Kelly Funeral Homes

Funeral Stationery is a practical component of end-of-life planning that also represents an opportunity to celebrate a life. In a conversation with Naomi Lutz, Assistant Manager of Chapel Lawn Funeral Home in Winnipeg, she explains the two ways to look at it: either as a commemorative piece about the event or as a keepsake to remind them of the person who has passed. Read more here. http://ow.ly/hoMA50EqGc0

Everyone likes to talk about and plan for the future especially when it comes to saving money for retirement. That’s not the case when it comes to death or its consequences, though. Read why having tough conversations about end-of-life planning should be part of your financial plan via The Globe and Mail. http://ow.ly/soq550EtouR Willful

How do you want to be remembered? As you begin to write the final chapter of your life, there are some difficult decisions you'll need to make. Find out how one of our Pre-Planning Specialists can walk you through this very emotional time. http://ow.ly/AWrl50EpSdF --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quels souvenirs désirez-vous laisser? À mesure que rédigerez le dernier chapitre de votre vie, vous devrez prendre des décisions difficiles. Découvrez comment un de nos spécialistes de la planification préalable peut vous guider pendant cette période très émotionnelle. http://ow.ly/cMCN50EpSdw

Do you know the difference between a traditional funeral and A Time to Remember? Here's a FREE eBook for you on the concept of A Time to Remember. http://ow.ly/RiBL50Ek22e

Do you want a traditional funeral or A Time to Remember? Here's a FREE eBook for you on the concept of A Time to Remember. http://ow.ly/3Egh50EpS6o

Every Year, April 16th Marks Advance Care Planning Day in Canada. Advance Care Planning Canada is the process of thinking, talking and planning for your future health care so your wishes can be respected and carried out, even if you can't speak for yourself. As part of the ACP Day initiative, Arbor Memorial encourages you to set aside time tomorrow between 6-8 p.m. to talk openly with family, friends and loved ones. http://ow.ly/75oC50Eqpj3 ----------------------------------...---------------------------------------- Chaque année, le 16 avril marque la Journée de la planification préalable des soins au Canada. Planification préalable des soins Canada est le processus de réflexion, de discussion et de planification de vos futurs soins de santé afin que vos souhaits soient respectés et réalisés, même si vous ne pouvez pas parler en votre nom. Dans le cadre de l'initiative de la Journée ACP, Arbour Memorial vous encourage à réserver du temps demain entre 18 h et 20 h. pour parler ouvertement avec sa famille, ses amis et ses proches. http://ow.ly/qAVp50Eqpj2 See more

On World Health Day, Arbor Memorial appreciates all the efforts taken by the Doctors and Nurses and stands in support of building a fairer and healthier world, especially for #palliativecare. http://ow.ly/gPE350EiNVb

Did you know that there are eight million Canadians who are caring for their family and friends. Arbor Memorial recognizes the Canadian caregivers more than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional pressures with much uncertainty and unrest. This #NationalCaregiverDay, here is an interesting read for all- Caregivers in challenging times. http://ow.ly/QFJp50Ei4OM

This Easter explore how technology can support us through the stages of grief. Take a look at a few online resources that offer advanced support, connect to other people grieving, and coordinate practical and emotional support among friends. http://ow.ly/6Igh50EeRpJ

Through The Royal Canadian Legion - National Headquarters long standing annual Poster and Literary Contests, Canadian school children honoured Canada’s Veterans through creative art and writing, and help perpetuate Remembrance. Take a sneak peak into some of the incredible submissions. http://ow.ly/PQ4N50EdT3l

Are you thinking of buying a gift a gift for a friend that's grieving this Valentine's Day? Here are a few ideas you can choose from. http://ow.ly/ecqZ50Dk2hD

Join us for a FREE informative online seminar on April 8, 2021 and April 11, 2021, on Pre-Planning your final arrangements. Register now to receive your free Estate Planning Kit and get a chance to win an Ecobee Smart Thermostat. http://ow.ly/oUon50EdRpr

