Jason Smith Funeral Chapel

05/10/2026

To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, and mother figures in our community — today we celebrate you.

Your love shapes families, your strength carries generations, and your kindness leaves a lasting mark on the lives around you.

We also recognize that Mother’s Day can be difficult for many. For those missing their mother, grieving a child, longing to become a mother, or carrying complicated emotions today, please know you are not alone.

At Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, we are reminded every day that love does not end with loss. The memories, lessons, traditions, and quiet moments shared with a mother continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved.

From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful and meaningful Mother’s Day. 💐

05/05/2026

To continue our “How did you you get into this?” Series, Donna Simmons:

I have lived in Simcoe all my life. My career as a secretary began straight out of high school—first at our local newspaper, and later at Bethel Baptist Church and its school.

I had known Jason and his family for several years, as he had cared for funerals for both family and friends. One evening, he called and asked if I might be interested in helping at the funeral home in a casual role, assisting with donations during visitations and before services. Having recently retired, I thought I might lend a hand for a few months.

That was ten years ago.

It has been a true honour to work alongside such kind and compassionate people. This role has given me a meaningful way to spend my retirement, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team that serves families during such important moments.

I hope that, in some small way, I am able to bring comfort and be a blessing to those experiencing one of life’s most difficult times.

04/28/2026

To continue our “How Did You Get Into This?” series, our next feature is Ron Guthrie:

I had never imagined working at a funeral home.

Most of my career was spent providing service and support in the high-tech industry, where it was my job to have the answers. In 2021, I decided it was time to retire.

About a month before my retirement, my uncle passed away, and I was named estate trustee. On several occasions, Jason Smith had provided excellent service and taken great care of our family, so we turned to him once again.

In the week following the service, I met with Jason, thinking I was simply going in to settle the account. The conversation, however, quickly turned into something unexpected—an interview of sorts. Jason explained that the skills I had developed in customer support weren’t all that different from what he looks for in his team. To my surprise, he offered me a position.

I told him I would need some time to think it over and discuss it with my wife, as this certainly wasn’t part of our retirement plan.

While my background in customer support translated well, I soon realized there was a fundamental shift in perspective required. The biggest difference was that I didn’t have the answers—none at all. But I came to understand that having the answer isn’t always what matters most. What I valued in my previous career was being able to support someone during a difficult time and, in some small way, make their day a little better. Often, that doesn’t come from having the answer, but simply from listening.

Needless to say, I accepted the position, and it has proven to be a very good fit. As an added bonus, Jason and I have become great friends.

04/27/2026

🌸 MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY 🌸

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we would love to help you celebrate someone special.

To mark the occasion—and to thank our community—we are giving away a $100 Gift Card to Unique Designs Florist, a wonderful local business known for their beautiful arrangements and thoughtful designs.

How to Enter:
1️⃣ Like our page
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Comment and tag one person who deserves to be celebrated this Mother’s Day

✨ That’s it—you’re entered! ✨

One entry per person.

The winner will be randomly selected and announced on May 8th, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Supporting local matters, and we are grateful to grow alongside such a caring community. Thank you for being part of it.

Good luck to everyone—and Happy Mother’s Day. 💐

04/21/2026

To continue our “How Did You Get Into This?” series, our third feature is Michele Bach—our longest-serving team member:

My introduction to this business was supposed to be a six-week fill-in for Jason’s mom, Betty, who was taking a leave of absence. As she was preparing to return, her presence was needed more at home, so Jason asked me to stay on—and that was in 2013.

Not to backtrack, but I have known Jason for many years, as we both worked in the Nutrition Department at NGH in the 1990s. Jason had also bowled with my husband, Peter, and his father, John.

In 2003, Peter’s dad was diagnosed with a very short illness, which was devastating to our family. With Jason’s guidance, professionalism, and attention to detail, everything fell into place. We were able to honour him by displaying photos, his hobbies, and the things that meant the most to him. I realized then that it takes a special kind of person to do this work—Jason was certainly that kind of person.

Fast forward to today, I have now been with the funeral home for 13 years. Having grown up in Norfolk County, worked here, and raised my children here, you tend to know many people. I have always worked with the public and continue to truly enjoy it.

All in all, I feel this job has made me appreciate life—my own and others’—so much more, and it has made me a better person. Even though my role is primarily clerical, I have sewn on buttons, fixed a hem, offered a hug to a grieving family, and listened to their stories. It is important to go through that process, as death is not restricted to the elderly—it can occur at any time, regardless of age, health, or status. It does not discriminate. At times, it is very hard not to wear your heart on your sleeve.

Since 2006, I have volunteered with the Breast Cancer Foundation Committee. With my mother being a breast cancer survivor, this foundation is very close to my heart. I volunteer alongside many amazing women and look forward to working with them year after year. Seeing the survivors—from within our county and beyond—makes me proud to be part of something much bigger than myself.

It was bittersweet when Jason decided to take a step back. The nice thing is that I still get to see him, as he remains part of the funeral home.

04/20/2026

Not a dramatic transformation—but an important one all the same.

The team here has been asking us for a while to get rid of the pinkish orange paint… so we have!

