Green's Funeral Home

09/07/2026

Stone Coffins Through the Ages

Have you ever heard of a sarcophagus? It’s a stone coffin adorned with sculpture or inscriptions, first associated with the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The earliest traces of stone coffins date back to the Egyptians of the 3rd dynasty. These purposefully designed receptacles represented palaces built using mud-brick architecture with ornamental doors and windows. Wood and limestone would become more popular in the 11th dynasty, followed by papyrus sheets, wood, pottery or stone shaped sarcophagi resembling human forms. Unless, of course, you were royalty like Tutankhamun. Then these coffins were made from silver or gold.

Elaborately painted terracotta coffins were popular in the Aegean area of Greece. The Phoenicians developed white marble coffins and Ancient Romans used metal, plaster or limestone vessels, often carved with the image of the deceased posing in a reclined position.

In the early modern era, a lack of space made stone coffins impractical in churches. In this period, chest tombs or false sarcophagi gained popularity, especially in 18th and 19th century Britain. Made usually from stone, wood, clay or plaster, they were essentially empty or bottomless cases that were placed over an outdoor burial plot, with the decedent’s co**se placed within it.

Over the last 150 years, common burial of the deceased is usually performed with a wooden casket or coffin, though metal caskets are also used by some, to better preserve the body of the deceased. Additionally, burial vaults are regularly used for additional protection, where the casket is placed and then sealed within these structures. They are constructed with a variety of materials including concrete, metals and polyurethanes.

The protection of the co**se of someone of importance or of a loved one is still a common occurrence; the peace of mind in laying to rest someone close is sought by many. And the stone sarcophagi discussed above still exist today, but they are typically reserved for only high-profile or royal burials.

© Green's Funeral Home/CFHC Online

09/01/2026

A Tribute to Canada’s Most Famous Suffragist, Nellie McClung

On this day, 75 years ago, Canadians said goodbye to Nellie McClung. The Canadian author, politician and social reformer struck the hearts of our nation in her endless fight to bring social change to Canada.

Born in 1873 and raised on a Manitoba homestead, McClung was a Prairie woman who used her time, talents and determination to help reshape Canadian society. She was best known for her efforts and petitions to give women the right to vote in Manitoba (the first province in Canada to do so) in 1916. She was also a member of the Famous Five, a group dedicated to challenging the British North America Act to have women declared “persons” rather than “chattel property.”

An accomplished orator and entertainer, McClung’s first novel, Sowing Seeds in Danny, became an instant bestseller. She would go on to write 15 more books, in addition to newspaper and magazine articles, while remaining devoted to human rights issues that were faced by a number of Canadian citizen groups. Besides fighting to extend the vote to Japanese Canadians, she petitioned the Canadian government to open the doors to Jewish refugees and European immigrants, and served five years on the Alberta Legislative Assembly. She was appointed Canada’s lone female delegate to the Ecumenical Conference in Britain in 1921; appointed the first woman to CBC’s board of governors in 1936; and named a Canadian delegate to the League of Nations in 1938.

Right until her death on September 1, 1951, McClung never stopped fighting for what she believed in. The 75th anniversary of her passing provides Canadians with the opportunity to recognize a life that strives towards equality for all citizens, regardless of their s*x or cultural or religious background.

© Green's Funeral Home/CFHC Online

Nellie Letitia McClung, née Mooney, suffragist, reformer, legislator, author (born 20 October 1873 in Chatsworth, ON; died 1 September 1951 in Victoria, BC). ...

08/29/2026

After a very long and courageous battle with COPD. Henry was called home.Born in Hearts Desire, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland to the late Edward and Mary St. George Langer. At a young age, Henry, like many of his siblings, left NL and moved to Ontario, but Havre Boucher would be where

08/28/2026

Her family regretfully share the peaceful passing of Beryl Sutherland at the Richmond Villa on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026. She was 95 years old. Beryl was born in Plymouth, England to Fred and Mabel Maddock. She was one of three children, along with brothers Peter and Ron. Beryl was a

08/26/2026

Delayed Grief

Delayed grief occurs when grievers are unable to respond to the changes that occur following a significant loss. The difficulty may be related to diminished emotional or cognitive capacity or factors in everyday life that interfere with the process of grieving.