Start the pre-planning process and discover how to commemorate your loved ones in a highly personal and meaningful way. Contact your nearest branch and get your free Estate Planning Kit. http://ow.ly/ya3850E6w2E

Coming to terms with death, and planning for it so you’re free to focus on living, can be incredibly liberating. Read here how you can plan for your Life's Final Transition. http://ow.ly/8iik50E58O4

Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has been a challenging time for everyone. But if someone you love has died, it is likely that the current social distancing orders and travel restrictions are making funeral planning especially difficult for your family. Here are some thoughts for the families. http://ow.ly/J5c450Dk0Nj

Dialogue, the official publication of @thecpso the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario launched a campaign that encourages conversations between clinicians and seriously ill patients to understand patient’s goals and wishes. http://ow.ly/ZGR850E3MgX #timetotalk

Cremation is an increasingly popular option that can be memorialized in different ways at our cemeteries. Naturally, many people have questions about how cremated remains will change the experience of visiting a cemetery to honour the life of a loved one. Read more here. http://ow.ly/vg4Q50Dk0kq

Listen how using Alzheimer's disease as an example, Dr. Romayne Gallagher talks to Canadian Virtual Hospice about how providing patients and families with a roadmap charting how illness will progress facilitates decision-making. Dr. Gallagher discusses how defining what the person who is at end of life values can aid in decision-making. http://ow.ly/BBGG50Dk03I

During a difficult and complicated time, funeral directors are there to offer guidance, support, and to answer any questions you have. They’re professionals who leverage their experience and expertise to offer you comfort, and help you honour the person you loved. Watch Now how Funeral Directors are a guide in a difficult time. http://ow.ly/OSD150E3GqR

The holidays can be a particularly painful time as the whole world seems to send the message that you must be full of joy. But without your loved one by your side, how can you celebrate like you once did? If you're suffering from a loss this St. Patrick's Day, here's an interesting read. http://ow.ly/P0Qq50E1w0L Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Willful research conducted by Angus Reid shows that two-thirds (66%) of Canadians don’t know the end of life wishes of their spouse, and 57% don’t know the end of life wishes for any of their loved ones. Here are some tips on how to start end-of life-conversations with family. http://ow.ly/a7oF50DjZPL

Grief is a process, not an event. Here is a beautiful story from Humans of New York about how being supportive at the time of grief can truly impact someone's rest of the life. http://ow.ly/hgET50Cogqn

By pre-planning your final arrangements, you can determine your own budget and reduce the risk of your grieving loved ones spending more than necessary. Read more here. http://ow.ly/nCG250Ci0Ib

Just like you plan for retirement or revisit your Will, pre-planning final arrangements is an important, yet often overlooked way to ensure you’ve taken care of family. This week, we will be sharing some WHYs to preplan.

Thank you to Kelly Funeral Homes Arbor Memorial Inc. for their continued support of The Salvation Army through the Annual Charity Golf Classic and Festival of Carols. Donate at a Kettle or online at www.fillthekettle.com #givinghopetoday #fillthekettle

Que vous célébriez virtuellement ou en personne, nous vous souhaitons, à vous et votre famille, une joyeuse Action de grâce, en toute sécurité bonne dinde!

Social Media can play an important part in the healing process in many individuals who are dealing with grief; especially during the pandemic. Annie Horton has created emerging.grief, an Instagram account aimed at providing bereavement support in an online community setting. She's shared her own stories of loss, including the death of her brother-in-law Nick Cordero. http://ow.ly/NOt250Cbwrx

Whether you are celebrating virtually or in person, we wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving .. . Gobble, Gobble!

