W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Services

08/29/2026

Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care — What’s the Difference?

The terms hospice care and palliative care are often used together, but they are not exactly the same.

Both focus on comfort, dignity, quality of life, and support for the person and their family. The biggest difference is usually when that care is provided and what other treatment may still be happening.

Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious or life-limiting illness. A person can receive palliative care while still undergoing treatments intended to manage or treat their illness.

It may include:

pain and symptom management
emotional and spiritual support
help with difficult medical decisions
support for family and caregivers
planning for future care needs

The goal is to help a person live as comfortably and fully as possible.

Hospice care is generally focused more specifically on end-of-life care, when comfort becomes the primary goal. Hospice may be provided in a dedicated hospice facility, hospital, long-term care setting, or sometimes in the person’s own home, depending on what is available in the community.

Hospice care often focuses on:

comfort and symptom control
dignity at the end of life
emotional support
family involvement and caregiver support
creating a peaceful environment for the person’s final days or weeks

One important thing to remember is that palliative care does not mean giving up. It means making comfort, quality of life and the person’s wishes part of their care.

And hospice care does not mean there is nothing left to do.

There is still so much that can be done — to ease discomfort, support families, provide reassurance, preserve dignity and make the time that remains meaningful.

The exact services available can differ from one community or health-care system to another, so speaking with your physician or care team can help you understand the options available to you.

Sometimes the most important question isn’t, “What more can we treat?”
It is, “What does comfort and quality of life look like for this person now?”

08/28/2026

Children Grieve Too — Sometimes It Just Looks Different

When someone dies, children often experience grief in ways that can be easy for adults to miss. They may not have the words to say, “I’m sad,” “I’m scared,” or “I don’t understand what happened.” Instead, their grief may show up through changes in behaviour.

A grieving child might:

become more clingy or anxious
have trouble sleeping or concentrating
seem angry, irritable, or unusually quiet
return to behaviours they had previously outgrown
complain of headaches or stomach aches
ask the same questions again and again
play, laugh and seem completely fine one moment, then become upset the next

Children often move in and out of grief. They may cry for a few minutes and then ask to go outside and play. That doesn’t mean they aren’t grieving — it is simply one of the ways children process emotions that can feel too big to carry all at once.

As adults, one of the most important things we can do is make grief safe to talk about.

Use clear, age-appropriate language. Answer their questions honestly. Let them know it is okay to cry, to be angry, to laugh, to play and even to not know how they feel. Give them opportunities to remember the person who died through photographs, stories, drawings, keepsakes or participating in the funeral or memorial when appropriate.

And perhaps most importantly, keep checking in. A child’s grief doesn’t end when the funeral does. As they grow and understand death differently, they may revisit their loss many times.

We cannot take grief away from a child, but we can make sure they don’t have to carry it alone. ❤️

08/27/2026

Meet Rhonda Wilson

Today we’re introducing Rhonda Wilson, our Grief Support Consultant and Funeral Officiant.

What is your role at W. J. Jones & Son, and what do you enjoy most about what you do?
I am a Grief Support Consultant and Funeral Officiant.

I love connecting with people in our community as they navigate the difficult journey of bereavement. I also enjoy seeing families and friends come together at Celebrations of Life to share memories, support one another and honour someone important to them.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a pastor for more than 30 years, serving in Canada as well as in the Philippines and Thailand.

What is one thing that always makes your day better?
Being able to visit my mom, who lives in long-term care, and making her smile. 😊

We hope you’re enjoying getting to know the people behind W. J. Jones & Son a little better. ❤️

08/27/2026

Grieving the Loss of a Pet

The loss of a pet can leave a very real and very deep absence.

For many people, a pet is not “just an animal.” They are part of the family. They are woven into the routines of everyday life — waiting at the door, sleeping beside us, joining us on walks, following us from room to room, and offering companionship without ever needing an explanation.

When they are gone, it is often the small moments that hurt the most.

The empty food dish.
The quiet house.
The leash that no longer gets used.
The instinct to look toward their favourite spot.

Pet loss can also be difficult because others may not always understand the depth of the grief. A person may hear, “You can always get another one,” or feel that they should be “over it” quickly.

But grief does not work that way.

We grieve the relationship we had, the routines we shared, and the unconditional presence that became part of our lives.

If someone you care about has lost a pet, support can be simple:

acknowledge that their loss matters
listen without minimizing their grief
use the pet’s name
share a favourite memory
offer practical support, especially in the first few days
understand that grief may come in waves and may last longer than expected

For those grieving, it can also help to create a small ritual or memorial — a framed photograph, a paw print, a favourite collar, a planted tree, a keepsake box, or simply taking time to remember the life you shared.

There is no “right” way to grieve a pet, and there is no timeline that applies to everyone.

Love creates attachment, and attachment creates grief when that bond is lost.

That grief deserves compassion too. ❤️

08/26/2026

We were so pleased to receive this wonderful custom license plate as a thank-you for sponsoring the 2026 Highway to Heroes Car Show.

Supporting community events like this is something we’re always proud to be part of, especially when they bring people together and celebrate the stories, history and vehicles that mean so much to so many.

