Our Team

Kenneth McKenzie

Owner

Kenneth McKenzie's journey into mortuary services began at the tender age of 12, when he tragically lost his father to suicide. This profound loss ignited a passion within him to support grieving families, a calling that felt instinctive and deeply meaningful. However, he was troubled by the exorbitant costs associated with traditional funerals, prompting him to seek a more compassionate and affordable approach. 

In 1994, after eight years of experience at a mortuary in Lakewood, California, Kenneth took a bold step by establishing McKenzie Cremation & Burial Services in Signal Hill, California. His mission was clear: to provide dignified funeral services at a fraction of the cost, making them accessible to all. As a testament to his commitment to giving back, Kenneth generously donates three percent of his professional service charges to charities chosen by the families he serves. 

Beyond his dedication to affordable funeral care, Kenneth actively contributes to the well-being of his community through various philanthropic initiatives. He spearheads annual holiday food drives and summer estate sales, directly benefiting individuals under the care of local hospices facing financial constraints. Kenneth's unwavering dedication to community service has earned him widespread recognition, including accolades from Long Beach's esteemed officials. 

Acknowledging his outstanding contributions, Kenneth has been honored as the recipient of numerous community awards over the past quarter-century. Most recently, on October 22, 2019, Mayor Robert Garcia of Long Beach presented Kenneth with a prestigious award at the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his exceptional dedication to serving the community. As a beacon of compassion and generosity, Kenneth McKenzie continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of those he serves. 

Nora Brown

Office Manager

In my primary capacity, I fulfill the role of Office and Finance Manager, leveraging a wealth of experience amassed over several years in management and bookkeeping. Commencing my career directly following high school in the banking sector, I transitioned seamlessly into accounts payable, however, my career path took a heartwarming turn when I made the choice to prioritize my family, dedicating myself to raising and homeschooling my children.

Though my time in the funeral industry spans less than two years, my extensive experience in customer service and finance has laid the foundation for unwavering commitment to placing people at the forefront. Valuing empathy above all else, I approach every interaction with a genuine desire to understand and support others, always striving to set a positive example through my actions. Employment within the funeral industry serves as a poignant reminder of life's brevity and preciousness. This underscores the imperative of embracing each moment fully and demonstrating love, never allowing opportunities for appreciation to slip away.

In my spare time you’ll find me embarking on adventures around the globe with a camera in my hand, I find solace and inspiration in the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and people that our world has to offer. Whether wandering the bustling streets of a vibrant metropolis or trekking through serene natural wonders, each journey enriches my understanding of the world and leaves an indelible mark on my soul. 

Through my hobbies and career, I embrace the beauty of diversity, creativity, and exploration, finding joy in every moment and savoring the richness of life's experiences.

Erika Flores

Arranger

With 8 years of experience in the funeral industry, I am dedicated to providing compassionate guidance to families during their time of need. Holding certificates in funeral practices and state laws, as well as expertise in the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS), I specialize in assisting families with funeral arrangements, with a focus on facilitating ship outs to foreign countries.

My approach is centered on creating a safe and supportive environment for families, where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions, whether through tears or laughter. I believe in the power of empathy and listening, allowing families to share their stories and memories freely.

While my journey into this profession wasn't initially planned, I quickly found myself deeply passionate about helping others navigate through the grieving process. My favorite quote, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," reflects my resilient outlook and commitment to supporting families through difficult times.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, I strive to ensure that all families receive personalized and culturally sensitive care. I am honored to be trusted with their stories and entrusted with the care of their loved ones, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to do what I love.

Maria Martin

Reception

I serve as the Receptionist here at Armstrong, Garcia, McKenzie Mortuary.  Although I'm relatively new to the funeral service industry, I'm eager to soak up all the knowledge and experiences it has to offer.

My main responsibilities revolve around answering phones and providing top-notch customer service. I make it a priority to approach every interaction with families with professionalism, compassion, and utmost respect.

Throughout my career, I've always been eager to take on more responsibilities, which has led to me being promoted to leadership positions. My passion for helping families navigate through tough times inspired me to join the funeral planning industry.

I'm fluent in both English and Spanish and outside of work, you might find me hiking, attending music festivals, or attempting to dance (even though rhythm isn't my strong suit). Maya Angelou's quote, "If you don’t like something change it, if you can’t change it, change your attitude," resonates deeply with me, reminding me to stay positive and adaptable.

My goal is to assist families in finding resolution, peace, and acceptance through empathetic service and hospitality.

Cindy Morales

EDRS

My primary role at Armstrong, Garcia, & McKenzie is EDRS (electronic death registration system) Clerk. I have a passion for providing efficient and compassionate service within the mortuary industry. With a nearly a year of experience at AGM Mortuary, I've honed my skills in processing death certificates and assisting bereaved families during their time of need.

My role involves ensuring the seamless completion of administrative tasks, including reception duties, and utilizing electronic death registration systems. I take pride in my ability to handle these responsibilities with professionalism and sensitivity.

Outside of work, I find joy in exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping adventures with loved ones. I also have a keen interest in culinary experiences, always eager to discover new restaurants and coffee shops. Additionally, photography allows me to capture the beauty of both people and nature, a hobby that brings me immense fulfillment.

As I navigate both professional and personal pursuits, I embrace the wisdom of two guiding principles: "You can’t please everyone" and "C'est la vie." Fluent in both English and Español, I strive to bridge communication gaps and serve diverse communities.

Geovanny Cruz

Care Center Supervisor/ Arranger

I have served with Armstrong Garcia & McKenzie Mortuary in various capacities for approximately two years. My diverse roles within the mortuary encompass serving as Care Center Supervisor, Funeral Directing, as well as the sensitive task of transporting your loved ones to their final resting place.

As the Funeral Director, I personally oversee the arrangements and ensure that you and your guests are cared for with compassion and dignity during the service at our exquisite chapel. In addition to these responsibilities, I collaborate closely with our dedicated funeral arrangers to ensure that every aspect of your family’s funeral exceeds expectations.

Furthermore, I work in tandem with colleagues to facilitate the process of obtaining all necessary documentation for the return of your loved ones to their homeland via plane. Each day, I approach my duties with a profound sense of compassion and professionalism, treating everyone with the same level of care and respect as if they were a member of my own family.

My passion for the funeral industry grew during my formative years, starting in elementary school and continuing to shape my career path into adulthood. Despite the potentially morbid nature of the profession, my father's ownership of a funeral home in Mexico provided me with invaluable exposure during summer vacations. Under his guidance, I eagerly assisted him with his daily responsibilities within the facility.

Witnessing my father's compassionate interactions with the members of our community and observing his unwavering dedication to restoring dignity and peace to those who had passed away, left an indelible mark on me. His exemplary character and commitment serve as a guiding light as I pursue my aspirations within this captivating industry.