MacIsaac Funeral Home

12/17/2025

Supporting Those who are Grieving During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for celebrating, sharing traditions with family and friends, good food, exchanging gifts and love. For a griever, this excitement and anticipation of the holidays is often mixed with sadness, sometimes self-pity and dread. Their loved ones witness their anguish but are often at a loss as to how to best provide support.

It is important to differentiate between the griever not faring well and the griever doing their best under the circumstances. Signs of not coping include an increase in self-medication, a personality change and repeated negative emotions. Often family members and close friends are not always objective enough to hold conversations with the griever, without attempting to impose well intended personal views. This provides little benefit to the bereft.

For those who are close to a griever it is important to realize that grief cannot be fixed. Grief must be experienced, even during the holiday season. To have an open and non-judgmental conversation with the griever about what they are experiencing helps provide direction as to if their grief is simply being expressed in the best way they can or the griever is unable to cope and professional help is warranted.

Jim felt that his father should join the family for all of their holiday gatherings after his wife died so he wouldn’t feel alone. Had a conversation between them occurred, Jim would have discovered that his dad actually felt lonelier surrounded by family and appreciated the quiet reflection time being alone offered him. Always seek input from the griever as to what they feel comfortable doing over the holidays.

It is also important to prepare all family members to recognize the fact that persons are changed by the grief they are experiencing. They have lost someone very important in their life. Opening a dialogue in advance minimizes any misunderstanding that may occur as holiday events unfold. As an example, is it ok to mention or talk about the person who has died, subsequently addressing the elephant in the room?

Perhaps preparing a gift for the griever, one which honours the deceased, will show them they continue to be supported and loved. Sometimes children can be part of this, as they often have great ideas on making the griever comfortable and they come from a place of honesty. Grievers do like to hear the name of their loved one and are comforted by stories and memories. Sharing tales about how the deceased brought joy, laughter and perhaps even mischief can add some well needed levity to holiday events.

When someone close dies, we all have a role in helping each other. Remember the needs of those who were closest to the deceased are paramount in the way any traditions unfold. Together, by respecting one another’s feelings and limits, the holidays can be experienced in the most optimal way.

Bertha Brannen
Bereavement Group Leader

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

12/16/2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of Francis (Nick) Rossong at the age of 91. Francis was born on Nov 19th, 1934 to John and Blanche (Casey) Rossong in Hazel Hill, Canso. Francis is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Mary Rossong, with whom he shared many wonder...

12/14/2025

Light a Candle in Memory of a Beloved Child Today!

The second Sunday of December is designated Worldwide Candle Lighting Day. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world participate in this observance, each lighting a candle in memory of a child, someone taken from them too soon.

Established by Compassionate Friends in 1997, this 24-hour vigil starts at 7 p.m. in local time zones, with residents lighting their candle to begin the ceremony. As the world rotates and nighttime begins across different global time zones, a symbolic ray of light and hope is created.

Many organizations, such as hospitals, schools and funeral homes, participate in this healing ritual. The lighting of a candle serves many purposes. It pays tribute to the life of a loved one, it provides light and hope during the darkest of days, and it symbolizes the continuation of the deceased in spirit.

In 2019, a virtual Worldwide Candle Lighting Memorial Wall was added to this observance, allowing family members to share messages honouring their child, grandchild, sibling or friend.

To learn more about participating in a candle lighting event, please visit:
https://www.compassionatefriends.org/wcl/.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

12/12/2025

In the early morning hours of December 9, 2025 our brother Mick finally found his peace. After many years of struggles and trials, Mickey is finally at rest and reunited with the person he loved the most, our mom. A tragic accident at a young age changed Mickey’s life forever. Although confined to...

12/11/2025

Ralph Edwin Delorey, of Tracadie, passed away on November 26, 2025 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Antigonish he was a son of the late Russell and Roberta (Bonvie) Delorey of Tracadie. Following graduation from high school Ralph attended the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology....

