Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc.

In the stillness of our hearts, the memories we hold dear whisper softly, offering peace and comfort. Each recollection, a cherished moment spent with those who’ve left us, becomes a beacon of light in our journey of grief. With Essentials, find solace in these whispers of the past, allowing them to guide you towards serenity.

It is with great excitement that we share our support towards the 2nd Annual Soup Fest that is hosted in sponsorship with Bethlehem Housing and Support Services! It is an honour for us to contribute to our community, to raise awareness and simply focus on a cause that is much needed. We are looking forward to attending this great event in October! Please consider joining us, last year was fantastic!

2nd Annual Country Harvest Soup Fest - Save the Date!

On Wednesday October 16, 2024, in the Event Court at The Pen Centre – St. Catharines, Bethlehem Housing and Support Services will be hosting the 2nd Annual Country Harvest Soup Fest fundraiser fueled by Empty Bowls. We want to send a HUGE thank you to our returning title sponsor - Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc.

This event is a companion to our Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser in March and does not replace it, this is an opportunity to attend a similar (lunch) event that takes place between 11:30am-2:30pm in the Fall.

During this lunchtime event, guests will enjoy samples of gourmet soups prepared by Niagara's finest chefs and fresh artisan breads to complement this culinary experience. Proceeds from this fundraiser go toward helping individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to issues with poverty, physical disability, mental health, domestic violence and family breakdown.

Our programs and services are solutions-focused to break the cycle of homelessness and help our families across the Niagara region, gain the confidence, skills, and health to remain securely housed.

If you'd like to contribute as a sponsor or participate as a vendor/volunteer (spots are limited), please fill out the form on our website: https://www.bethlehemhousing.ca/site/tickets?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Bethlehem%20Housing%20and%20Support%20Services

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STAY TUNED, MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

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We would like to thank the community for supporting United Way Niagara - they are our funding partner in programming.

Honouring our loved ones goes beyond remembering—it’s about carrying their spirit and legacy forward in our own lives. Let their love inspire you, their wisdom guide you, and their dreams fuel your journey ahead. Essentials is here to help you celebrate their legacy, making sure it continues to shine bright for generations to come.

Tonight it was a great honour to join the Catholic community at the Port Colborne Italian Canadian Cultural Centre, as we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine. It feels special to support and sponsor this valued landmark as it is an oasis for peace and prayer for those who visit it. It was most beautiful to see a community come together to make this night a successful event. Well done! Also a touching part of this evening was their guest speaker Immaculee Ilibagiza, who shared a compelling story about her survival during Rwanda Genocide. Now there’s an interesting story to hear.

What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.’ – Haruki Murakami. In the sharing of our grief, we find a common ground, a shared strength that binds us. Essentials encourages you to open your heart, share your story, and let the vulnerability become your strength. In this shared space, healing begins, surrounded by those who understand your pain.

Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." – John Muir. The world around us, in its infinite beauty and resilience, offers a profound sense of connection and solace. Let the whispers of the wind and the calm of the water remind you that you’re part of something larger—a cycle of life, love, and renewal. Find peace in the embrace of nature; let it heal and hold you in moments of reflection.

Art speaks where words are unable to explain.’ – Mathiole. Express your journey through grief with creativity and find healing in the process. Essentials supports artistic expression as a path to understanding and healing. 🎨

This past week there was an announcement shared regarding assistance with funeral expense coverage. At Essentials we are always here to support our families and proudly continue to offer affordable and exceptional services and options

Navigating grief is a journey no one should walk alone. Essentials provides comprehensive family grief counseling, offering a supportive space for families to heal together. Our experienced counselors are here to guide you through understanding and processing loss, helping each family member at their own pace. 💔

To be understood is to be embraced by warmth in the midst of a storm. Our dedicated team at Essentials approaches every conversation with deep empathy, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and supported through every step of the journey. Let's share this path, finding comfort in our collective understanding. 💬🌼

Return to the earth, naturally. Our eco-friendly burial options offer a sustainable choice that honours both your loved one and the environment. Featuring biodegradable materials and conservation practices, Essentials helps you plan a farewell that aligns with the values of sustainability and respect for nature. 🌿

Every candle flame dances with the joy of memories shared. Essentials' Celebration of Life services help you honour your loved one with the vibrancy they deserve. 🕯️

Healing is a journey best walked with others. Our support groups offer a space where stories are shared, tears are shed, and laughter echoes, reminding us that we're not alone. Join the Essentials community, where empathy lights the way forward. 🌱👫

Today we celebrate our beautiful country. From coast to coast, the enriching landscape, natural resources and the heritage of Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, makes living in Canada feel like a great blessing that we are fortunate to be a part of. Happy Canada Day! Please consider sharing 👇🏻 your favourite picture that was taken somewhere in Canada! 📸

The people we love become a part of us, living on in the stories we remember and share. Let these cherished memories comfort you in your grief and offer solace during tough times. Reflect on the love you shared, and let it light your path forward.

