Immediate need
When a death occurs
We are very sorry for your loss. This page explains what happens next, one step at a time. You do not need to read it all now.
Available any time
(519) 555-0199
A real person answers, day or night, every day of the year.
- 1
Call your funeral home
If the death happened at home and was expected, call the doctor or palliative team first, then your funeral home. If it was sudden, call 911. The funeral home will take your loved one into their care and contact us on your behalf.
- 2
Call us, or let the funeral home call
Our arrangements line is answered 24 hours a day. We will confirm whether the family already owns a grave or niche at Hollowmere, and hold a date and time for the burial or committal.
- 3
Meet with our family services team
Usually within a day or two, at the Lodge, by phone or at your home. We will walk through the options, the paperwork and the costs in plain language. Bring any deed or certificate you have, but don't worry if you can't find it: we keep copies of every record.
- 4
Choose a place, if you need one
If there is no family grave, we will show you what is available, on the map and in person. There is no obligation to decide in a single visit.
- 5
The day of the service
Our grounds crew prepares the grave the day before. A staff member meets the procession at the gate and stays nearby throughout the committal, out of the way but ready to help.
- 6
Afterwards
We will help you order a marker when you are ready. Most families wait six months to a year. We will also send a short note on the first anniversary, unless you ask us not to.
Grief support
Elderbrook Hospice runs free grief groups on Tuesday evenings at the library. We host The Longest Night each December for anyone finding the holidays hard.
Financial help
Ontario Works and the Canada Pension Plan death benefit can help with funeral costs. Our staff will help you with the forms. No family is turned away for inability to pay.
Losing a child
There is no charge for the burial of an infant or child at Hollowmere, and the Little Lambs garden near the Mere is set aside for them. We will take care of every detail you want us to.