Britton Funeral Home

01/23/2026

Providing Comfort

Individuals experiencing grief may find very little comfort without the assistance of family and friends. The joys, the daily rituals, the interactions and companionship they had are gone and filling the void sometimes proves difficult.

It’s surprising how simple acts of kindness can help aide those who grieve. Compassion is the key in any dealings with the bereft. Understanding there is no right or wrong way to grieve and that the timeframe for grieving varies from person to person is a good starting point.

By listening carefully to a mourner’s feelings, and not offering advice, they become aware of your support and your intention to understand what they are experiencing. By not minimizing their loss and offering reassurance, your intention for their well-being is shown, and they come to recognize that while life will change, they will not be alone to cope with the loss of a beloved.

The simple act of sharing is, in of itself, a source of comfort.

© Britton Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/20/2026

In her dresser drawer, they discovered a hand-written note that read, "When I die, please do nothing." She had just taken her last breath. And so began the distressing dilemma that many families face: Honouring their loved-one’s request to do nothing or honouring their own desire to do something t...

01/18/2026

Funeral service for the late D. Jane Hovey.

01/12/2026

Staying Informed
Online Obituaries

Rising costs associated with placing a death notice or an obituary in a newspaper have resulted in some families deciding to place abbreviated notices. Newspaper readership has declined in recent years with increasing numbers seeking information and receiving news online. How does this affect sharing obituary information?

As individuals many of us go online to find information because of the timeliness and convenience offered. Funeral homes have offered online notifications to their families for many years now and continue to adapt. Subscription forms are available where anyone wishing to be kept informed can be added to an email notification list. Similarly, by following funeral homes social media pages, you can be kept up to date with the service details and obituary notices of individuals.

It’s all about staying informed. As print media is read less and less, how do we make sure we know about the passing of a close friend or loved one? What can we do to ensure we have access to timely communications?

© Britton Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/11/2026

The family of (Dora) Jane Hovey, formerly of Hartland, NB, is sad to announce her passing at Carleton Manor in Woodstock, NB on January 9, 2026 after a period of failing health. Jane was born to William ...

01/11/2026

The death of Winnifred Annie Ellis of Hartland occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Central Carleton Nursing Home, Hartland. Winnifred was born April 19, 1929, in Canterbury and was the daughter of the late John and Florence (...

01/09/2026

01/05/2026

Anxiety during Grieving Is Normal

Anxiety, a common symptom of grief, can be overwhelming. Individuals experience many symptoms including panic attacks, feelings of helplessness, a sense of losing control, irritability, insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Death turns people’s worlds upside down. Life is no longer predictable and we are vulnerable; we become painfully aware that there are no guarantees in life. Our bodies react with anxiety to this threatening and sometimes unconscious awareness.

In the case of panic attacks, it is wise to consult a physician to ensure there are no underlying medical causal factors. And, psychotherapy with a professional counsellor may be worth considering, especially if one finds oneself becoming increasingly isolated, depressed or paralyzed by fear.

When symptoms of anxiety appear, there are many self-directed activities that can serve as coping aids. Guided imagery and meditation are excellent for promoting relaxation and a healing of the body and mind. There are many online sites dedicated to teaching these practices. Sometimes just going for a walk, going to a movie or pursuing a favourite hobby, as a way of redirecting ones mental focus, can aid in easing the stress associated with anxiety.

One of the best things in your toolkit for handling anxiety is something you do thousands of times a day: breathe. Just remembering to breathe deeply can be an effective coping mechanism. At times of stress, we tend to lapse into a pattern of shallow breathing, yet breathing from the abdomen allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream. From this comes a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, plus our muscles relax and stress becomes more manageable. As the physical symptoms of anxiety are reduced, we free up energy to better deal with the world making it easier to gain a broader understanding and acceptance of our changed lives.

© Britton Funeral Home/CFHC Online

01/01/2026

Happy New Years!

Our management and staff at Britton Funeral Home wish you good health, happiness and success with all your endeavors in 2026.

“Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more.”
– Ann Landers

12/29/2025

Allan Lee Orser of Hartland passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville. He was born on June 17, 1948, and was the son of the late Vaughn and Ruth Orser. Besides ...

12/28/2025

David Paul Davidson passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at his home in Windsor. He was born April 12, 1953, and was the son of the late John and Evelyn Davidson. Besides his biological parents, he was predeceased ...

12/26/2025

Karen Lynn Budrow of Divide passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville. She was born May 26, 1958, and was the daughter of the late Rene and Mary Bulger. Besides her ...