What sets you apart from traditional funeral homes?

Our goal is to provide a less stressful, more affordable way of providing end-of-life services, while still providing as many or as few services as each family needs. All discussions and transactions are done in your home, at your convenience, while still receiving the highest level of professional service, guidance, and compassion during one of life’s most difficult times.

Do you have to come to my home for the arrangements?

No, we provide in-home arrangements to help make this time as simple as possible. If you wish to meet at another family member's home, a neighbor’s home, your church, or the funeral home office to make arrangements, we will accommodate the location that is best for you.

Can I have a Memorial or Celebration of Life service with your Funeral Home?

Absolutely. While we cannot accommodate these services in-house, we will coordinate and arrange with churches, community centres, Legion halls, and other publicly available spaces to hold these services. Quite often, one of these venues offers a personal connection as well as being able to provide a more appropriate setting for Memorial and Celebration of Life Services.

Your business says cremations. Do you provide traditional services as well?

No, we do not provide traditional casket services at this time. If you would like to contact us, we can provide you with several options for traditional services.

Can I have a private period of time prior to cremation with the deceased?

Yes, that opportunity is available to anyone who wishes. This viewing is only for immediate family. It is not a public viewing. Each family’s needs are unique and can be discussed at the time.

Can I have a visitation prior to a service?

Yes, we will coordinate with the facility holding the service (if any). Some families prefer to have a memorial visitation to give people the opportunity to share memories and support each other during this time.

Do you provide all documentation/paperwork?

Yes, we provide the executor/next of kin with the Funeral Director's Proof of Death Certificates, complete and submit all CPP/OAS and Survivor Benefit applications, as well as assist in notifying any other governments and organizations as each family needs.

Do I need to buy an urn?

No. We do offer a wide selection of urns at various costs. However, you may supply your own or simply receive the urn in the temporary container supplied after the cremation process.

What do your costs include?

We strive to make our fees as open and straightforward as possible. The service fees listed on the website are limited to the specified services. Any disbursements such as obituary costs, facility rentals, flowers, honorariums, etc., are charged outside the service fee. Any additional fees are clearly explained and discussed at the time of arrangements.

Can I have a simple graveside service?

Yes, graveside services are a fitting way to gather and show respect, as well as provide an opportunity to support each other and the family as a whole. It also provides an opportunity for friends to offer their support.

Can I pre-pay for a funeral?

While we are going through the process of meeting the legal requirements, we're not currently accepting pre-payments, but we can certainly discuss your wishes and provide a quote. Once we're able to accept pre-payments, likely Spring 2025, we'll honor the quoted price.

I do not wish to pre-pay for my funeral but would like to have my end-of-life wishes documented so my family does not have to do so at the time. Is this an option?

Yes, I would sit down with you, and we would have a conversation about what that looks like for you. I would also gather all the pertinent information that would be needed at the time, such as family history and some legal questions. This information is kept in confidence on file until it is needed. At the time of passing, everything is reviewed with your Executor/Next of Kin.

Do you offer environmentally friendly or green options?

Yes. There are many biodegradable urns suitable for scattering either on land or at sea, as well as burial options. We do not use any embalming chemicals in any of our services. Some people have heard and asked about aquamation, a process using water and potassium hydroxide as a green alternative to traditional cremation processes. Unfortunately, this is not available in Nova Scotia. We are always looking for new innovative solutions and products.

Catherine Francis Wood

In loving memory of

02/04/1964 - 03/01/2026

The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Catherine Francis Wood, 61, of Springfield share the news of her passing on Saturday January 3^rd, 2026, at her lakeside home surrounded by the love of her family after a long 5-year battle with breast cancer.

Born in Halifax NS on April 2nd, 1964, she was a daughter of the late Ledger Henry Roach and Catherine Elizabeth Roach (Betty).

Catherine and Stephen returned home to Nova Scotia eight years ago after fifteen years living in beautiful Kitimat BC together. Cathy ran a successful dog grooming business and became a Black belt martial artist in Taekwondo. In their early years they raised their daughter Ashley and dedicated their lives to each other. After returning home Cathy managed and ran a successful grooming department at Pet Valu in Bridgewater Nova Scotia until having to succumb to her illness.

Cathy’s love and devotion for her granddaughter Teriyah was immense. It was she who gave Cathy that will to fight. Cathy had tremendous faith in the Lord and created her own book of prayers to give herself strength. Her sense of humor and beauty will be missed deeply.

Catherine leaves behind her loving husband and life partner of 36 years, Stephen, daughter Ashley, Son- in-Law Terris and granddaughter Teriyah; siblings, Brenda Brown (Gary), Wendy Neil (Steven), Alvin Slaunwhite (Charity), John Slaunwhite (Mary Jane), Ledger Roach (Jonah), Gregory Roach (Denise); as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Carol Roach.

In keeping with Catherines wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations and Memorial Services.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Pugh, Janet Welton and all the staff of the palliative care team that helped support not only Catherine but her family as well to make sure she received the best care possible. Your kindness and support will not be forgotten.

Special thanks to the oncology and radiation departments of the Dixon Centre and the South Shore Regional Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to Annapolis Valley Regional Palliative Care Society.

PRINTABLE VERSION

BOOK of CONDOLENCES

RSS

19 messages

Stephen Wood
April 7, 2026 at 11:53 am

Hey Baby. I know how much you loved Easter and that you are smiling down on us all today knowing how much we love you and miss you and are thinking about you today and always.
Happy Easter my beautiful baby.

