DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service (Lohnes-DeMont)

01/19/2026

Enter The Auto Hearse

The year 1909 marked the beginning of the era of the motorized hearse. Crane & Breed, a prominent Cincinnati casket maker, introduced the first commercially-produced hearses. Within two years well-known hearse builders – Cunningham and Sayers & Scovill – also introduced automobile hearses.

Because of the far higher initial cost compared with horse-drawn equipment, the motor hearse was slow in gaining acceptance by the funeral profession. These vehicles were generally perceived as noisy and unreliable and the bereaved rebelled against the notion of rushing the departed to their graves at the undignified speed of 15-20 miles an hour.

During the decade it took to transition from horse drawn to motor hearse, many former horse-drawn hearse bodies were remounted on lengthened passenger car chassis, prolonging the vehicle’s service life and saving the funeral director some of his original investment.

By 1920 the motor hearse had all but replaced the horse-drawn hearse. A new era in the transportation of the deceased from funeral parlor to the cemetery had begun.

© DeMont Family Funeral Home/CFHC Online

Inset Photo: 1914 Cunningham Eight-column Carved-panel Hearse with open semi-cab.

01/16/2026

Believe!

Many people who experience grief are overwhelmed by their loss, which creates difficulties for them on many levels. Beginning the process to heal starts with a belief that although life will be different, there is still an opportunity to find happiness and joy. To believe is the first step, in finding the strength to meet the challenge that is faced. Believe in yourself.

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” –Christian Larson

“That’s why I won’t give up! I’ll continue to move forward because I believe!”
-Natsuki Takaya

“The sun shall always rise upon a new day and there shall always be a rose garden within me. Yes, there is a part of me that is broken, but my broken soil gives way to my wild roses.” –C. Joybell C.

It’s about belief in the future. It’s about belief in healing. It starts there.

© DeMont Family Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/14/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Linda Ann Gaudet.

Age 77, of Garlands Crossing, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 5, 2026. Linda was born on March 4, 1948 in Halifax to Edward “Eddie” and Clara (Burns) Slaunwhite. She is survived by her husband, Eloi; sons, Kevin and Greg; grandson, Alexander “Alex”; brother, Charles “Char...

01/14/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Rev. Dr. John W. Bartol.

With much sadness, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. John William Bartol, at the age of 95, on Monday, January 12, 2026. He was born to the late William and Minnie (Armstrong) Bartol in Sydney Mines. John graduated from Sydney Mines High School, then earned a BA degree at Acadia University with Ca...

01/13/2026

Special Announcement!:

Jonathan and Emelie DeMont, along with Josh Noiles and Avery Aker and the rest of our staff here at DeMont’s are pleased to welcome Courtney Murley to our family.

With over 20 years experience in Funeral Services, Courtney has served families throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and holds her license in both funeral directing and embalming. She is the wife of Matthew Murley, daughter of Rev. Charles and Linda Thompson but her most important title is being "Mama". Courtney is a member at Hantsport Baptist Church and can be found involved by leading or attending many craft classes and supporting her extended family in various musical events.

Please join us in welcoming Courtney!

01/12/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Dana V. Taylor.

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dana Victor Taylor, age 60, of Currys Corner, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. Born on December 18, 1965, in Windsor, he was the youngest of three children born to the late Victor and Eva (Burge...

01/12/2026

The Importance of Tears when we Grieve

Grievers will often comment that they are surprised at how much they cry after someone they love dies. Sometimes efforts are made to hold back these tears and suppress this natural instinct, nonetheless tears are necessary when grieving. It takes a great deal of energy for someone to hold back tears.

So why do we cry tears when we are sad?

The tears of grievers (yes scientists have studied this!) are actually made up of less water and contain more hormones than the tears of happiness. When individuals who grieve experience sadness, the brain sends messages to their body which causes a surge in stress hormone levels which then needs to be distributed in response to these feelings. Our eyes form tears to release this stress that has been created in the body. Our bodies also release a hormone that is similar to the one found in women who breastfeed, which helps to calm us down. Tears are a body’s way of creating a cathartic emotional release.

So the job of the griever is to let these tears flow naturally when they need to be expressed. This releases sadness from the body, which helps curb other physical symptoms that may be caused by suppressing tears such as anxiety, depression, and body pain. So get the tissues out and release that sadness when you need to.

Margaret Lorrie Beaton, MA
Bereavement Counsellor

© DeMont Family Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/10/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Cecil B. "Brad" Mosher Jr.

Age 65, of Windsor, Nova Scotia, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Born in Halifax, Brad was a son of Dawn Lee (Philpott) (Mosher) Gurschick and the late Cecil Bradford Mosher Sr. Brad began his career as a marine draftsman at Saint John Shipbuilding before going on to d...

01/10/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Catherine S. "Cathy" Purdy.

Age 61, of Windsor, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the Valley Regional Hospital. Born on August 13, 1964, she was the youngest daughter of the late Frederick “Fred” and Joan (Marr) Purdy. Cathy was a graduate of the Hair Design Centre in Halifax and worked in salons in Wind...

01/09/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Tamma V. States

It is with profound shock and unbearable sadness that the family of Tamma Viola States announces her unexpected passing on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the age of 65, in Dykeland Lodge, Windsor. Her sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her. Born on August 24, 1960, in Windsor...

01/09/2026

01/07/2026

Our condolences to the family of the late Alfred W. "Alfie" States.

It is with broken hearts, that we the family, announce the passing of Alfred Walter States, of New Minas, Kings Co., on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with his wife by his side, in Great Village at the age of 70. Born on June 5, 1955 in Windsor, Hants Co., he was a son of the late Laurie and Muriel “D...