Jason Smith Funeral Chapel

04/14/2026

To continue our “How did you get into this?” series, I would like to introduce our Operations Manager, Kellie, who wears many hats here at Jason Smith Funeral Chapel:

“My interest in funeral service began when I was twelve years old after the loss of my grandmother. She was the matriarch of our family, and we were fortunate to have her live with us for several years. My sister and I spent many afternoons with her, sipping tea and watching dog shows on television — moments we cherish deeply.

When my mother and I first walked into the funeral home, I expected to meet a scary “big-bad-undertaker” character. Instead, we were greeted by a warm and gracious couple who instantly put us at ease. While my mother met with the funeral director, I was sipping tea with his wife and playing with their dogs. To me, it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than a business arrangement. The kindness and compassion shown to our family made an impact on me. In that moment, I remember thinking, ‘I want to be like them when I grow up.’

In 2020, I began my career in pre-need services in Hamilton, later serving families in Brantford, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines. It was there that I met Bryce — becoming partners in life and now partners here in Simcoe.

Simcoe and the surrounding communities have welcomed us with such genuine warmth and kindness. There is something truly special about our County. Neighbours show up, families gather close, and stories are shared with deep love and belly laughs.

It is both a privilege and an honour to serve this community, one that has made us feel at home.”

04/08/2026

“How did you get into this line of work?”

It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often.

To kick off our “How did you get into this?” series, we’re starting with our owner, Bryce.

For me, that answer begins in 2007, when I lost my Nana—a woman who taught me the value of hard work, the simple joy of a butter tart, and the beauty of a flower.

At 16, I wasn’t entirely sure what my future would look like. I had considered becoming a psychologist or a social worker—something that would allow me to help people. But after losing my Nana, everything changed.

When we attended her funeral, it was meant to be a moment of peace… but it wasn’t. There were multiple errors—too many to count—and instead of comfort, our family was left with added distress during an already difficult time.

In that moment, I realized something very clearly: families only get one funeral. One opportunity to grieve, to honour, and to say goodbye. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my life to doing it better—to making one of life’s hardest moments just a little easier for others, so no family would have to endure what ours did.

At 17, I began volunteering at a local funeral home—washing cars, vacuuming, and learning everything I could about the profession. What I didn’t know at the time was that this would become the very funeral home I would go on to purchase 12 years later.

My career took me to Toronto, where I completed my internship at Kane’s Funeral Home, and then to Niagara Falls, where I had the privilege of working under one of my greatest mentors, Ernie Morgan, at Morse & Son Funeral Home. I later continued my work in St. Catharines before purchasing my own funeral home at the age of 29.

In 2025, Kellie and I made the decision to step away from the larger city and move to a smaller community that better aligned with our values. That decision led us to meet Jason Smith, and after a meaningful conversation, it became clear to both of us that it was the right fit—a natural passing of the torch.

Now, six months into serving the Simcoe and Norfolk community, I can say with confidence that it has been one of the best decisions of my life. The warmth, support, and sense of community here have been truly remarkable. Being able to serve families in such a connected and caring place has been incredibly rewarding, and Kellie and I are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and supporting this community for years to come.

Every step of this journey has reinforced the same belief: this is not just a profession—it is a calling.

Stay tuned each week as we share more stories from our team and the journeys that brought them into funeral service.

04/07/2026

One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “What inspired you to pursue a career in funeral service?”

The truth is, there is rarely just one answer. For many of us, it’s a calling shaped by personal experiences, meaningful moments, and a deep desire to support others during life’s most difficult times.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing members of our team and sharing the unique journeys that led them to serve this community with care and compassion. Each week, we’ll be highlighting a member of our staff and how their journey into funeral service began.

Every story is different—but at the heart of each one is a commitment to being there when it matters most.

04/05/2026

Today, Jason and I had the honour of assisting the family of Leah Shelley in celebrating her life.

Leah lived a remarkable and full life, reaching her 97th year, and was deeply loved by her family, friends, and community.  Today’s service was a beautiful reflection of that life—filled with faith, memories, and the kind of love that leaves a lasting imprint on everyone it touches.

It is always a privilege to help families tell the story of someone so meaningful. To stand alongside them in those moments, and to help create a tribute that truly reflects a life well lived, is something we never take for granted.

Our thoughts and continued prayers are with the Shelley family during this time.

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04/02/2026

As Easter weekend approaches, we are reminded of the profound hope and promise this season brings.

For those of faith, Easter is a sacred time—celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the assurance of eternal life. It is a message of redemption, renewal, and the enduring power of God’s love.

We also recognize that holidays can be tender moments, especially for those missing someone dear. It is in this season, perhaps more than any other, that we are reminded that love does not end—and that through Christ, there is comfort in knowing we will meet again.

