From the Director's Desk

  What Is a Funeral? A funeral is more than just a ceremony - it’s a meaningful way to honour a life, bring people together, and begin the healing process after a loss. At its core, a funeral is a ritual that allows family and friends to say goodbye, celebrate the life that was lived, and offer comfort to one another. It’s a tradition found in every culture, religion, and corner of the world. And though practices may differ, the purpose remains the same: to remember, to grieve, and to support. Funeral Myths A Funeral has to involve visitation and a formal ceremony Funerals are different than a Celebration of Life or Wake Funerals have to be at a church or funeral home Funeral Homes don't do Basic Cremations or Celebrations of Life Funerals come in many forms, especially in today's world. They come in different names such as "Celebration of Life", "Wake", "Memorial Service". Even going out as a family for dinner at their favourite restaurant to ce...

What to Include in an Obituary: A Simple, Helpful Guide Writing an obituary is one of those tasks no one ever really expects to do - until they have to. It can feel overwhelming: How do you sum up a life in just a few short paragraphs? The truth is, you don’t have to capture everything. A meaningful obituary doesn’t need to be long or fancy - just thoughtful and true to the person. Whether you’re writing for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, this                                        guide offers a simple structure to help you get started. --- Basic Information to Include Start with the essentials. These are usually the first lines of an obituary: Full name (including maiden name, if applicable) Age Date and place of death Where they lived > Example : John Michael Anderson, 78, of Hamilton, Ontario, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2025. --- A Brief Life Story This ...

Simple Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving When someone we care about loses a loved one, it’s natural to want to help. But it’s also natural to feel unsure — “What do I say?” or “What if I say the wrong thing?” The truth is, you don’t have to have the perfect words or big gestures. Small, steady acts of kindness can make all the difference for someone in mourning. Here are a few simple, thoughtful ways you can support a grieving friend, neighbour, or family member — not just in the first days, but in the weeks and months that follow. ---  1. Show Up - Gently •Attend the visitation or funeral if possible. •Send a handwritten note or even a text message: “I’m thinking of you. No need to reply, just know I’m here.” •Leave a meal on their doorstep with a note, or send a gift card. •Don’t wait for them to ask for help. Most grieving people won’t. ---  2. Keep Checking In Grief doesn’t disappear after the funeral — in fact, that’s often when it hits hardest. •Set a calendar remi...

Cremation vs. Burial - What’s the Difference and How Do I Choose? When a loved one passes, or when planning ahead for your own wishes, one of the first and most personal decisions is choosing between cremation and burial . For some, the choice is guided by faith or tradition. For others, it may come down to cost, flexibility, or personal comfort. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - only what feels right for you and your family. In this post, we’ll walk through the key differences to help you make an informed, thoughtful decision. What is Cremation? Cremation is the process of using high heat to reduce a body to ashes. After cremation, the remains (called "cremated remains" or “ashes”) are placed in an urn and can be: Kept by the family Buried in a cemetery Scattered in a meaningful location (according to local laws) Placed in a columbarium niche Why Some Families Choose Cremation: Generally more affordable than traditional burial Flexibility in planning a...

Things You Can Say at a Funeral or Visitation These phrases are gentle, sincere, and respectful  - ideal for most situations: General Expressions of Sympathy “I’m so sorry for your loss.” “You’re in my thoughts.” “We’re holding you in our hearts.” “My heart goes out to you and your family.” If You Knew the Person Who Passed “They were such a wonderful person - I feel lucky to have known them.” “I’ll always remember [a specific memory or quality, like ‘her kindness’ or ‘his sense of humour’].” “They meant a lot to so many people.” If You Don’t Know What to Say “I don’t have the right words, but I’m here for you.” “Just wanted you to know I care.” (Sometimes, a hug, a hand on the shoulder, or quiet presence says more than words.) Faith-Based (if appropriate to the family) “You’re in my prayers.” “May God give you strength and peace.” “They are with the Lord now.” What to Avoid Even with good intentions, certain phrases can be hurtful or dismissive: “T...

What Comes After: Helpful Things to Do Once the Funeral Is Over When the last guest has gone home and the flowers begin to wilt, a quiet often settles in — not just in the house, but in the heart. After weeks (sometimes months) of planning, coordinating, and holding it all together, the question many people ask themselves is: “Now what?” As funeral professionals, we’ve walked with families through those early stages of grief, and one thing we hear time and time again is that the silence after the funeral can be one of the hardest parts. So today, we want to gently share some ideas — not about “moving on,” but about moving through . These small, helpful actions can offer purpose and comfort in the days and weeks following a loss. 1. Start a Memory Project Grief has a way of bubbling up when we least expect it. Channeling that emotion into something tangible can be healing. Consider: Making a scrapbook or digital photo album Writing a few stories about your loved one Creati...