Funeral Services

There are many functions that a funeral fulfills: it honours a unique life; it gives friends and family a chance to say goodbye, and it provides a place where the healing process can begin. For thousands of years, the funeral has played an important role in providing consolation during a time of loss and mourning. 

Say More Than Just Goodbye

For some families, a traditional funeral may provide the most comfort. However, we invite you to be as original as you want.  Our specialists will work creatively and resourcefully to ensure your memorial is custom tailored to your needs.  Traditionally, a visitation period occurs before the funeral service; this gives friends and family a chance to provide condolences, support, and love during a difficult time. 

Planning a Service and Reception

There are endless ways to pay homage to your loved one in a style that reflects their passions.  We can offer services that cater to the traveller, the reader, the sports fan, the crafter, the volunteer, and so many more.  Send guests home with mementos that remind them of their loved one, or serve a personalized menu of favourite recipes and foods. 

As you personalize the funeral, some things to consider include:

• Attributes or passions of the person who died that you want to be sure to honour
• Memories to share
• Important people to include
• Person to lead the ceremony
• Others who might want to speak or share memories
• Music ideas for the visitation and ceremony
• Readings for the ceremony

After the funeral, you may want to host a reception for family and friends to gather for a meal or refreshments.  While Resthaven Memorial Gardens will work closely with any funeral home you choose, we suggest you consider our sister Arbor Memorial funeral homes: Highland Funeral Home -Scarborough Chapel; McDougall & Brown Funeral Home - Scarborough Chapel and McEachnie Funeral Home.

Online Tributes

Sharing Memories is our exclusive memorial site, available free of charge.  It offers friends and family from around the world the chance to honour their loved one with photos, messages, quotes, and more.  Your loved one’s profile will be accessible always, meaning you can visit and reminisce anytime and anywhere. 

Helping You Cope with Grief

We understand the importance of support, and offer free AfterCare service to ensure you receive guidance and emotional counselling anytime you need it.  Our AfterCare professionals can also offer help with finalizing the estate. 

Planning Ahead

Taking the time to plan ahead gives you the opportunity to tell your story in a way that suits you, and allows you to feel good about not leaving an emotional or financial burden for your family during a time of mourning. 

Planning ahead also give you access to valuable benefits, including funeral coverage for family members under 19, and being able to transfer your funeral plans to any of our locations within Canada so you never have to worry if you move or retire to a new city.  Take a moment to learn more about pre-planning your funeral and cemetery arrangements.