About Us

Bishop Peter Smith is Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia and Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Portland. He is involved in long term cemetery planning and communication of directives established by the Archbishop which are aimed at fulfilling both the financial and spiritual obligations of Mt. Calvary & Gethsemani Catholic Funeral Services.

Deacon David was ordained as a permanent deacon in November 2005 for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.  He served as a permanent deacon at St. Cecilia Church, Beaverton for nine years, and is currently assigned to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Tigard.  In addition to that, in March 2020, he was assigned to Mt. Calvary & Gethsemani Catholic Funeral Services to preside over funeral liturgies.  He presides over the "Catholic Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass,” which can be held in the Chapel at Gethsemani Funeral Home & at graveside services for the “Catholic Rite of Committal, including the Rite of Final Commendation” at both Mt. Calvary & Gethsemani Catholic Cemeteries.

Daniel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota, and has amassed over 35 years of experience as a funeral director, embalmer, and cemetery counselor in several states. His Catholic faith guides his management of Gethsemani Funeral Home. 

Eric is both a Cemetery Counselor at Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery and a Funeral Director for Gethsemani Funeral Home. Eric has an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service from Mt. Hood Community College and has worked in a number of funeral homes in the Portland area for over 20 years. He is licensed as a Funeral Director/Embalmer in both Oregon and Washington.

Trish was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and attended both St. Thomas More Catholic School and Jesuit High School. She graduated top of her Funeral Service Education program at Mt. Hood Community College and has been serving families in the Portland area for over 10 years. 

Helping those in need has always been a calling for Trish; she is incredibly grateful to be a Funeral Director/Embalmer and Cemetery Counselor at Gethsemani and Mt. Calvary since 2018, where she can help families when they need it most. 

In her rare moments of free time, Trish can be found skateboarding, gardening, playing competitive pinball or rock tumbling while listening to Tom Waits. 

Check back soon for a bio for Spencer!

Maria Lee started working at Gethsemani Cemetery in 2011, and left in 2016 to briefly work at the Archdiocese of Portland Pastoral Center. Her passion for working with families who have lost a loved one, or who are planning ahead for the future, brought her back to Gethsemani again as a Marker Specialist and Cemetery Counselor. 

She is excited to be doing the work she has always loved and believed in. Maria shares her home with her husband, George, her 14 year old stepdaughter, and a high-energy Boston Terrier. 

Pat is responsible for the grounds day-to-day operations of both Mt. Calvary & Gethsemani Catholic Cemeteries. We strive to maintain our cemeteries as some of the best kept in the entire state, with over 130 acres to care for and 500 annual interments, Pat’s efforts are essential in helping us meet that goal. 

Left to right:

Antonio Velez-Ramos, Javier Arroyo-Bucio, Jason McCoy, Joel Tobias, Superintendent Pat Balfe, Robert Burton, Jaime Arroyo-Arande

Amy is thrilled to be part of the team at Mt Calvary & Gethsemani, playing a supporting role to the staff here and helping to enhance the quality care they provide to families. This is her first experience in this field, and truly had no idea of the importance these services provide to the community. She feels truly able to make a difference even if it’s in the background enhancing the experience of those around her.

A born and raised in Portland native, Amy has a business degree from Portland State University, loves coffee, cats, visiting Cannon Beach, and is an avid paper crafter, stamper, and card maker.

Helaina Savage is a dedicated Cemetery Counselor with over seven years of experience in the funeral industry. She began her career as a Transport Specialist, later transitioning to roles as a Funeral Attendant and Administrative Assistant. Throughout her career, Helaina has gained diverse experience by working in California, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. Her extensive background in various aspects of funeral services has equipped her with a unique perspective and a compassionate approach to her work.

In her personal time, Helaina enjoys the tranquil art of crocheting doilies and cherishes moments spent with her two cats, Grandpa Bailey and Bandit, as well as her newly wedded husband. Helaina's compassionate approach and extensive experience reflect her enthusiasm for serving the Catholic community with dedication and care.

Kayla has grown up in the rainy Pacific Northwest her whole life. She graduated from Gresham High School in 2016 & is currently enrolled full time at Mt.Hood Community College to continue her education. This will be Kayla's third year in the field; Starting as a Removal Technician for Gethsemani and is now one of Gethsemani's Funeral Director and Embalming Apprentices. 

Kayla is immensely grateful to be learning from people who have walked the same career path; as well as to be side by side with such a charitable fellowship such as the Catholic Church. Her enthusiasm, empathy & devotion to care for families is palpable and has truly felt like her life's vocation. With an open heart & willingness to go above & beyond, she will continue to be a safe space and helping hand for those in need for many more years to come. 

In the moments away from serving her community- you can find Kayla roller skating, foraging in the forest, sculpting clay or rummaging through your local garage sale. 

Check back soon for a photo and bio for Steve!

Check back soon for a bio for Lauren!