Fall 2025 Cemetery Services Newsletter
Initially Published: October 2025
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, we enter a season of reflection and remembrance. At Mount Auburn, fall is a time when the beauty of the landscape mirrors the depth of the memories we hold dear. Whether you visit to walk among the changing trees, attend a commemorative event, or simply find a quiet moment of peace, we are honored to be a place of comfort and connection for you and your family.
Thank you for being part of our community.
State of the Organization
Each fall, Mount Auburn welcomes burial space owners, donors, volunteers, and other members of our community to gather for our annual State of the Organization. The evening took place in Story Chapel with a presentation from Mount Auburn’s President & CEO, Matthew Stephens, who reflected on the past year and highlighted priorities for the future.
Circulation Update
Mount Auburn is currently piloting several changes to Cemetery road circulation to enhance safety and improve the visitor experience. These updates include:
- Several new walking-only roads
- Several new one-way traffic patterns
- New parking spots located throughout the landscape
- One of the most notable changes is the introduction of new traffic patterns at our Mount Auburn Street vehicle entrances.
Please look for signs that assist visitors with the new traffic flow as changes are made later this fall. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we test these changes and gather feedback to inform future improvements.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we test these changes and gather feedback to inform future improvements.
More From Cemetery Services
Clean Sweep Starts November 17th
We conducted a thorough cleanup of all tributes that began the week of November 17th. The removal process continued throughout the week. These clean sweeps, which happen at least four times a year, are for lawn maintenance and safety. The sweep in November is specifically to assist in leaf cleanup efforts. Please visit the Tributes page of our website for more information.
Lot and Turf Care
This fall, our Horticulture team focused on grass seeding and shrub pruning across the grounds.
Additionally, stone washing, inscriptions, and monument setting have paused as the temperature cools and resume in the spring when weather conditions improve. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Recent Construction Updates
| Recent Construction Updates
New Pedestrian Entrances Mount Auburn installed two additional pedestrian entrances along our Grove Street perimeter. The entrances are located off of Story Road and at the eastern end of Pheasant Path (in the Meadow). These pedestrian entrances were thoughtfully designed with accessible pathways and will feature new planting areas that will bolster the thousands of plants added to our landscape annually. Both entrances will be open for pedestrian use. |
| Willow Court Updates
Earlier in the summer, we began repairing and improving the walkways at Willow Court Crypts. We completed the final phase of work in October. |
| Story Chapel Ramp
In order to make Story Chapel more accessible to those with limited mobility, the Cemetery installed a ramp to the altar this past spring. |
Meet Our Team!
Kate Allen, Cemetery Services Office Manager
Kate Allen joined Mount Auburn Cemetery in January 2022, with no cemetery background but a dozen years of program management experience at a Cambridge independent school.
Her early career was in finance, followed by an extended period as a stay-at-home parent.
As Cemetery Services Office Manager, Kate is versed in all that our Cemetery Services does—from burials, cremations, and memorial services to lot and grave management. She also ensures that all families and guests arriving at our Administration Building are welcomed and treated with compassion and dignity.
Outside of work, Kate volunteers at the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, sees as much ballet as possible and spends time with her family in New York and Massachusetts. Kate is the Administration Building from Tuesday through Saturday.