A sincere thank you to the organizers for this thoughtful keepsake — it will definitely have a special place here at W. J. Jones & Son.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that continues to support one another in so many different ways.

08/26/2026

Cremation Jewelry — A Meaningful Way to Keep Someone Close

Cremation jewelry can offer families a personal and discreet way to keep a small portion of a loved one’s cremated remains close to them.

There are many styles available today, including necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings, in a wide range of materials, designs and price points.

At W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home, we do not stock cremation jewelry; however, families are welcome to purchase a piece from the retailer of their choice and bring it to us. We are happy to assist with placing the cremated remains into the jewelry for you.

When choosing cremation jewelry, we encourage families to look beyond appearance and price. Not all pieces are constructed the same, and it is worth asking a few questions before purchasing:

How are the cremated remains contained within the piece? Is there a secure internal chamber specifically designed for them?
How does the piece seal? Some use a threaded screw, while others may require an adhesive or another sealing method.
How secure is the closure? Consider whether the design is intended for regular wear and how easily the compartment could loosen over time.
Is the chain substantial enough for the pendant? A beautiful pendant is only as secure as the chain and clasp holding it.
What type of clasp is used? Look for something sturdy, easy to operate and appropriate for the weight of the jewelry.
Is it water-resistant or waterproof? Never assume that it is. Ask specifically whether it can safely be worn while showering, swimming or bathing.
What is the jewelry made from? Stainless steel, sterling silver, gold and other materials all have different care requirements and durability.
How should it be cleaned and cared for? Some cleaners, chemicals and polishing products may damage finishes, stones, seals or engravings.
Does the seller provide instructions or a warranty? A reputable supplier should be able to tell you how the piece is filled, sealed, worn and maintained.

Cremation jewelry is a very personal choice. For some, it becomes an everyday piece of jewelry. For others, it is something kept safely and worn only on meaningful occasions.

Whatever you choose, take the time to select a piece that is not only beautiful, but secure, well made and appropriate for how you intend to wear it.

And if you purchase a piece and would prefer not to fill it yourself, please know that we are here to help.

08/25/2026

We often share information about funerals, grief, planning and the services we provide — but we know many of you also enjoy getting to know the people behind W. J. Jones & Son.

So we thought we’d have a little fun and introduce our team in a different way.

Over the next several days, we’ll be asking members of our staff the same three questions and sharing their answers with you. Some will be about the work we do, and some will simply give you a chance to know us a little better.

And since someone has to go first…

Meet Dayna

What is your role at W. J. Jones & Son, and what do you enjoy most about what you do?
I’m the General Manager and Vice President, as well as a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Crematorium Tech, Preneed Salesperson, and Momument Salesperson. What I enjoy most is being able to help families through one of the hardest times in their lives. I also really value the behind-the-scenes work — making sure everything comes together properly and that families feel cared for, not just served.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve actually been a hair model! I’m also very creative outside of funeral service — I love writing, photography, social media, AI and design, and I’m usually working on some kind of new idea or project.

What is one thing that always makes your day better?
Good coffee, a drive in my Camaro, being somewhere near the water — or a really good laugh with the right people.

Stay tuned as we introduce more of the people who make up the W. J. Jones & Son team.

08/25/2026

https://www.wjjonesandson.com/obituaries/Robert-Andersen?obId=49377323

View Robert Andersen's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/25/2026

https://www.wjjonesandson.com/obituaries/Gail-Remlinger?obId=49360424

View Gail Remlinger's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/25/2026

Why Do Funeral Home Prices Differ?

It’s a fair question, and one we believe families should feel comfortable asking.

Funeral homes are businesses, and like any business, their fees reflect the cost of operating, the services they provide, the staff they employ, and the level of care and availability they offer. Funeral homes also set their own prices independently, which means costs can vary from one provider to another.

A full-service funeral home carries significant overhead. That may include specialized vehicles and equipment, preparation and care facilities, a chapel or gathering space, technology, maintenance, insurance, utilities, staffing, and being available when families need us — often outside regular business hours.

There is also a professional side that isn’t always visible.

Licensed funeral professionals require specialized education and training, and they must continue to meet licensing and ongoing education requirements throughout their careers. Behind every service are people coordinating details, completing documentation, caring for the deceased, supporting families, preparing facilities, arranging transportation, communicating with clergy, cemeteries and other professionals, and making sure everything comes together as it should.

A provider operating from a small storefront with fewer facilities, fewer staff, or fewer services may naturally have lower overhead and therefore lower fees. That doesn’t automatically make one provider better or worse than another — but it does mean that comparing funeral homes based on price alone may not tell the whole story.

The better question may be:

What am I receiving for the price I am being quoted?

When comparing providers, look at the full picture — what is included, what facilities are available, who will be caring for your family, what services are provided behind the scenes, and what level of support you can expect before, during and after the funeral.

For us, pricing is about finding the balance between remaining fair to families and making sure we have the qualified staff, facilities, equipment and resources needed to provide the standard of care families expect from us.

A funeral is a significant purchase, and families deserve transparency, clear explanations and the opportunity to ask questions.

We will always encourage you to do exactly that.