My Uncle died on New Years day and I live two hours away. The hospital was very small in Durham and I had to have his body removed that night because they did not provide refrigeration and the hospital was closing up for the night. The hospital was very kind and referred me to Dawn McNab, the Funeral Director. Although I have a family member who is a Director for a funeral home where I live, he could not help me. Dawn came down in the middle of the night and took care of my Uncle bringing him to the funeral home. I went to the office the next day to make arrangements. I was overwhelmed, in a panic and overcome with grief. What remains with me today is how the atmosphere in the funeral home was cozy and so soothing. It was very different from the commercial funeral homes in Hamilton. Coming from so far away I did not know where to find a priest, where to get flowers, food or music. My head was spinning. Many attendees were from out of town on average travelling 2 hours. My uncle was loved by so many from Europe to the far reaches of Canada. Many could not attend/travel due to their age and mobility restrictions. Dawn provided me with everything I needed and things I did not even know were available. She provided videography so everyone could attend the funeral remotely. The music in the background played my uncles favorite Artist Nana Mouskouri. The flowers were provided by the florist across the street and Dawn arranged for a local catholic priest to deliver a sermon and kind words for my uncle. Dawn provided two lovely rooms with a kitchenette to serve food to the friends and family who attended. I really loved the craftmanship and detail that went into the kitchenette. Dawn even provided me with the names of the contractors who did the work. My Uncle passed away last year and I had always wanted to share my experience because she worked tirelessly with a small budget and a tight deadline to provide me with the best and very personalized service I could hope for. I cannot thank her enough. On new years day I think of Dawn and how her kindness helped me through my grief for the loss of my dear uncle. There are some things money just cant buy. Dawn is one of a kind. Although I only met her once I will always regard her as a friend who can be relied on in good times or bad.
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