Dedicated, Compassionate Funeral Services in London Serving the Portuguese and Spanish-Speaking Communities since 1990.

At a most vulnerable time, especially when you are far from home, you need compassionate care that understands your world. Maria Pilar Agencia Funeraria is an independent, Central London-based funeral director dedicated to the needs of the Portuguese and Spanish-speaking communities in the UK.

We provide a high-quality, personalised service, observing your culture, special traditions, and particular wishes. You are in the best professional and experienced hands.

Why Choose Maria Pilar Agencia Funeraria?

• Repatriation Expertise: We are the pioneers in repatriation know-how, offering unparalleled knowledge and 35 years of experience dedicated to seamlessly returning loved ones home.

• Cultural & Linguistic Specialists: We are the UK's only funeral director built on serving the specific cultural and linguistic needs of our community, ensuring care truly feels "Like at home."

• Trusted & Recommended: We are consistently recommended by consulates, institutions, families, funeral directors ..

• Honest & Transparent Pricing: Our prices are clear, honest, and competitive, tailored to match our community's needs.

Client: “ It would be easier for us to use the funeral director down the road, but you were recommended to us, and my aunt does not speak much English. 

M.P.: That’s why we are here. We can conduct the conversation in English or Portuguese. The general funeral homes expertly serve the general community. To them you are a rare exception. Your needs are different to what they are accustomed to. To us you are the norm. This is what we do on a daily basis. 

Client: So, that’s why I thought I would come to see you because things would be more straightforward with less misunderstandings. 

M.P.: Exactly. Because we are part of the community, we know you, so there will be no misunderstandings. We not only speak the language, we understand your customs and attitudes towards saying goodbye, whether it’s a burial here, a cremation or a repatriation home.

Client: That makes a huge difference. So you handle everything from simple services to traveling back home?

M.P.: Absolutely. And with 24/7/365 support spanning 35 years, there is less chance of mistakes that could cost time and money, avoid any hassle and give you peace of mind and the knowledge that your family's customs are going to be respected every step of the way. “

Our response and actions are immediate, so that you can concentrate on having the support of your family and friends. We lead you by the hand, striving to make this challenging process a little easier.

The Procedure: Our First Steps Together

1. Immediate Contact & Advice (24/7): Our experienced professionals are available immediately in Portuguese and Spanish to answer your questions and advise you on what to do next.

2. Liaison with Authorities: We take on the immediate responsibility of liaising with doctors, hospitals, coroners, local registrars, ensuring the official process starts immediately and correctly.

3. Documentation Check: We advise you on obtaining the necessary medical certificate and guide you on registering the death with the relevant UK authority.

4. Transfer of the Deceased: We arrange for the dignified collection and transfer of your loved one into our care, and prepare according to cultural sensitivities.

5. Service Planning: We discuss your preferences for either a Burial, Cremation, or Repatriation, outline the necessary steps and costs and guide you by the hand throughout the entire process.

London Funerals: Burial and Cremation

We guide you closely on all decisions, looking for the best options according to your needs and cultural traditions. We ensure every detail is handled with the utmost care, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your thoughts, your family and friends on the day of the service.

Service Element

Our Procedure

Guidance & Selection

We review your wishes and present suitable options for the type of service and location across London, including guiding you through selecting a coffin or casket that respects your budget and cultural needs.

Documentation

We manage the final official forms and permits required for the service to legally take place.

Ceremony Planning

We closely detail the order of service, including floral tributes, religious elements (if required), and liaise with officiants or celebrants.

Logistical Arrangement

We confirm bookings for the venue (church, crematorium chapel, cemetery), arrange transport, and oversee every aspect on the day to ensure a smooth service.

Repatriations: International Logistical Mastery

We ensure a seamless return to the Portuguese or Spanish homeland. Our very close liaison with consulates and institutions ensures the process is as fast and efficient as possible.

Service Element

Our Procedure

Immediate Assessment

We provide an accurate, cost-effective quote and commence the complex documentation process based on the destination.

International Documentation

This is our specialised area. We prepare all required international documents  (e.g., Free from Infection Certificates, Passport Cancellation,.. ) and liaise directly with the relevant Consulate and local and international authorities.

Specialised Preparation

We ensure the deceased is prepared (including international embalming, when possible) and placed into a sealed repatriation coffin that meets all air travel regulations.

Cost-Effective Transport

We utilise our special air fees to book transport on the most direct flight, ensuring the final price remains highly cost-effective for your family.

Coordination at Destination

We provide constant updates and liaise closely with the funeral company at the destination to ensure a seamless hand-over upon arrival.

Minimum Service Estimates. Price

Unattended Cremation £1495

Repatriation. £2915

Cremation. £3280

Burial. £6280

Transparent Pricing

Our commitment is to honesty and complete transparency.  We believe clarity on pricing allows you to focus on what truly matters. Our charges include professional fees, care of the deceased (including embalming, when required), a suitable coffin, all documentation, local collection, transportation to the service location or airport and the flight, cemetery and crematorium payments and arrangements.

We are always available to walk you through each element, ensuring the final arrangements align perfectly with your budget.

This is our basic range their are many more to choose from on request.

Coffins and Caskets

We offer a respectful selection, guiding you through styles, materials (wood, ecological options), and construction features. We ensure your choice reflects your family’s cultural background and meets all necessary legal requirements.

Floral Tributes

We work with trusted florists to offer a curated selection of arrangements (sprays, wreaths, personalised tributes). We understand cultural symbolism and ensure the perfect colours and flowers are selected and delivered to the service location.

We Are With You

We understand not only your language, but your culture, your particular way of handling probably one of the most challenging times of your lives. We are here for you, striving to make that process a little bit easier. Our experienced professionals are available to meet your needs, 24 hours a day, in your own language. Like at home.

Maria Pilar T/A Howard Funerals International 131 Lambeth Walk London SE11 6EE

• Email: admin@howardfi.com

• Office Tel: 020 7582 3186 

• 24-Hour Tel / WhatsApp: 07525 930075 (+44 7525 930075)