A West Roxbury family says a visit to St. Joseph Cemetery on the fourth anniversary of their mother’s death turned into a nightmare when they discovered her headstone had been moved, leaving the marker sitting away from the spot where she was buried and stirring up old grief. The discovery on January 11, 2026, led the family to demand answers and ultimately arrange a private exhumation so her remains could be returned to the correct plot.
According to CBS Boston, Julie Peterson died of cancer on January 11, 2022. Her daughter, Kristen Forte, told the station she visited her mother’s gravesite on January 11, 2026, and immediately noticed that the headstone was not where it was supposed to be. Forte said she was “shocked” and “really upset.” CBS reported that photos from the original burial showed where Peterson had been interred, and the family held a private exhumation a few weeks ago so she could be returned to the proper plot.
St. Joseph and Holyhood
St. Joseph Cemetery is operated by the Holyhood Cemetery Association. The association’s website lists office hours and contact information, along with a “Find a Loved One” search tool that lets families look up burial records. The same page outlines burial and cremation procedures and provides a phone line for questions about interments.
Family reaction and cemetery response
As reported by CBS Boston, the Peterson family says St. Joseph Cemetery never notified them that the marker had been moved, and that they discovered the problem only when they showed up at the grave. In a statement quoted by the station, the cemetery said it “does not comment publicly on matters regarding any individual burial.” CBS added that the Holyhood Cemetery Association prefers to communicate privately with families about interment issues.
What families can do and where to complain
The Massachusetts Cemetery Association describes itself as an educational organization that represents municipal, religious and private cemeteries across the state, rather than a regulator. Families who suspect a burial error are advised to request records from the cemetery office. If they are not satisfied, they can file a consumer complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office online or by phone; filing details are available at Mass.gov. Holyhood’s site also provides an online search tool and contact information for relatives seeking records or clarification…