Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, Names Executive Director

The board of trustees of Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Mann Skrabal as executive director, ushering in a new era for the historically significant 105-acre cemetery and cornerstone of the community.

Fairview Cemetery offers traditional ground burial, mausoleum crypts, and niches for cremated human remains, in a tastefully landscaped and expertly maintained setting. Every fall, Fairview Cemetery hosts an annual arboretum walking tour, highlighting some of the 103 cataloged species of trees which reside within the cemetery grounds.

Skrabal brings more than 15 years of experience in the funeral service profession, along with a strong background in leadership, operations, and community engagement. She will oversee the daily operations, administration, maintenance, and long-range planning of the cemetery, ensuring that Fairview continues to uphold the high standards of care and service for which it is known.

Prior to joining Fairview Cemetery, Skrabal served as executive director of Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood and Dooley Colonial Home in Westfield. She is a licensed funeral director and an active member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association and the Middlesex Somerset Funeral Directors Association. Deeply rooted in the local community, Skrabal is a former facilitator with Imagine, a trustee at Plainfield Country Club, and an Elder at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield.

“Fairview Cemetery has long been an important part of the Westfield community and beyond,” said Skrabal. “I am honored to join the organization and look forward to building on its strong foundation while continuing to serve families with compassion, dignity, and respect.”

Board president, Neil Vanderbilt, stated that the trustees are thrilled to welcome Laura Skrabal as the cemetery’s new executive director. She brings an industry background and operational expertise, along with a passion for Fairview’s heritage, that will provide vision and leadership that will maintain Fairview as a pillar of its surrounding communities. Furthermore, she has a core value for compassionate family support. That proficiency and guardianship make her a perfect fit to lead Fairview into the future.

The board of trustees looks forward to working with Skrabal and is confident that, under her leadership, Fairview Cemetery will continue its tradition of respectful service while upholding its longstanding commitment to care and stewardship.