En publiant un avis de décès en ligne, les familles ont d’autres occasions de partager des renseignements au sujet de leur proche. Les photos, les moments spéciaux et le vécu de la personne peuvent être centralisés dans un livre de visiteurs, qui permet également aux gens de transmettre des condoléances en ligne. Cela peut aussi représenter une commémoration permanente que la famille peut revisiter occasionnellement pour lire les messages. Bon nombre de livres de visiteurs en ligne permettant aussi aux invités de publier une photo pour accompagner leurs condoléances. Vous trouverez ci-dessous des conseils pour la rédaction d’un message de sympathies et de soutien.

Publishing an online obituary allows a family more opportunities to share about their loved one. Photos, special moments and a life story can all be centralized in the guestbook, as well as allowing for digital condolences. It can also act as a permanent memorial that the family can revisit on occasion to re-read some of the messages left by other family members and friends. Many online guestbooks also offer the opportunity for guests to share a photo along with the condolence. Below are some tips to help you craft your message of sympathy and support.

Aujourd’hui est la Journée mondiale de la santé mentale. Elle a lieu à un moment la COVID-19 interrompt nos vies et crée des défis pour nous tous. C’est une période qui s’est avérée particulièrement stressante pour les personnes aux prises avec le chagrin d’avoir perdu un être cher pendant la pandémie. Malgré les restrictions en vigueur pour veiller à la protection de tous, n’oubliez pas vous pouvez quand même compter sur nous. Nous encourageons toutes les familles qui ont... utilisé les services d’Arbor dans le passé à faire appel au Programme d’aide au deuil ArborCare. Veuillez contacter la succursale Arbor la plus près de chez vous pour y demander accès et pour vous familiariser avec les ressources additionnelles qui pourraient vous aider, ainsi que vos proches. Nous sommes tous solidaires dans cette épreuve.

Devriez-vous choisir la crémation ou l’inhumation pour vous ou un proche? Pour prendre la bonne décision, la première étape consiste à bien comprendre chaque option. La crémation consiste à incinérer la dépouille mortelle pour la réduire à une substance granulaire appelée restes crématisés ou cendres . Il faut tout de même obtenir un cercueil ou un coffret approprié quand on choisit la crémation. Quant à l’inhumation, c’est l’acte de placer la dépouille mortelle dans... un cercueil, qui est ensuite abaissé dans une tombe et recouvert de terre, ou rangé dans une crypte au-dessus du sol. Parmi les facteurs à prendre en compte, il y a notamment vos sentiments personnels, tant positifs que négatifs, au sujet de chaque processus. Il faut aussi tenir compte de la gamme d’options : le style de la commémoration permanente pourrait influencer votre choix. Il y a un vaste éventail de solutions créatives pour l’inhumation et la crémation. Ensuite, vous devriez comparer les coûts. Bien que la crémation soit souvent considérée comme étant la solution la plus abordable, les coûts finaux dépendent des options que vous choisissez. Vous devez également songer à votre religion ou à vos traditions, car certaines cultures ou religions stipulent la façon d’inhumer un défunt. Enfin, il faut tenir compte des souhaits du conjoint. Lorsque les préférences varient, il y a des options pour les couples qui veulent rester ensemble à jamais. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez contacter.

Should you choose cremation or burial for your loved one or yourself? To make the right decision, the first step is to fully understand each option. Cremation is the process of incinerating a deceased body, ultimately reducing it to a granular substance referred to as cremated remains or "ashes." A casket or suitable container is still required when cremation is chosen. Burial is the act of placing the deceased into a casket which is lowered into a grave and covered with eart...h, or entombed in a crypt above ground. Factors to consider include: Personal choice: Are there positive or negative feelings about each process? Range of options: The style of permanent memorial may influence your choice. There are a wide variety of creative solutions for both burial and cremation memorials. Comparing cost: While cremation is often considered the less expensive choice, the final costs can vary depending on the options chosen. Religion or tradition: Some cultures or religions specify how the deceased is to be interred. Spouse’s wishes: When preferences differ, there are options for couples who want to be together forever. For more information, please reach out.