Essentials is a family owned funeral home… And it takes a family to operate it ❤️ Thank you to my Aunt Andrea and Randy for lending us a tent and helping set it up to use on this rainy day 🌧️

Our approach to cremation is one of warmth, dignity, and respect, mirroring the natural cycle of life and return. At Essentials, we understand the significance of this choice and offer a supportive, guiding hand throughout the process, ensuring it reflects the wishes and spirit of your loved one. Let us walk with you on this path, honouring the journey with care. 🔥

Empathy is a bridge built from understanding to healing. In times of sorrow, a simple act of listening or a shared silence can carry profound significance. At Essentials, we embrace each story with open hearts, offering our unwavering support as you navigate your journey. Together, we find strength. 🤝💖

Sometimes, all we need is a light to reveal the path through our sorrow. Essentials' counseling services provide that light, guiding you towards healing with empathy and understanding. 🕯️

Thinking today is a great day to wish our Gibson a very happy work anniversary! Look how happy she is in front of our billboard! She misses us and we miss her too… and the cooler weather 😂 Looking forward to your return Jo!

In the dance of light and shadow, nature reveals its resilience and capacity for renewal. 🍃☀️ Each ray of sun piercing through the leaves brings a message of hope and new beginnings, reminding us of the strength we possess to face new days, even in the wake of loss. At Essentials, we see the journey of grief as a path towards healing, illuminated by moments of understanding and compassion. Let the light guide you towards peace, and remember, we're here to walk with you, every step of the way.

Today special thoughts went out to Wendy Ware as she wrote her provincial board exams to become a licensed funeral director! Wendy has successfully completed her internship year at Essentials (she graduates from Humber College tomorrow). Please join us in congratulating Wendy on this achievement. Way to go Wendy!!

At Essentials, we deeply understand that each journey is distinct, each story deserves its own spotlight. That’s why our personalized funeral services are meticulously tailored to reflect the true essence and individuality of your loved one, honouring not just their presence in the world but the profound impact they've left on the hearts of those they knew.

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In moments of reflection, nature speaks to us in whispers of resilience and growth. 🌳 A single tree, standing tall through the seasons, reminds us of the enduring strength we carry within, even in the face of loss. At Essentials, we believe in the healing power of these quiet moments with nature, offering a space to remember, to grieve, and to find peace in the beauty of life's continuity. Let us stand with you, supporting your journey of remembrance and healing, grounded in the strength and solace that nature provides.

This post is a bit late as we had a long day in the office, but it is still warranted! Today we celebrated Crystal Laurin’s 3 year anniversary with Essentials. This beautiful soul has comforted many families through the past three years, and her smile brightens up our space each and every day. Tonight we celebrated with a panookie. Thank you for all you do, Crystal. Essentials wouldn’t be the special place it is, if it wasn’t for you

In the stillness of nature, we often find the space for soul searching, a sacred time to reflect on life's deepest questions and the memories of those we hold dear. 🌅 It's in these quiet moments that we can listen to our hearts, find solace in our thoughts, and perhaps, understand a little more about the journey of life and the imprints left by those who've journeyed ahead.

Across the calm waters, a bridge serves as a reminder of the journeys we all must take, connecting one phase of life to another. 🌉 In the quiet flow of the river beneath, we see life's continuous movement, a gentle nudge towards acceptance and the healing that comes with time. At Essentials, we're here to be the bridge for you and your loved ones, offering a pathway of support, understanding, and compassion as you navigate the waters of grief and remembrance. Let's walk this path together, finding comfort in the connections we forge and the peace that nature bestows.

While we have been keeping busy taking care of our families, we had a special guest stop by to surprise us with his artwork! ’s little one left this masterpiece on our fridge for all of us to enjoy! Thanks Bebe Albert!

You're not alone in your journey of grief. Our bereavement support offers a guiding light through the darkest times. 💡