We’ve recently refreshed our washrooms with a clean, updated coat of paint to ensure our space remains comfortable and welcoming for the families we serve.

A sincere thank you to Jim Wood for his care and craftsmanship—your work does not go unnoticed.

04/14/2026

To continue our “How did you get into this?” series, I would like to introduce our Operations Manager, Kellie, who wears many hats here at Jason Smith Funeral Chapel:

“My interest in funeral service began when I was twelve years old after the loss of my grandmother. She was the matriarch of our family, and we were fortunate to have her live with us for several years. My sister and I spent many afternoons with her, sipping tea and watching dog shows on television — moments we cherish deeply.

When my mother and I first walked into the funeral home, I expected to meet a scary “big-bad-undertaker” character. Instead, we were greeted by a warm and gracious couple who instantly put us at ease. While my mother met with the funeral director, I was sipping tea with his wife and playing with their dogs. To me, it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than a business arrangement. The kindness and compassion shown to our family made an impact on me. In that moment, I remember thinking, ‘I want to be like them when I grow up.’

In 2020, I began my career in pre-need services in Hamilton, later serving families in Brantford, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines. It was there that I met Bryce — becoming partners in life and now partners here in Simcoe.

Simcoe and the surrounding communities have welcomed us with such genuine warmth and kindness. There is something truly special about our County. Neighbours show up, families gather close, and stories are shared with deep love and belly laughs.

It is both a privilege and an honour to serve this community, one that has made us feel at home.”

04/08/2026

“How did you get into this line of work?”

It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often.

To kick off our “How did you get into this?” series, we’re starting with our owner, Bryce.

For me, that answer begins in 2007, when I lost my Nana—a woman who taught me the value of hard work, the simple joy of a butter tart, and the beauty of a flower.

At 16, I wasn’t entirely sure what my future would look like. I had considered becoming a psychologist or a social worker—something that would allow me to help people. But after losing my Nana, everything changed.

When we attended her funeral, it was meant to be a moment of peace… but it wasn’t. There were multiple errors—too many to count—and instead of comfort, our family was left with added distress during an already difficult time.

In that moment, I realized something very clearly: families only get one funeral. One opportunity to grieve, to honour, and to say goodbye. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my life to doing it better—to making one of life’s hardest moments just a little easier for others, so no family would have to endure what ours did.

At 17, I began volunteering at a local funeral home—washing cars, vacuuming, and learning everything I could about the profession. What I didn’t know at the time was that this would become the very funeral home I would go on to purchase 12 years later.

My career took me to Toronto, where I completed my internship at Kane’s Funeral Home, and then to Niagara Falls, where I had the privilege of working under one of my greatest mentors, Ernie Morgan, at Morse & Son Funeral Home. I later continued my work in St. Catharines before purchasing my own funeral home at the age of 29.

In 2025, Kellie and I made the decision to step away from the larger city and move to a smaller community that better aligned with our values. That decision led us to meet Jason Smith, and after a meaningful conversation, it became clear to both of us that it was the right fit—a natural passing of the torch.

Now, six months into serving the Simcoe and Norfolk community, I can say with confidence that it has been one of the best decisions of my life. The warmth, support, and sense of community here have been truly remarkable. Being able to serve families in such a connected and caring place has been incredibly rewarding, and Kellie and I are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and supporting this community for years to come.

Every step of this journey has reinforced the same belief: this is not just a profession—it is a calling.

Stay tuned each week as we share more stories from our team and the journeys that brought them into funeral service.

04/07/2026

One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “What inspired you to pursue a career in funeral service?”

The truth is, there is rarely just one answer. For many of us, it’s a calling shaped by personal experiences, meaningful moments, and a deep desire to support others during life’s most difficult times.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing members of our team and sharing the unique journeys that led them to serve this community with care and compassion. Each week, we’ll be highlighting a member of our staff and how their journey into funeral service began.

Every story is different—but at the heart of each one is a commitment to being there when it matters most.

04/05/2026

Today, Jason and I had the honour of assisting the family of Leah Shelley in celebrating her life.

Leah lived a remarkable and full life, reaching her 97th year, and was deeply loved by her family, friends, and community.  Today’s service was a beautiful reflection of that life—filled with faith, memories, and the kind of love that leaves a lasting imprint on everyone it touches.

It is always a privilege to help families tell the story of someone so meaningful. To stand alongside them in those moments, and to help create a tribute that truly reflects a life well lived, is something we never take for granted.

Our thoughts and continued prayers are with the Shelley family during this time.

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04/02/2026

As Easter weekend approaches, we are reminded of the profound hope and promise this season brings.

For those of faith, Easter is a sacred time—celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance of eternal life. It is a message of redemption, renewal, and the enduring power of God’s love.

We also recognize that holidays can be tender moments, especially for those missing someone dear. It is in this season, perhaps more than any other, that we are reminded that love does not end—and that through Christ, there is comfort in knowing we will meet again.

At Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, we are honoured to serve a community grounded in faith, family, and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those we have had the privilege to walk alongside.

May this Easter bring you peace in your hearts, strength in your faith, and the quiet reassurance of hope renewed.

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:6

Wishing you and your family a blessed and meaningful Easter.