Best Funeral Director Ottawa Near Me

4worldlovers: John J.P. Whelan founded the Whelan Funeral Home in 1925. A Licensed Funeral Director since 1900, he saw the value of offering funeral services in a home. This provided bereaved families a chance to gather in a comfortable and familiar environment.

His son, John P. "Jack" Whelan followed in his father's footsteps and continued to create traditions that concentrated on individual families rather than the volume of services performed. With the welcome addition of his son Patrick J. Whelan in the early 60's, Whelan & Son began serving local families from generation to generation.

Four generations later, J.P Whelan's great-grandson, Sean Copeland, continues these traditions. "I joined the firm in 1990, and the partnership was a special one as three generations of Whelan's were working side by side," says Sean Copeland.

Unique to most large cities, Whelan Funeral Home is proud to be able to stay under the radar of some of the large funeral conglomerates that are a fact in urban areas. "We serve one family at a time, and provide the individual attention those generations have come to rely on," says Sean Copeland. "I have a number of people attending visitations that ask if this is a 'private funeral home,' or if we have just opened as they have never noticed our funeral home before."

4worldlovers:
With our convenient funeral preplanning services, you can choose the celebration of your life that best suits your personality and budget.

Funerals are a time of celebration & remembrance of those you’ve lost, but they’re also times of mourning, so having some help for the planning process is beneficial.


First Memorial proudly helps Ottawa families and friends with affordable cremation services and funeral home services so your focus can remain dedicated to the loved one you have lost and the positive memories shared throughout their lifetime. We believe a celebration of life for yourself or your loved ones should not be tainted with a heavy financial burden yet deserves the attention and care you would expect from traditional Ottawa funeral homes.

A celebration of life is as unique as the individual and while we provide affordable cremation and funeral home services, we also offer a variety of options to suit every need and budget. From online services for the person or family who wishes to self-serve, to a full traditional service, a celebration of life or graveside service, First Memorial Funeral Services is there to make a difficult time for you that much easier and more affordable.


When you lose a loved one, making decisions about funeral arrangements can be overwhelming; which is why at First Memorial we are here to guide you through the process every step of the way. Our skilled team of licensed funeral directors will provide you with continued support and guidance throughout the entire process.


First Memorial offers a wide range of funeral services to meet every individual’s needs. Whether you are arranging a funeral, burial, or direct cremation. These services are offered twenty-four hours a day online, by telephone, or in person with one of our dedicated team members.


First Memorial can be reached directly by telephone or through online funeral arrangements. Our experienced funeral directors are available twenty-four hours a day to give you support and provide guidance regarding the different services best suited for your loved one

Funeral conferences allow families to arrange their loved one’s services. During the initial meeting, a funeral director will provide guidance on the different options available, review pricing, and fill out the necessary documents to proceed with the final disposition of your loved one. Proof of Death Certificates will also be provided to your family.

Our compassionate team will transfer your loved one into our care from their place of death. Once in our care, they will remain in a secure area of the funeral home until their final disposition.

A licensed funeral director will coordinate all aspects of the cremation or burial with the crematory or cemetery where the final disposition will take place.


It is difficult to cope after we lose a loved one. It is for this reason First Memorial provides families, free of charge, thirteen months of twenty-four hours a day phone counselling to help with issues that may be difficult to talk about with family or friends. The compassion helpline is not only available in French and English, but it is also offered in most international languages. The supportive counsellors are trained therapists in all aspects of bereavement.


Aftercare is an important service we offer at no extra charge. It is a service our dedicated team gives families to help them navigate through the necessary government documents.


THE COMPASSION HELPLINE provides, free of charge, 13 months of personal and confidential phone services that will help you with issues that may be difficult to talk about with family or friends.

4worldlovers:
The way you pay tribute is different for everyone. Discover the ease and convenience of comprehensive planning, comforting amenities and a caring, licensed staff who offer meaningful solutions to your specific needs of faith, taste and budget.


Today, through pre-planning, you can make decisions ahead of time. Design your own unique statement, save money, and reduce the burden on your family.


From the visitation to the service, catering, reception and more, Kelly Funeral Home – Somerset Chapel ensures your arrangements are beautifully customized to honour the life, and provide the greatest comfort to loved ones.


As a member of the Arbor Memorial family, we share a proud heritage providing funeral, cremation and interment rights to families in Ottawa and across Canada. You can feel confident putting your trust in our compassionate professionals, whether planning ahead or at a time of need.

4worldlovers:

“Just had a celebration of life at the St. Laurent location. Could not be happier with the staff and amenities. The directors were perfect, respectful, helpful and willing to assist in any tiny detail to make the event as perfect as possible. The arrangements were made 22 years ago. We went there when one grandparent passed 11 years ago. The past two week we were there for the other grandparent. Perhaps through serendipity we met with the original contract writer from 22 years ago! He could not have been more helpful or understanding."


“I have grown up with the knowledge and familiarity of the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry services and support network. Relying on them for astute care and advice has allowed me to always focus on my family during tragic times. They have become reliable and trusted friends to all my family."



“A big thank you to your entire group for the phenomenal support that they provide regardless of whether it’s when one is pre-planning or when one is in a time of need. I have heard horrible stories of how some funeral service providers take advantage of people’s emotions when they have suffered a loss but I don’t believe this is the case with Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. And, it is for exactly this reason, that I have recommended Hulse, Playfair & McGarry to our Muslim community members, friends and family."


“Your online service is great and so appreciated. The young men who came to pick up my wife were polite, professional and so very careful. It means a lot to me, and I felt like my wife was treated with care and respect. In such a distressing time your entire staff treated me with patience and kindness."





We have been here to help families for close to 97 years

4worldlovers: Every life is uniquely lived. And every person who passes through life is worth celebrating. Funeral and memorial services are held to honour the life of a loved one, offer a chance for last goodbyes or provide closure and comfort.


At Cole Funeral Services, we ensure that whatever your wishes or those of your loved one, final arrangements are made to perfectly reflect them. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of getting every detail right, no matter how small. Leave it with us — we are here to help.