If you in self-isolation or practicing social distancing, you might be feeling lonely and a bit sad or depressed. This is normal. Many people in our community are scared for their loved ones, particularly seniors either living alone or in long-term care facilities. You cannot visit them, and you fear…
By now you have likely heard of COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus and the measures the public and private sectors are taking to contain it. The coronavirus causes a respiratory illness - not unlike that flu - that in severe cases can cause pneumonia. It's highly contagious and effects vulnerable…
What are cremains? They're the cremated remains of a deceased individual who elected to be cremated. This is a process where the body is burned and reduced to ashes, rather than buried intact. There are many reasons why people choose this method over traditional burial, but that isn't today's topic.…
If a loved one has recently been widowed, they're probably experiencing a lot of emotions. Grief is hard for anyone, but losing a spouse can be extra difficult - especially those who had a long happy marriage. After the funeral, memorial and reception, you might think that it's best to…
"No funeral!?" That's the reaction many people have when a loved one tells them their wishes, or when they're told there will be no service for dearly departed friend or family member. It can be hard to believe that someone wouldn't want this time-honoured tradition. While we at Chapel Ridge…
After someone has died you might hear people use the term wake and you might be wondering what it means. You might assume this term is interchangeable with "reception" or "viewing", and sometimes people use it like that. However, the a wake is a tradition with a very specific meaning…
Now that 2019 is coming to an end, many of you will be making New Year's Resolutions. While there are plenty of common ones out there - eating healthier, getting fitter or starting a new hobby, there are some practical resolutions you may not have thought of. As we get…
Death doesn't adhere to a convenient schedule, so there's really nothing you can do to prevent a death over the holidays. The holiday season is fun, but it is already a little bit stressful. Adding a death, whether expected or not, can only add to your grief. Many families grapple…
Up until recently, pet burials had to happen in specific places separate from human burial sites. However, a cemetery in Laval, Quebec, is recognizing your furry friends as a member of the family, allowing them to be buried alongside their human owners. The Laval Cemetery now has a "Masters and…
When it comes to funeral attire, there are many opinions out there. There are traditionalists who believe that you need to wear black or navy suits or simple, conservative dresses. There are also people who believe that colour is okay - framing it as a celebration of life rather than…
