Needham-Jay Funeral Home

05/25/2026

One of the decisions that comes up for a funeral is - who should be the pallbearers? Learn about the norms and etiquette of choosing pallbearers to help you.

05/24/2026

Margaret Boer-VanderWal was called home by her faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 93. Margaret (Martje) was born to Hindrik and Grietje Wierenga in Ten Post, the Netherlands. She experienced a wartime childhood, but was gifted with a cheerful and resilient character throu...

View Margaret Boer-VanderWal's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/20/2026

Preplanning a Service
Prefunding Services and Consumer Protections

Regulations for funeral services are found under provincial laws. As a consumer there are a number of protections offered to ensure equitable and fair treatment.

Families and individuals who choose to prefund services will be required to sign two documents. The first is with the funeral home which will have specifics of the type of service to be provided. The second document pertains to the funds provided, which are by law placed with a third party, typically a financial institution or insurance company.

Provincial laws state, what details must be included in agreements and when funds can be accessed, following the submission of proper supporting documentation. Over time funds will earn interest income and this will help to offset the effects of inflation.

If a family has questions about their prearrangements or funding at any point in the future, they may request a review of documentation. It’s simply a matter of calling our funeral home.

We welcome any questions you may have about preplanning or prefunding. If you wish to know about consumer protections or other information, please contact us.

© Needham-Jay Funeral Home/CFHC Online

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Suddenly, at the age of 26, due to a tragic accident. Brayden Beveridge was the beloved son of Lori Beverige and Michael Beveridge (Pam Scott), the adored brother of Cody Beveridge (Kennedi Snelgrove), a treasured nephew of Tim Shanks, Donny Beveridge and God son of Bill and Heather Beveridge. Brayd...

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

05/11/2026

Frederick “Bruce” MacDonald (81) on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Petrolia. Beloved husband of the late Karen MacDonald (nee Osborne). Bruce is survived by his two sons, Aaron (Stacey) MacDonald and Colin MacDonald (Kathi De MacDonald) and his four grandchildren, Chelsea MacDonald and Maya, Kaiden and R...

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

05/11/2026

Elaine Newport of Oil Springs passed away on May 10, 2026, just before her 78th birthday.

Elaine was the wife of Jim and mother to Rob (Charlene) and Scott (Lisa). She was a cherished grandmother to Jordan (Jessica), Karissa, Logan (Logan), William, and Evan, and great-grandmothe...

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

05/11/2026

With deep gratitude, we celebrate the life of Bernadine (Dean) Gertrude (Dupuis) Jardine. Dean passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 10th, Mother’s Day at the age of 91.
Dean has been reunited with her beloved husband Bob (1993), and her precious granddaughter Cassie McNally (198...

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

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day

We hope that today brings peace and joy to mothers everywhere. May the special moments you share with your family fill your heart with love. To mothers who are no longer with us, today we remember your kind and caring ways. You are truly missed.

“All I am, I owe to my mother.”
-George Washington

05/09/2026

Predeceased by her son Micheal, her husband (James) Junior McDonald, her father John McNeil and her parents Frances and William Stevenson, brothers Doug and Rocky. Forever missed by her children, Brooklyn Vennell, Terri McDonald (Rick Bazinet Jr.), Scott McDonald, and Janice Greenaway. Her grandbabi...

05/06/2026

Celebrating Mother’s Day after the Loss of a Child

As Mother's Day approaches, many of us envision happy family gatherings, where we share special moments. However, for those who have lost a child, Mother's Day can be a particularly difficult and painful day. It's a day that highlights this loss and leaves them feeling alone, despite those around them who are festive and upbeat.

Mother’s Day is a reminder of the loss when grieving a child. It may be a time when thoughts and feelings resurface… what would our lives be like if they were still here? What would our child’s life be like today? What milestones would they be experiencing and what memories would we be sharing. It's a day that can contain many what-ifs and a longing to have this person still present in our life.

For those who face the loss of a child, Mother’s Day coincides with fresh grief, as the desire for things to have been different is sharply brought into mind. This loss is ever present and painful.

One strategy to deal with this type of grief is to remember and focus on the love that’s still present within the heart, rather than the pain. This love doesn't fade away with the passing of time and hopefully, the pain will subside as the loss is processed. Rituals sometimes provide comfort and help to navigate through difficult emotions. There may also be an opportunity to create a new tradition that holds special meaning. If you need help, seek support and comfort wherever you can find it. This is beneficial to the griever in many ways.

So this Mother's Day, take time to honour your child. Perhaps light a candle beside their photo and take a moment to reflect on the love you shared. This doesn't have to be a day of sadness. Instead, it can be a day of honouring the love that will always be present and the joys that were once experienced.

This year, as we celebrate the mothers in our lives, let's also take some time to remember Mothers who grieve the loss of a cherished loved one.

Anne DeButte
Grief Coach and Podcaster
“Let’s Talk About Grief with Anne”

© Needham-Jay Funeral Home/CFHC Online