About Us

Focused on Your Needs
Over 100 Years of Serving Families

Who We Are and What We Do

Proudly serving Thunder Bay and the surrounding region, Jenkens Funeral Home will help you customize your arrangements, while respecting your faith, taste and budget. You can feel confident putting your trust in our compassionate professionals.

We are proud to be a part of this community.  Our helpful, dedicated staff are passionate about supporting families, local associations, religious organizations and cultural groups and we are honoured to host a series of free memorial events throughout the year. As well, we are happy to provide the use of our spacious Community Room at no charge for local non-profit meetings. Call for details.

Our Staff

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Managing Director Cory Kutschke

Cory was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. He obtained his funeral directors license in 2006 and has had the privilege of serving families with Arbor for over 14 years.

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Assistant Manager Jay Belliveau

Jay was born and raised in Ajax, Ontario.  He has lived in Toronto, the GTA and Northumberland County.  He is an avid hockey fan and music lover. Jay obtained his funeral directors license with honours in 2004.  He started his career with Arbor the same year.  He has had the privilege of serving families of many different cultures and religions for over 18 years.  Jay recently moved to Thunder Bay with his wife and son, and they are enjoying their new community.  He also has a daughter who is a nurse.

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Senior Funeral Director Michael Uitto

Michael was born and raised in Nipigon, Ontario and has been serving families for over 30 years as a licensed Funeral Director. He is former local Board member of Bereaved Families of Ontario. Michael is Finnish speaking.

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Funeral Director Rachel Isleifson

Rachel was born and raised in Neebing. She joined Arbor in 2012 and has been a licensed funeral director since 2015 working at Jenkens and Harbourview Funeral Homes. Rachel enjoys the outdoors.

risleifson@arbormemorial.com

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Office Administrator Janice Poletti

Janice has resided in Thunder Bay since 1985. She joined Arbor in October 1999 as office administrator at Jenkens Funeral Home. Janice enjoys spending summers at the lake with family and friends.  

jpoletti@arbormemorial.com

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Graphic Designer/ Administrator Tawny-Lyn Cordone

Tawny was born in Thunder Bay, raised in Red Rock/Nipigon. She is a graduate of Multimedia Productions at Confederation College (2011). In her spare time, she enjoys the indigenous art of beading, learning her culture and spending time with her family.

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In-House Celebrant, Arborcare & Lifestyles Coordinator Brooke Belliveau

Brooke, her husband, and young son are recent residents of Thunder Bay.  She earned a Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University, a Master of Divinity at Queen's University and a Bachelor of Arts at Trent University.  Brooke has worked in classrooms, congregations, youth outdoor adventure camps, and with palliative patients and grieving families.  She loves the outdoors, camping, canoeing, hiking, reading, knitting, and photography. 

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Crematorium Operator Mason Grant

Mason was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario and joined the Arbor team in 2008.  He is a local musician, loves art, the outdoors and spending time with his wife and two kids.   

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Crematorium Operator Walter Marchese

Walter joined Arbor in 2023. He is a retired OPP Police Officer and contractor who enjoys keeping busy.  He loves camping, fishing, atv riding and everything outdoors

Catering Staff

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Catering Manager Giovanna Notarbartollo

Giovanna is the former owner of La Dolce Vita. She has 35+ years of baking and cooking experience. She is a member of Ladies of the Italian Hall and CWL of St. Anthony’s Church.

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Catering Assistant Felicia Vita

Felicia has over 20 years of experience working in the food industry. She is a parishioner at St. Anthony’s Church, a member of C.W.L. and the Italian Cultural Centre Women’s League.

Catering Assistant LIdia Fata

Funeral Director Assistant

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Jeffrey Parker

Jeffrey was born and raised in Nipigon, Ontario. He has over 30 years of service to families in the funeral Industry. He is a member of the Thunder Bay Italian Society.

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Craig Spiess

Craig is the former owner/operator of Mt. Baldy. He spent 12 years in New Zealand and moved on to coaching the Women’s National Alpine Ski Team. Craig was inducted into NW Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

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Maurice Emond

Maurice moved to Thunder Bay in 1979 and was in the fashion and hair business for 40 years. Maurice loves camping and the outdoors. He has been with Arbor for two years. 

Reception Hostesses

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Mary-Anne Assad

Mary-Anne was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She served many years in the Food Industry. Mary-Anne enjoys volunteering her time at local retirement Facilities.

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Karen Hartviksen

Karen was born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is married with 2 daughters. Karen enjoys reading, hiking, pilates, volunteering her time and spending time with family and friends.

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Sherry Crann

Sherry was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She graduated from Jackson Walsh Memorial High in Western Bay. Sherry has 25 years customer service experience.

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Michelle Turpin

Michelle was born and raised in Northern Ontario. She retired from Ontario Provincial Police after 30 years of service as Dispatcher & 911 Operator. Michelle is a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 2.

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Johnna Wragg

Johnna graduated from Confederation College in 1998. She is a registered dental hygienist. Johnna enjoys family vacations, baking and gardening.

Keri-Lynn Fummerton

Susan Loughride

Part Time Staff

Funeral Director Janis Darrach

Funeral Director Christian Borland

Accessibility

Arbor Memorial Inc. (“Arbor”) is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities by preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”). 

As part of our commitment, we strive to achieve barrier-free accessibility at all Arbor locations nationally.

If you would like to provide feedback regarding Arbor's Accessibility Services, please visit the "Contact Us" section of this website. Alternatively, you can contact the location Manager by telephone or mail. Please click here to view Arbor’s Multi Year Accessibility Plan.