The Hendren Funeral Homes
66 Queen St., P.O. Box 524 K0L 2H0 Lakefield, ON, Canada

Well it’s certainly not a part of the attire we could have imagined needing but here we are. Some new reusable face masks featuring the Hendren ‘H’ to help keep our hardworking team and the families we serve safe. #weareinthistogether #hendrenfuneralhomes #Lakefield #Bobcaygeon #Norwood

Hendren Funeral Homes’ attendance restrictions have been updated as of June 13, 2020. Indoor Funerals and Visitations are permitted with % . Graveside Services are limited to .... Hendren Funeral Homes . Everyone must follow proper health and safety guidelines, including physical distancing of two metres from people who are not from the same household or their established 10-person social circle.

As Ontario prepares to move into ‘Phase 2’ of re-opening amidst the pandemic, the limitations for funerals remain unchanged. Not being able to allow family and friends to gather when saying good-bye to a loved one, continues to be painful for the communities we serve. Although we wish we could do so much more, we continue to offer gatherings of 10 maximum at a time and webcasting of services for those not able to attend. We will get through this together! #funeralstrong #weareinthistogether #hendrenfuneralhomes

Signs of Summer After a long winter, the arrival of our gorgeous hanging flower baskets, created by the talented Peter and Elyn of Greenhouse on the River, means summer has officially begun. A big thanks to our own Tony as well, who has been working hard these last weeks, getting the gardens ready and planted. He keeps all three chapels looking beautiful all year long.

Immediately prior to the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, we began work on the rebuilding and redecorating of our Lakefield front foyer and entrance. We are now pleased to announce that the interior of the foyer is complete and we are thrilled with how it turned out. Our very own Tony Niemann has worked so hard and done an absolutely fantastic job. We had a plan, but when we removed the drywall we discovered the original beautiful brick walls underneath, so we changed the d...irection of design to include and showcase the brick. Although this meant more work for Tony, in his usual style, he just laughed and got to work. You can even see on the brick work where the original Hendren Funeral Home sign was attached. So we are excited to see what you think of the new foyer and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank Tony for all of his expertise, not just with this project but in all that he does around the funeral home chapels. From gardening to maintenance to construction, Tony is always ready to jump in and keep our funeral homes operating smoothly, and always with a smile. Thank you Tony!! See more

Small gestures can mean so much and during this time, when grieving families are unable to gather and comfort each other, they need every show of support offered. When a funeral procession passes, pulling your car over or if walking, stopping to bow your head as they pass shows respect and is a small gesture that can mean so much to those mourning a loss. Let’s all do what we can because we are all in this together. #weareinthistogether #hendrenfuneralhomes

Thanks Michelle Ferreri.

Had a chat this morning with Wei Chen of CBC Ontario Morning, discussing the impact of Covid-19 on funeral homes and how it affects the families we serve. #hendrenfuneralhomes #CBCOntarioMorning #Bobcaygeonstrong #communitystrong #WeiChen #weareinthistogether

This morning I was sent a FB post with ‘a call to pipe’ and join pipers around the world, at noon today, to play Amazing Grace. Thought It was a beautiful idea and decided to join in at Pinecrest in Bobcaygeon. #weareinthistogether #amazinggrace #bobcaygeonstrong #hendrenfuneralhomes

