Tompkins Funeral Home

01/10/2026

View Rick Eaton's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/08/2026

View Dennis Arnold Nichols's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/08/2026

After my best friend's death, I felt consumed with rage at almost everyone around me.

01/06/2026

View Craig Douglas Reynolds's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/06/2026

View Mary Elisabeth Kelly's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/05/2026

It Starts with Compassion

Funeral directors across our nation are very aware of the importance of the need to have compassion for the families under their care. We often hear the phrase, “being a funeral director is a calling,” and individuals with empathy and compassion are ideally suited to having long term careers in this profession.

Families who have experienced a recent loss need the comfort and support of someone who understands their journey, and rightly so. It is important that the feelings and emotions they are having are respected by the director who is responsible for their care.

Behind the scenes, some funeral directors have experienced “compassion fatigue,” which is equivalent to burnout or PTSD. Peer support groups have recently started up in a number of cities, where individuals seeking help get the attention they need.

Yes, mortuary schools can provide training on embalming practices and the intricacies of funeral service, but compassion is something that an individual has within. And we are thankful to be part of a profession that seeks this trait in individuals who choose to become a funeral director.

© Tompkins Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

Our management and staff hope the year ahead shines on you with good health, happiness and joy. May it contain new adventures and good fortune. We wish you many opportunities to experience special times with family and friends, where beautiful memories are created.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.”
- Carl Bard

12/30/2025

View Kenneth Robert Jackson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/26/2025

View Penelope "Jane" Leung's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We at Tompkins Funeral Home wish you a joyous holiday season, spent with loved ones, enjoying time honoured traditions. Christmastime is said to warm the soul. May you find peace and comfort as you take part in this season’s festivities.

"Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand." - Dr. Seuss

12/19/2025

Grief and the Holiday Season
Coping with Their Absence

The holidays are a time when traditions and celebrations are commonplace. When grieving the loss of a loved one, sometimes the bereft may feel that it is difficult to attend these festive events, given their grief. What can those who grieve do to navigate the season?

• Given the multitude of events this time of year, it is recommended to plan which of these festivities you wish to attend. Focus on the spending your time on events that provide heart-felt joy or special meaning to you. There is no need to attend every celebration you are invited to.
• Know that it is ok to express feelings of sadness. If you are uncomfortable showing emotions in public, step away to a private location to allow yourself time to deal with these emotions. If you have a trusted friend, lean on them should these emotions surface.
• Old and new traditions: honour your loved one by keeping old traditions in place or by beginning new ones. Including meaningful reflection helps with healing. Make time to acknowledge them.
• Rely on your internal compass to guide you through festivities. Know that others, though mindful of your loss, may not be grieving as you are. There will be times when others are quite festive, despite the feelings you are dealing with.
• If you are unable to cope, seek out those who you trust to assist or support you, whether it be family, friends or professional counsellors.
• Be kind and gentle with yourself.

© Tompkins Funeral Home/CFHC Online

12/15/2025