Our employees are like family

Richard H. Jungas

Owner / Funeral Director

Richard attended the University of Minnesota & received his degree in Mortuary Science. After serving in the US military he began his career in Minnesota & California as an owner/operator of small businesses as well as managed large groups of funeral homes.  He has shown his leadership skills in many civil & private organizations; such as past President of the following:

(2010) California Funeral Director's Assoc., San Diego County Funeral Director's Assoc., Rotary Club, Sertoma Club and Escondido Kiwanis Club. He is also a deacon and active member of his church.

Marcia J. Jungas

Owner / Funeral Director

Marcia attended the University of Minnesota and has been active in teaching and counseling.  She has been a funeral director since 1998.

Marna Jungas Farwell

Executive Manager / Funeral Counselor

Marna went to school in Sacramento CA and obtained a teaching certificate in Montessori  Education. There she mastered the skills needed to be patient, gentle and caring, not only to her students but also to the families she served.  Since she grew up in the funeral industry, she welcomed the opportunity to take the skills she mastered over 25 years in education and use them in a new path. Marna joined us in the fall of 2014 and is now Executive Manager and Funeral Counselor of California Funeral Alternatives.

Joni Dizon-Seargeant

Funeral Director / Merchandising

Joni has been part of our staff since 2000. She knows all aspects of funeral service, and has recently stepped into the position of a full time Funeral Director. Her background includes nursing, where she had the opportunity to work with patient sensitive issues, and has worked with many of our families, helping them walk through a very difficult time in their lives.

Ivana Trecroce

Receptionist / Death Certificate Registration

Ivana grew up in North County San Diego, graduating from Pacific College of Medical and Dental Assistants. She has worked in funeral service since 2000 as an administrative assistant and joined our staff to complete all legal and medical documents required by the state and county offices. She has been part of our staff since August, 2015.

Tara Van Stelle

Funeral Director

Tara joined California Funeral Alternatives in 2018.  She has been working in the funeral industry for 4 years.  She studied Sociology in College and attended Mesa College and CSUSM.

Her background in graphic design and experience working with families in the funeral industry makes her a wonderful addition to our family.

MaryEllen Danforth

Funeral Counselor / Office Manager, Poway

MaryEllen grew up in St. Louis MO and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Fontbonne University.  She has worked in funeral service since 2011 in administration as well as serving as a Funeral Counselor. She especially enjoys providing support and guidance to families during a time of great need. She is familiar with all aspects of funeral service and became the Manager of our Poway location in June 2017.

Matthew Jungas

Funeral Assistant

Matt has worked in the service area for many years.  He has his degree from Palomar College and has been part of our staff since 2008.  Matt is our right-hand man, from preparing for services to organizing and updating our computers and documents.

Susan Bennett

Pre-need Counselor

Susan has worked in finances throughout her career and is now working with our families that are making important decisions regarding their financial goals that will relieve other family members from making difficult decisions at the time of death.