Irving R. Symonds III & Magdalena Symonds

Licensed Funeral Director/ Partner

Matthew Symonds Sr.

Licensed Funeral Director / Partner

Mark Symonds Sr.

Licensed Funeral Director / Partner

Maggie Symonds-Burgess

General Manager / Funeral Director Assistant

Continuing her Grandfather’s legacy, Maggie is 3rd generation in the family business and was raised in the industry. She was born in Chicago and raised in Lake Forest area where she graduated from Highland Park High School in 2011, she then continued her education at Worsham College in 2016. 

Erika Symonds

Office Manager / Funeral Director Assistant

Continuing her Grandfather’s legacy, Erika is 3rd generation in the family business and was raised in the industry. She was born in Chicago and raised in Lake Forest area where she graduated from Libertyville high school in 2013, she then continued her education at Worsham College finishing in 2016. Erika has a heart for grieving families and providing hospitality. She wants every person walking through the door to feel seen, heard, and comforted.

Erika’s activities outside of serving families include singing/songwriting, guitar, swing dancing, growing friendships.

Mark Symonds Jr.

Licensed Funeral Director

Continuing his Grandfather’s legacy, Mark Jr. is a 3rd generation funeral director who grew up in a funeral home. He was born and raised in chicago where he graduated from Rickover Naval Academy in 2013 then continued his education at Malcolm X graduating in 2016. Furthering his education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, gaining a bachelor’s in business management in 2020. Upon completion of college Mark enlisted in the US ARMY Reserves as a motor vehicle operator (88M). Mark wants to be a listening ear and always willing to help those in need. He is motivated to bring the best services to our families. 

Mark’s activities outside of serving families include hockey games, concerts, spending time with friends, board games, and paint-balling. 

Penny Symonds-Pagan

Licensed Funeral Director

Continuing her Grandfather’s legacy, Penelope is a 3rd generation funeral director who grew up in a funeral home. She was born and raised in Chicago where she graduated from Lane Tech in 2016 then continued her education at Malcolm X and graduated in 2019. Her intentions are to provide services with integrity to families in need with her compassionate personality. With sincerity, she wishes to be a friendly face to those in their most trying times.

Penelope’s activities outside of serving families include crocheting, piano, embroidering, nails, and caring for her English bulldog ‘Binky’.

-Highwood Location

Elizabeth Symonds

Office Assistant

Continuing her Grandfather's legacy, Elizabeth is 3rd generation in the family business and grew up in a funeral home. She was born and raised in Chicago where she graduated from Rickover Naval Academy in 2012. She now resides in Highland Park where she is raising her 3 beautiful children.