Today is World Mental Health Day. It comes at a time when our lives were interrupted by COVID-19 and the challenges that it has brought to all of us. It has been an especially stressful time for anyone who has struggled with the grief of losing a loved lone during the pandemic. Although, there are restrictions in place to keep us all safe, please know that we are still here. All families that have been served by Arbor in the past or present are encouraged to take advantage... of our ArborCare Bereavement Assistance Program. Please reach out to your nearest Arbor funeral home location to request access as well as learn about additional resources that may be available to help you and your loved ones. We are in this together.

It is not always easy to find the right words to express how you feel when writing a condolence to a loved one. Our latest blog post offers some helpful suggestions on how to write a message of sympathy and support on an online obituary. http://ow.ly/A74U50BxWj5 Ce n’est pas toujours facile de trouver les bons mots pour s’exprimer au moment d’écrire une note de condoléances à un proche. Notre plus récent article de blogue vous propose des suggestions utiles pour rédiger un m...essage de sympathies et de soutien dans un Iivre de condoléances en ligne. http://ow.ly/ZLmP50BxWj3

The following article gives some helpful suggestions on how help children with the death of a loved one during the pandemic. http://ow.ly/G8ON50BtLvm

The following article shares 5 changes that you might go through in the ongoing cycle of grief and loss. http://ow.ly/dMnw50BDymz

La nouvelle normalité? Rédigé par : Laura Van Sprang, gestionnaire, Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria Voilà une expression que nous entendons de plus en plus chaque jour pendant que nous tentons de nous adapter à cette pandémie. Mettons-nous tout en œuvre pour rester en sécurité? Relâchons-nous trop notre vigilance? Quand pourrons-nous voyager et visiter des gens qui habitent loin? Les familles sont confrontées à de nombreuses nouvelles façons de faire les choses et doivent déte...rminer comment composer avec la situation et trouver la joie dans ce monde nouveau. Pouvons-nous voir nos amis? Retourner au travail? Aller à l’école? Organiser des rassemblements? Combien et comment? Sommes-nous en sécurité? Quelle période stressante pour nous tous! Pendant une période aussi complexe et changeante, il y a de nombreuses choses qui sont hors de notre contrôle, des choses que nous ne pouvons pas reporter à une période moins pénible ou mettre en veilleuse jusqu’à ce que nous puissions obtenir le soutien nécessaire. Je parle bien entendu du décès, de la perte d’un être un cher. Les membres de la profession funéraire ont été durement touchés par la COVID et travaillent jour et nuit pour trouver des façons d’aider les membres de la communauté qui ont perdu un proche. Nos spécialistes dûment formés passent du temps avec chaque famille pour leur permettre de s’exprimer et les aider pendant les très difficiles premiers jours du deuil. Nous sommes toujours en mesure d’organiser des services intimes regroupant un petit nombre de personnes et de les diffuser en direct pour ceux qui ne peuvent pas y assister. Nous non plus ne sommes pas accoutumés aux masques et aux distances que nous devons garder entre nous et ceux que nous voulons réconforter. Cela dit, nous sommes quand même là pour vous appuyer, vous écouter et vous aider. Nous sommes tous unis dans cette épreuve, anxieux de savoir quand tout reviendra à la normale, comme avant.