In an effort to do everything we can to protect not only the families we serve, but our team and their families, we wanted to let you, our communities, know about the precautions we are taking at the Hendren Funeral Homes: TEAM MEMBERS: Frequent hand washing with soap and water and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between washings. Maintaining physical distancing of a minimum 6 feet and wearing of surgical masks and gloves while interacting with families.... Avoiding common greetings such as handshakes and hugs. Wearing of all necessary and recommended Personal Protective Equipment while in proximity to human remains. OUR FUNERAL HOMES & VISITORS: Daily and frequent disinfecting including door handles, light switches, phones, pens and anything else that may get touched during the day. Limiting visitors to the funeral home. Our doors are locked and we are only meeting with those who have need to be in our facilities. A visitor screening questionnaire re: symptoms and travel. All visitors must use hand sanitizer upon entry to the funeral home. Immediate disinfecting of anything a visitor may have come in contact with. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS: Limiting of contact by making funeral arrangements by phone or video whenever possible. If arrangements need to be made in person, physical distancing applies and we limit the number of decision makers to two individuals. Signing of all documentation done digitally by email. WHAT A FUNERAL SERVICE LOOKS LIKE DURING Covid-19: Funeral Services and visitation periods are limited to a maximum of 10 people (including clergy). Committal services at the cemetery have the same limitations as the funeral home. Recording or streaming of funerals may be performed so that the ceremony may be shared with those unable to attend in person. Items such as memorial cards and videos are still being produced so that you can share with your family and friends. It is our goal throughout this difficult time to provide the same compassionate care that Hendren’s is known for, while maintaining the safest environment for our families and yours. We invite you to contact the funeral home if you have any questions regarding our safety procedures or the current limitations regarding funerals. If we all do our part, we can get through this together. #weareinthistogether #hendrenfuneralhomes #staysafe

No matter what time of the year a loved one passes, the grieving process is still a tumultuous roller coaster ride of emotions. However, grief around the holidays can feel particularly lonely. This year, that grief is compounded by Covid-19, not being able to get together with family and friends. The feeling of loss and loneliness can be overwhelming. For many, Easter is filled with large dinners and family festivities. This year is much different with social distancing rules..., with families being separated and not able to gather together. The feeling of loneliness can be overwhelming. Just remember, to reach out, to ask for help, and to take care of yourself. Some ideas for upping your self care at this time: Call a friend or family member, chat by FaceTime, Skype or Zoom. It’s not nearly as good as an in person visit, but making those connections is so important. Ask for (and accept!) help. If you need a grocery drop off, medications picked up or just a chat, be sure to reach out. Your loved ones want to help. Eat a chocolate bunny! Whatever your Easter treat of choice may be, ensure you indulge! It's important to enjoy the parts of Easter that usually bring you joy. Whatever that luxury item or activity is, make time for joy. Faith can be comforting. For some, depending on their experiences and religious practices, Easter can be a time of comfort. Although we aren’t able to gather together in faith at this time, many churches are offering Easter services online. You can attend the service in your living room. If you are unsure how to tap into these services, ask a friend or family member for help to connect online. Accept change. Try to come to terms with the fact that the way you celebrated Easter in the past has changed. You can pick up the Easter egg hunt another year or create a new tradition going forward. Be prepared. The days leading up to any holiday can be more difficult than the day itself. There may be certain triggers during this time that push you toward depression if left unchecked. While you cannot totally prepare yourself for the emotions that you may experience, you can plan some quiet time in your schedule. It’s been said already, but it’s important to reach out if you are feeling triggered. From everyone here at the funeral home, we wish you all the best and please stay safe.

Last night I was on CTV National news for a small segment they aired discussing the impact of the Covid-19 virus on our communities and funeral homes. This brought to light the important and ongoing issue of PPE for funeral staff across Ontario. While we are considered an ‘essential service’, we do not have any government assistance with sourcing PPE to keep ourselves safe. While this is an important issue, what wasn’t shown in the following clip is a much longer interview ...in which I shared some of the amazing and generous stories which this tragedy has created. I was able to talk about the incredible way that the community, especially in Bobcaygeon, has come together to support one another and I was able to share just how outstanding our funeral home team has been in their response to serving the many families affected. Thank you to all of those working so hard to help and to the many members of the community reaching out to offer kind words and support. #weareinthistogether #bobcaygeonstrong #hendrenfuneralhomes #OFSA See more

Our hearts go out to the many families grieving in the Bobcaygeon community. #weareinthistogether