Home of Peace Cemetery

The Home of Peace Cemetery Association is the oldest permanent Jewish organization in Pierce County, Washington. Originally formed in 1888 as the First Hebrew Benevolent Society, it functions today much as it did then. Members are entitled to burial space but do not actually own a cemetery plot. At the time of need space is reserved for additional family members who have joined the cemetery association. Learn more about its history.

The Application for Membership includes a husband and wife and dependent children who are not self-supporting, such as children attending college for a four-year degree, or disabled children who are not employed. Members pay an initiation fee and annual dues. Annual membership dues are set by the board and are currently $120.00 per year. Members are billed annually for this amount, typically in January.

The initiation fee is based on the oldest member of the immediate family at the time of joining the association. The initiation fee can be made in payments, upon request. Adult children are encouraged to join the cemetery association at an early age, as initiation fees are lower for younger members. Currently the non-member fee is $5,400 per person.

At the time of need funeral costs are paid directly to the mortuary of your choice. Many members choose to work with the Gaffney Funeral Home. Fees to the rabbi of your choice are also arranged privately.

The cemetery is an independent organization, not directly connected with the local synagogue, Temple Beth El. Membership in one organization is not required by the other.

The Home of Peace Cemetery is served by a volunteer Board of Trustees. In 2006 the association's bylaws were revised for the first time since 1891. The membership adopted revision of the bylaws on 28 February 2016.

All plantings must be pre-approved by the Board of Trustees. A list of policies is under development.

A complete list of burials is available online through FindAGrave. The cemetery is private property and has posted No Trespassing signs. The cemetery's gates are open from approximately dawn until dusk. The gates are closed on Saturdays.

The cemetery is supported by annual dues, initiation and non-member fees and interest on investments. A generous gift from Susan and Jeff Brotman established the Brotman Endowment Fund.

Donations may be mailed to:

Home of Peace Cemetery

PO Box 65522

Tacoma, WA 98464-1522

Covid Statement:

Home of Peace Cemetery follows all current Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols.

If you have questions please see the list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you need additonal help you may contact us via phone or you can send an email to info@homeofpeacecemetery.org

Driving directions to the Cemetery

LOOK WHAT'S NEW ...

Home of Peace Cemetery Association has earned a historic cemetery preservation capital grant through the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The grant is managed by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and honors outstanding examples of the state's historical heritage. Grant funds were used to replace the cemetery's front gate with a higher and more secure design, and to replace and upgrade sections of existing perimeter fencing. Construction was completed in the spring of 2023.

Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation PDF.