Examples of significant loss include: trauma associated with the loss of a child, loss from su***de or murder, or multiple losses within a short period of time. These losses are often too much for grievers to bear, causing them to engage in protective mechanisms to avoid the pain and suffering they are experiencing.

If normal grieving is prevented from happening, some symptoms that may occur include: frequent periods of physical exhaustion, poor concentration, disorganization and a gradual withdrawal from social activities. The happiness a griever once found in joyful and fun activities may no longer be there for them and is often replaced by negative self-thinking and emotions.

It’s important to face the emotions and feelings that accompany grief. In order for a griever to access healing resources within, stories of sadness must be told. Finding a non-judgmental listener is a great place to begin. Additionally, self-care is of the upmost importance during this period. Some examples of activities that will stimulate the body’s happy hormones include: rest and sleep, healthy and enjoyable food, adequate water intake, regular exercise, time in nature, sunshine, laughter and music.

Once grief is acknowledged, it is important that the griever doesn’t delay facing their loss and that they embrace the feelings they are experiencing. In doing so, they will be able to process the impact of this loss, come to an understanding of their new reality and ultimately begin their journey towards healing.

Bertha Brannen
Grief Recovery Specialist

© Green's Funeral Home/CFHC Online

08/25/2026

Margaret Johnston Ouellette Peggy passed away August 17th, in the company of friends and family at St. Annes Centre, Arichat Nova Scotia. Born October 1938, Peggy was the daughter of John Martin and Agnes Johnston of Red Islands. Peggy attended school in Johnstown and St. Peters. She graduated from....

08/21/2026

Pop Culture and Funeral Home Life
On This Day: Popular Nighttime Drama Series “Six Feet Under” Ends

Six Feet Under followed the lives of the members of the Fisher family, who own and operate a funeral home in Las Angeles. Spanning 63 episodes over 5 seasons this drama received numerous awards, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globes. It was and remains a favourite of funeral professionals.

The series recounted the behind the scenes on goings at the funeral home and the experiences of family members, following the death of their patriarch, Nathaniel Fisher. Episodes explore the stories of families who are cared for by the funeral home while simultaneously delving into the lives of family members who work and live at the funeral home.

Stars include Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Peter Krause and Lauren Ambrose who collectively receive numerous acting nominations and awards.

The series is available on many streaming platforms, a must watch.

© Green's Funeral Home/CFHC Online

1h | TV-MA

08/17/2026

08/12/2026

Adventure Therapy as a Way to Cope with Grief

Often used as a tool when treating young people who have mental health issues, adventure therapy involves placing patients in foreign environments to build character traits which are typically unattainable in day-to-day life experience. It may be finding the courage to zip line or team building skills that are learned at survival exercise camps.

Those coping with grief can also benefit from adventure therapy. Getting away on a weekend road trip, going somewhere to explore new experiences or participating in new activities are all ways to include adventure into our lives.

How adventure is defined varies from person to person, depending on their age and physical capabilities. We don’t all have to climb Mount Everest! What is important is that we step out of our comfort zone and daily routines.

Book that last minute holiday. Try that new restaurant in town that your friend has been raving about, even if you aren’t familiar with that cuisine. Sign up for that new activity which you never imagined doing. Ride the Hot Air Balloon. Go Skydiving.

The newness of this experience, the excitement that accompanies it and the moment when you discover the joys of this adventure are sure help build a foundation to move forward when grieving.

Adventure therapy may be just what you need!

© Green's Funeral Home/CFHC Online

08/10/2026

Our beloved mother, Mary Catherine Kaye Fielding, passes away peacefully on July 3, 2026 surrounded by her family at her home in Port Hawkesbury. She was 78 years old. Mary lived a simple life and loved spending time with her family and grand children. She loved Tim Hortons and would