The New Normal? Written by: Laura Van Sprang, Manager at Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria This is a statement we are hearing more & more each day as time passes while trying to navigate our lives during this pandemic. Are we doing everything we can to stay safe? Are we becoming too relaxed? When will we be able to travel & visit people farther away? Families are faced with so many new ways of doing things & figuring out how to cope & find joy in this new world. How stressful of... a time for us all. During such a complicated & ever changing time there are still some things that are out of our control. Things we are unable to put off until a less already trying time, or postpone until we can have the community support we will need. I am speaking about death & losing someone you love during this time. The funeral profession has also been impacted extremely hard because of COVID and have worked around the clock to figure out ways to assist our bereaved community members who have had a significant loss during this time. Our trained funeral professionals take time with each family to ensure all their wishes are expressed & they are guided through the very difficult first days of their grief. We are still able to gather safely in smaller numbers for an intimate service and livestream to those who cannot attend. We too, are not used to masks & the distance we must keep between each other and those we want to comfort, but we are still here to support you, listen & assist. No matter what happens in the uncertain future, we want you to know that we will do everything we can to ensure you & your family are cared for when someone you love passes away. We will continue to work hard to adhere to the health guidelines and keep our buildings, teams & communities safe. We will keep finding new ways to bring the support to those in need & promise there will always be someone to answer your call if and when the time comes, no matter what the new normal looks like.

October 1 is a day for all Canadians to celebrate the achievements and contributions of older adults across the country. From all of us at Arbor, we thank Canada’s seniors for all they have done and continue to do for their families and communities. Resources for Canadian Seniors : http://ow.ly/xUjO50By0LA... Le 1er octobre, nous soulignons la Journée nationale des aînés afin de célébrer les réalisations et les contributions des personnes âgées d’un bout à l’autre du pays. Toute l’équipe d’Arbor tient à remercier ces personnes pour tout ce qu’elles ont fait et continuent de faire pour leur famille et leur communauté. Ressources pour les aînés du Canada : http://ow.ly/qJgE50By0Nc #NationalSeniorsDay #NationalSeniorsDay2020

As most pet owners share an intense love for their pets, it’s important that they’re considered in one’s end-of-life planning. Our Arbor Memorial blog post offers some helpful suggestions to help you prepare for your pet's future after your death. http://ow.ly/pa3k50BuURw Comme les propriétaires d’animaux de compagne aiment profondément leur compagnon poilu, c’est important de les prendre en considération dans la planification de fin de vie. Notre article de blogue offrent ...des suggestions utiles pour vous aider à préparer l’avenir de votre animal de compagnie après votre décès. http://ow.ly/aOxC50BuUW3

2020 Holes for Hospice Charity Golf Tournament Results.

Have you ever wondered why we grieve the death of someone we didn't know? The following article explains the reasons and shares ways to honor the loss. http://ow.ly/9jqa50BgfM3

Today we are sharing the final article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handing your own grief. The final recommendation - Be good to yourself - spiritually Bereavement can shake and challenge your entire belief system. For those who have a faith in God, loss can bring a critical turning point in that faith. You may feel angry that God has not answered your prayers, and question why He has allowed this to happen.... You may wonder what is the purpose in all this. Many do not have a faith in God, yet their beliefs about life itself may be affected by the death. Life is not always fair. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This death may have meant not only the end of the relationship but also the death of many of your hopes and dreams. The death of someone you care about can challenge some long held beliefs about the way life should be. In the days ahead you will need to work through some of these issues. Hopefully you have a spiritual advisor who understands the grieving process, accepts you as a hurting person, listens non-judgmentally to your grief questions, and assists you to find meaning. Remember, there are no easy answers. Faith enables us to accept what we may not understand. - Dr. Bill Webster

Le plus récent article de blogue d’Arbor Memorial vous offre quelques suggestions utiles pour rédiger un éloge funèbre. http://ow.ly/tBnp50BmlJT

Our latest Arbor Memorial blog offers some helpful suggestions on writing an Eulogy for a loved one. http://ow.ly/I5nv50BmlpQ

Today we are sharing the sixth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The sixth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Socially After being out of your social circle for a time, it may not be easy for you to return. You may find it surprisingly difficult to go back to work, to face friends, or to attend your place of worship. You may think that people are regarding you differently, perhaps feeling sorry for you. If you were married and are now sin...gle, others may find it difficult to relate to you now you are on your own. Such adjustments are not easy, either for you or for them. During this transition, attending a support group can help bridge the time between the loss and your return to full social involvement again. However, it is important not to shut yourself away. Social relationships are healthy, and especially so after a loss. Thus, if you are invited to a party, a wedding, or indeed any social function, go if you want. To ease the pressure, however, leave a way of escape by saying: I’d love to attend, but I’ve been going through a grieving time. If I decide not to come at the last minute, would you understand? Even after you arrive you can say: I’m happy to have been invited, but if I find I’m becoming too emotional, I know you’ll understand if I excuse myself." Friends will understand. - Dr. Bill Webster

