As of publication, there are 42 confirmed COVID-19 Deaths in York Region, with 883 confirmed cases total. We know that these numbers will rise before we flatten the curve. Being in the funeral business, we always want to help members of our community during this very difficult time. Our new…
"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…
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…
Thank you cards are a way to show gratitude towards friends and family who are there for you or show generosity in some way. After a death, many of your loved ones will do what they can to be there for you. This could be bringing over meals so you…
When planning a service or memorial, there are many choices to make, such as funeral music, flowers and readings. Choosing music can tricky. You want to make sure it's appropriate, while staying true to the deceased. This post isn't going to be about hymns or instrumentals - that could be…
If you or a loved one has chosen cremation as a burial method, you might be wondering what you do with the cremains. With traditional burials, there aren't many options. But with cremation, there are lots of choices. Burial Burial is still an option with cremation. Quite often, if you…
While there is no guide book for handling grief, a recent article in The New York Times (Oct 12, 2018) attempts to shed some light on the subject. The piece, titled "A Handbook for Grieving" by Caroline M. Grant, deals with the months, week and days leading up to the death…
Whether you're looking to pre-plan your funeral, or are looking for a facility after a loved one has passed away, you want to choose the right funeral home for your needs. When researching facilities, consider the following: Location: Look for local funeral homes in your community, or the community the…
If you're having a traditional service, one of the decisions you will need to make is what funeral flower arrangements to order. While loved ones will likely send floral arrangements to express sympathy, it's common for the family of the deceased to order some larger pieces as decor. If you…