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Stephen Wood
April 2, 2026 at 11:56 am

Happy Birthday my beautiful wife Cathy. I miss you so much and still having a hard time trying to cope with life without you in it. I do know that April 2nd will always be your birthday and will always be a special day in my heart. I will love you until the day I that I draw my last breath.
Love Stephen

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Stephen Wood
February 15, 2026 at 2:45 am

Dear Cathy. I’m letting you know that I made it through the day. Our first valentines day seperated by heaven and earth. My heart yearns desperately for you and the heartbreak is still so intense. The house seems so empty and we are lost without you.
I love you so much my beautiful, beautiful valentines baby.

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Ashley Roach
February 14, 2026 at 1:08 am

Dear Mom,
This still doesn’t feel real, I’m lost without you. Teriyah is doing great, she’s is doing excellent in school and basketball. I know you’re so proud watching over her.
I’m going to be ok, I know I will. I appreciate all of the signs you’ve been giving me. They are really giving me hope.
I want you to know that everything you did in life was worth it.
You were great at everything you did including being my mother.

We love you mom
And will miss you forever and a day
Love Ash

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Ashley Roach
February 11, 2026 at 1:22 pm

Mom, I’m dreaming about you now. You’re coming to me in my dreams. I can hear your voice and touch your skin in my dreams. Please keep giving me those signs that your with me all the time.
I love you Mommy
Love Ash

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Ashley Roach
February 9, 2026 at 11:03 pm

Dear Mom,
5 weeks and two days without you, Im so lost. I miss you so much.
I wish I could see you and hear your voice once more, I would give anything to have you here with me.
I do feel you and I see your signs every day that you’re with me.
You still have my back even from heaven.

We love you mom

-Ash

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Stephen Wood
January 31, 2026 at 2:53 pm

I can’t believe four weeks have past since my beautiful wife left this earth. The heartache and emptiness I feel most days can be overwhelming and sometimes wonder why bother. Then I think back on the last five-years and grow strength through having watched you show how much strength, courage, dignity and will to survive you possessed. Giving up was not in your vocabulary and in honor of you will not be in mine.
I love you and miss you so much.
Love Stephen

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Lisa
January 12, 2026 at 10:32 pm

I met Cathy through Pet Value. my daughter Jessica who works there told me many good things about her grooming. My little boy was never professionally groomed and she was amazing with him. She was such a great lady. Condolences to the family

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Ashley Roach
January 11, 2026 at 12:58 am

Dear Mom, I find myself watching our videos from our trips just to hear your voice.
1 week without you an I just want to pick up the phone and call you so bad. If only heaven had a phone 😢
We love you so much

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Stephen Wood
January 10, 2026 at 5:54 pm

I can’t believe it’s a week today. Heavens angels took you away.
I sit alone broken hearted since that day that we parted.
Broken hearted forever more
Until that day we meet again
at heavens door.
I love and miss you so much my beautiful baby.

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Nancy Gallant
January 9, 2026 at 7:45 pm

Myia, my Shihtzu brought Cathy and I together and we truly enjoyed our chats at Pet Valu. She was so kind and hardworking and although she was battling an illness, Cathy was determined to keep going and showed remarkable positivity and tenacity, (while she sipped on her Pepsi.) Bless her heart; such a sweet human and we are very sorry for your loss.

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Wendy Neil
January 7, 2026 at 1:24 am

To my Beautiful baby sister, Cathy, you are so loved and missed. You always had a big smile on your face, even though you were going through so much fear and pain. Well, baby, that fear and pain you were living through is now gone, and you are dancing with the Angels. You will forever be my Hero, RIP Cathy, until we meet again, you are in my Heart

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Denise Roach
January 6, 2026 at 9:16 pm

To my beautiful sister in law I will forever love you and miss you so much 💔 and I will forever cherish every memory I have with you and keep you in my heart ❤️ Thank you so much for everything 🙏

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Carolyn
January 6, 2026 at 8:34 pm

My deepest sympathy to Kathy’s family. She was Cindi’s groomer at Pet Valu and always so friendly and gentle with Cindi. So sorry to hear the news she lost her battle.

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Stephen Wood
January 6, 2026 at 3:18 pm

To my beautiful wife Cathy.
There are no words to describe the pain and sorrow I’m having for the biggest loss of my life. The only thing that gives me any type of relief is knowing that you are finally at peace from this horrific disease.
My life will never be the same again without you.
I love you so much baby.

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1. Mj
  January 6, 2026 at 5:09 pm
  
  Steve our deepest condolences, she’s not in pain anymore. Shes at rest now She will always be with us in our hearts. Her family n friends will miss her so much. We all have our special memories of her n will cherish for ever.sending lots of love n hugs your way..John n MJ🩷
  
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Carla Mansfield
January 6, 2026 at 2:03 pm

I was fortunate to have Cathy groom my Scottie, I’m so sorry for your loss! She fought so hard. May wonderful memories give you a bit of comfort.

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1. Stephen Wood
  January 6, 2026 at 3:23 pm
  
  Thank you so much.
  Cathy loved her job and the dogs and people she encountered daily. She hated to have to stop.
  
  Reply
Ashley Roach
January 6, 2026 at 11:52 am

To my beautiful Mama.
We will miss you deeply and I am forever grateful for the life lessons you taught me over the years and the love you’ve shown me.
Terris, Teriyah and I will forever carry you in our hearts.
Love you to the moon and back Mom

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