Wishing you a happy and safe Labour Day from all of us at Arbor! Toute l’équipe d’Arbor vous souhaite une bonne Fête du travail, en toute sécurité!

Have you lost someone during this pandemic? Not being able to grieve in the traditional ways has been a challenge for many people who have lost a loved one. Corrie Sirota, psychotherapist specializing in grief & loss shares some advice to CTV news on how families can grieve during our unusual times. http://ow.ly/b62N50BbL2n

Today we are sharing the fifth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The fifth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Emotionally Do not beat yourself up emotionally. Don’t torture yourself with regrets and if only’s. Reading some books on grief will help you understand what you are going through. Keeping a journal or a diary is a good way to express what you are feeling and thinking. Rereading what you have written may help you understand what... your emotions are. A year from now, when you read your journal again, you will be pleasantly surprised to see how far you have come in your recovery. - Dr. Bill Webster

The following article shares three things you should know to help you grieve and heal after a loss. Remember, there is no incorrect way to respond to loss and that everyone has their own unique process. http://ow.ly/dUls50B1COa

Today we are sharing the fourth article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The fourth recommendation - Be good to yourself - Physically Try to get adequate rest. Go to bed a little earlier and avoid late nights in front of the TV, which may simply be a coping strategy for loneliness. Try not to drink caffeine or eat heavy meals or snacks which could interrupt sleep. Even if you cannot sleep, at least rest.... Learn to relax. There are good relaxation techniques available to help you. Good nutrition is important. Sometimes it can be a discipline to make balanced, nutritious meals,especially if the loss has left us on our own. It is difficult to cook for one. Resist the temptation to skip meals or eat junk food. Forcing your body to work hard on a relatively few nutrients denies the body needed resources. Also, recognize that sometimes we may eat to compensate for loneliness or anxiety. Instead, substitute a brisk walk or a warm bath to feel better. -Dr. Bill Webster

We are excited to announce that our Arbor Memorial Foundation has its own dedicated Facebook page. Stay up to date with the various non-profit organizations that the foundation is honoured to help. http://ow.ly/f9hR50AVx2W

Today we are sharing the third article from Dr. Bill Webster's series on handling your own grief. The third recommendation - Ask for and accept help Remember all those people who said, If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know? Most of them meant it, so do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Because we don’t want to bother anyone else with our problems, much of our pain goes unheeded. But you need not suffer alone.... Admittedly, we shouldn’t have to ask. But this is the real world. Our friends, family and even professionals cannot read minds. Sometimes help is not offered because people do not know what we need. And often even we aren’t sure what we need. I never say, I know how you feel. I don‘t. All I know is how I felt when grief impacted my life. Maybe what we need most is someone to listen. Not everyone will be willing. Some people may not be able to handle your tears. Some will want to give you all the answers, rather than just listening. Find someone who cares, someone with whom you feel comfortable talking, and to whom you can trust your vulnerability. With these three attributes, you will undoubtedly have someone who can offer encouragement and help. There are self-help groups to offer support and friendship. You may also want to talk to a competent grief counsellor, and perhaps someone from the funeral home, your place of worship or a social agency can direct you to such resources. -Dr. Bill Webster

Three Ontario women have started working on a COVID-19 memorial blanket that is intended to honour the lives of all people who have died from the virus in Canada. They are calling on Knitters across Canada to join the effort. http://ow.ly/RQwI50AVu1M Follow their journey on Instagram: http://ow.ly/8Yp950AVu0K