, Crystall Locke. She guided us through this process with ease. She was so friendly and thoughtful, it was truly a pleasure working with her.
Glenn Schilke

I was not planning on any particular resting spot for me or my husband’s ashes. But after he was gone, doing nothing just didn’t feel right, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. So I took a drive out to Windridge, it was nature and it was beautiful. Crystall was the one that was to help me, she took me around the park giving me the different options that they offered. She was so kind and patient, giving me time to consider my options. I decided on the area called Calendar of Flowers. In the spring and summer there are flowerbeds all the way around in a circle that surrounds a working fountain. I’m so happy and know that I made the right decision and so appreciate all of Crystall’s help and guidance.

Crystall did a wonderful job helping my friends family find the most beautiful spot for her mother! She was so caring and listened to all the requests my friends family needed. She worked so hard to make this day was so peaceful for all of us to say good bye. The memorial service was so beautiful and set up so nice! This was the nicest service I have ever been too and recommend Crystall and Windridge Memorial Park.