12/10/2025

Writing a sympathy card can be an emotional experience. Finding the right words to comfort someone who is grieving isn't easy.

12/08/2025

It is with deep sadness, yet grateful hearts, that the family of Kathleen Joan (Boyd) Chisholm announces her peaceful passing at the age of 85. Born in Morristown, Antigonish County, on November 26, 1940, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Alex and Mary Jane (MacKenzie) Boyd. A lifelong resident....

12/05/2025

Crafting Memory Pieces

Whether it’s creating a keepsake for yourself or as a gift for someone close, crafting can provide joy and meaning to the bereaved following the death of a loved one.

Below are some ideas for making something special and personal to remember your beloved.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/230528074649825472/ Memory Ornaments
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/363243526166108242/ Memory Candles
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/158963061824282442/ Memory Trees

If possible include a picture, or an expression or quote to create a truly unique piece. Visit a local craft store to get ideas. Imagine placing your special ornament on the Christmas tree each year, making a living memory, one that endures time. Or repurposing an item such as a watch so that the memory of them is always close by.

Making and then displaying simple items such as these provides both peace and joy. Memory pieces are another chance for us to remember and reflect on the special bonds that were shared.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

12/01/2025

Electronic Death Certificates
Changes to the Way Deaths Will be Registered in Our Province

I’d first like to review how death certificates have been historically issued in Nova Scotia. Following the death of an individual, a medical practitioner will officially pronounce death and from there issue a death certificate which will include vital stats of the deceased and cause of death. “Paper” death certificates historically have not included the name of the funeral home, as families needed decide on and then contact a local provider to arrange for the removal of the deceased from the location where the death occurred.

A new system which will issue Electronic Death Certificates will require that the name of the funeral home prior to the issuing of the certificate. This will mean that a family who has just lost a loved one will need to choose the name of a provider immediately from a list of all of the funeral homes in the province. Essentially the coroner will ask the family for a name prior to the family having time to discuss a provider and make a decision. This introduces a number of potential problems. The certificate may be completed using the name of a particular funeral home and the family may actually decide on another funeral home.

When a loved one dies this is a difficult time for surviving family members. To be put in a situation where they must decide on a provider immediately, without the opportunity to meet, discuss and decide on a provider is placing undue stress on them. This scenario can also introduce unforeseen problems as the natural sequence of events following a death is being altered.

John MacIsaac
Managing Funeral Director and Owner

11/28/2025

It is with gratitude for her long and healthy life, that the family announces the passing of Carmel (Floyd) Chisholm, age 97, on November 27, 2025 at home. Born in Springfield, Antigonish Co., she was a daughter of the late Anabel (Cameron) and Alex Peter Floyd. Adored mother, teacher and friend, wi...

11/27/2025

Visitation will be held from 10-11 am on Friday, November 28, 2025 in St. James United Church prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11 am. Refreshments will follow the service (at St James on the Botterill floor). Burial will take place in St. David’s Cemetery, Cape George at 2pm, with Reverend Peter Smith presiding.

Brenda Botterill (née Hill), age 93, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025 in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Brenda was born on August 21, 1932 to Wilfred and Doris Hill in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. She is survived by daughter Ruth (Ross) Adams, Ca...

11/26/2025

We’re here to Help, because you Don’t have all the Answers

When individuals and families ponder funeral arrangements, there is a wide range of scenarios they explore. They consider many factors including how ornate or how simple the service will be. Often decisions are made in a short time frame and with emotions running high. Making sense of whether an option is the “ideal choice” can be difficult.

This is what we do. We meet with families and explain the benefits and drawbacks to alternative ways of having the service. We have a great deal of experience working under these conditions and facilitating optimal choices.

Many families are unfamiliar with behind-the-scenes requirements and the step-by-step aspects of planning the service for their loved one. The guidance we provide supports families at a time when most needed. We’re here to help.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online