W J Dooley Funeral Home

09/18/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/18/2025

Teenagers and Grief

Despite the fact that teenagers have gained maturity in many areas, they have an underdeveloped skillset to manage grief. Today’s society focuses on life… and death is considered as taboo. Tools to manage grief are not taught as part of today’s education curriculums. Processing grief often is limited to sending condolences online.

Symptoms of grief are felt by everyone who experiences the loss of a loved one. With adolescents, puberty brings with it a shift in hormones. When both grief and the bodily changes that accompany teenage years happen simultaneously the burden they face is compounded.

Teens who grieve may not express their feelings fully as they try to process the need to be supported with their attempts to portray themselves with the strength expected of an adult. Essentially, being cool competes with being comforted. They may feel they are responsible to show strength and hide tears to support other family members and this may lead to the denial of feelings that need to be expressed. Sometimes, the smallest unspoken emotions of grief can affect life decisions taken decades later.

The conversation about grieving that a teenager and their parent share can often be awkward. Teenagers are at a point in their lives of self-discovery and gaining independence. Sometimes, a friend, relative or professional outside the immediate family may prove to be more comfortable for teens to openly and honestly share their feelings.

Acknowledging that everyone grieves differently supports an acceptance of the teen’s response or lack thereof to the loss they are experiencing. The key is to be available and ask if there is anything they, the teenager, would like to ask or discuss; keeping the lines of communication open is paramount. Sometimes professional counselling may be needed: if personality changes are observed, if frequent mishaps occur or if substance use is witnessed. It’s important to address any issues that may occur as early as possible.

Bertha Brannen
Grief Recovery Specialist

© W J Dooley Funeral Home/CFHC Online

09/17/2025

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09/16/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/15/2025

Preplanning, Let’s talk about Personalization and Your Service

When we talk with individuals and families about their funeral service, one area that receives a lot of attention is personalization. Individual needs vary from person to person. There are many, many options that are chosen these days, from traditional type services to fulfilling some very unique wishes.

How formal will the service be? The setting for a funeral service is often the funeral home, which can host all of the elements of the service: the visitation, chapel service and reception. This type of service often occurs when the family has no immediate religious affiliation. In other instances, there is an attachment to a local church, in which case our funeral home coordinates service details with clergy. Sometimes a service is desired that is very informal in nature; witness the golf-club sendoffs some are choosing. Other places we see funerals being held are meeting and banquet rooms at local establishments such as Legion Halls.

What unique things are being done to highlight the life of a beloved? The multitude of ways families remember their loved ones is impressive. Traditionally, these include inspiring eulogies and the placing of personal items or keepsakes at graveside services. Presentations that honour some of the passions or hobbies of a loved one are also quite prominent these days. Were they a painter? Did they like to fish? Some displays are very elaborate and have a lot of thought put into them. Sometimes personal messages from a loved one are shared posthumously.

Personalization is a topic that we discuss with each and every family we support. Our knowledge helps us to create a truly unique and meaningful service for all who attend. Our goal is to assist you as you plan and make preparations. If you have questions about the unique ways people are honouring their loved ones, please contact us.

© W J Dooley Funeral Home/CFHC Online

09/13/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/13/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/11/2025

09/09/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/08/2025

Share memories & support the family

09/07/2025

Happy Grandparent’s Day!

Today we celebrate the elder generation of our families. As role models and supporters, grandparents help a family to thrive. Perhaps its the time they spend making special memories with grandchildren. Maybe they help in a financial way. Simply stated, their care and love holds benefits for all.

This Grandparent’s Day, why not pay a visit, make a call, or connect online, if for no other reason, just to say thanks for being there when needed. To grandparents who are no longer with us, you will always be remembered with love.

09/03/2025

Funerals: A Safe Space to Mourn a Loved One

At a funeral home, funeral services will unfold in a number of ways depending on how the family wishes to honour their loved one.

One thing that is for certain, this is a time of respect. The etiquettes associated with attending a service ask all attendees to be cordial at this time of reverence. Appropriate conduct is expected. The happenings at a service are to honour or pay tribute to a loved one. The family has lost someone close and the need for all attendees to act in a dignified way is paramount.

This atmosphere fosters an inclusive space where everyone feels safe and secure. The differences that separate some from others are put aside. This is a time to come together and support one another. It is not uncommon for those who have lost touch with one another to reunite, reminisce and reestablish relationships.

One of our goals when providing funeral services is to create a safe space and atmosphere for all in attendance.

© W J Dooley Funeral Home/CFHC Online