At Jason Smith Funeral Chapel, we are honoured to serve a community grounded in faith, family, and compassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those we have had the privilege to walk alongside.

May this Easter bring you peace in your hearts, strength in your faith, and the quiet reassurance of hope renewed.

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” – Matthew 28:6

Wishing you and your family a blessed and meaningful Easter.

03/25/2026

Busy day at Jason Smith Funeral Chapel today — it was donation drop-off day.

Here’s something many people don’t realize:

Through the families we serve, we help coordinate tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations each year — and for many local charities, we take the time to hand deliver those contributions in person.

It’s one of the quieter parts of what we do, but one of the most meaningful.

Every donation represents a life, a story, and a cause that mattered.

We’re proud to help ensure those legacies continue to make an impact right here in our community and beyond.

03/24/2026

Spread the word! We're offering something new to families in our community that need childcare for the upcoming PA day. Space is limited. Register today!

03/13/2026

Never Miss a Local Death Notice

For many years, families in our community have relied on the Simcoe Reformer to see local death notices. However, the newspaper is only published twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

At Smith Funeral Chapel, death notices are posted on our website as soon as they are received, helping keep our community informed.

If you would like to stay connected, you can subscribe to receive obituary notifications by email.

It’s very simple:
1️⃣ Visit our website: https://www.smithfuneralchapel.ca
2️⃣ Click “Obituary Notifications”
3️⃣ Enter your email address

You will receive an email whenever a new death notice is posted so you never miss the opportunity to offer condolences, attend a service, or support a neighbour during a difficult time.

We are always honoured to help keep our community connected.

Compassionate professionals helping families create meaningful services, both in advance and at difficult times of loss.

03/12/2026

Yesterday was National Funeral Director Day, and while the day has passed, it would be wrong not to recognize someone who has given so much to this community.

For over 30 years, Jason has served families here with compassion, dignity, and dedication. Founding this funeral home and caring for generations of families is a legacy that speaks for itself.

Transitions like the one we are going through are only possible because of the character of the people involved. I am incredibly grateful for Jason’s support during this transition and for the continued care he provides to families as he remains part of our team.

Please join us in thanking Jason for three decades of service to this community.

His commitment to caring for families continues to make a difference every single day.

03/10/2026

It’s been a busy week for us as we continue building stronger connections throughout Simcoe and the surrounding communities.

One of the things that matters most to us is making sure the families we serve have access to trusted local businesses when they need them most.

Over the past week we’ve been working behind the scenes to strengthen several new community partnerships:

• Flowers will soon be available to order directly through our website, making it easier to arrange tributes for services.
• We’ve partnered with a local monument company, allowing the families we serve to receive a preferred rate on memorials.
• We’ve also worked with local hotels so that loved ones travelling from out of town can access bereavement rates during their stay.

Supporting local businesses while making things easier for families is very important to us, and we are grateful for the warm welcome the Simcoe community has shown Bryce, Kellie, and our entire team.

We look forward to continuing to serve this community with care and compassion.

If you know a local business that supports families during difficult times, we would love to hear about them.

03/09/2026

Today we are honoured to care for a remarkable woman who lived nearly 98 years. A life spanning generations is a rare and beautiful gift — filled with memories, wisdom, and love that will continue through those she leaves behind.

This poem reminds us that age is not simply measured in years, but in the richness of a life well lived.

The Gift of Age

To live long is a quiet gift,
Bestowed by time and grace.
To watch the years unfold like pages
In life’s enduring place.

To see the world through changing days,
Through laughter, loss, and light,
And gather wisdom softly earned
From morning into night.

Each silver hair, a story told,
Each line upon the face—
A map of love and living well,
Of courage and of grace.

And though the years may slow the step,
The heart remembers still:
A life well lived, a love well shared,
A soul that time could fill.

For age is not a burden borne,
But a crown of quiet worth—
The gentle mark of one who walked
A long and meaningful earth.

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day

Today we want to recognize the incredible women who help make Smith Funeral Chapel such a caring and supportive place for the families we serve.

Funeral service is not easy work. It requires compassion, patience, strength, and an incredible ability to care for others during some of life’s most difficult moments. We are very fortunate to have a team of women who embody those qualities every single day.

We are proud to work alongside:

• Kellie
• Karen
• Michele
• Lorraine
• Donna
• Liz

Each of them brings something unique to our funeral home, but they all share the same commitment — helping families feel supported, respected, and cared for when they need it most.

Their work often happens quietly behind the scenes, but the difference they make in people’s lives is truly meaningful.

Please join us in celebrating them today, and all the incredible women in our community.

Happy International Women’s Day.