Merritt Funeral Home

03/05/2026

Four years ago, Jess and I took a leap of faith and became the owners of Merritt Funeral Home. People often say the first five years of owning a business are the hardest, but the truth is the community of West Lincoln has made this journey far easier than we ever imagined.

From the families who have trusted us during some of life’s most difficult moments, to the local organizations, businesses, and neighbours who have supported us along the way—we are incredibly grateful. Your kindness, encouragement, and trust mean more than we can properly put into words.

It’s a privilege to serve this community and to continue the tradition of care that Merritt Funeral Home has been known for. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives.

Here’s to many more years of serving West Lincoln.

— Drew, Jess and Henry Gauthier
Merritt Funeral Home

02/17/2026

Grateful for this community 💙

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Family Day skate today. Seeing so many families on the ice, laughing and making memories, made it all worthwhile.

02/13/2026

We are grateful to share that the proposed cut to funding for low-income funerals did not pass.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Cheryl Gannan, who invited me to the Township of West Lincoln to discuss what these cuts could mean for families in our community. Mayor Gannan took the time to listen, understand the real-world impact, and present these findings to Regional Council.

After hearing feedback from councillors — and importantly, from community members who took the time to write in — the vote did not pass.

This outcome is a reminder of the importance of advocacy, conversation, and community voices. Thank you to Mayor Cheryl Ganann, to councillors who listened, and to everyone in our community who spoke up in support of dignity at the end of life.

At Merritt Funeral Home, we believe that every person deserves dignity, respect, and care at the end of life — regardless of their financial situation.

We are deeply concerned by the Region’s proposed cut to funding that helps cover funeral costs for individuals and families who cannot afford them. This support exists for some of the most vulnerable members of our community at one of the most difficult moments they will ever face.

A funeral is not a luxury. It is a vital part of the grieving process — a moment for families to gather, honour a life, and begin healing. We only get one opportunity to do it right.

As a family-owned funeral home serving Niagara, we see firsthand the impact this support has on families. We hope decision-makers carefully consider what is at stake and the importance of preserving dignity at the end of life.

Our community is strongest when we care for one another — especially in moments of loss.

02/11/2026

At Merritt Funeral Home, we believe that every person deserves dignity, respect, and care at the end of life — regardless of their financial situation.

We are deeply concerned by the Region’s proposed cut to funding that helps cover funeral costs for individuals and families who cannot afford them. This support exists for some of the most vulnerable members of our community at one of the most difficult moments they will ever face.

A funeral is not a luxury. It is a vital part of the grieving process — a moment for families to gather, honour a life, and begin healing. We only get one opportunity to do it right.

As a family-owned funeral home serving Niagara, we see firsthand the impact this support has on families. We hope decision-makers carefully consider what is at stake and the importance of preserving dignity at the end of life.

Our community is strongest when we care for one another — especially in moments of loss.

02/02/2026

The funeral industry across the Niagara Region is changing.

In recent years, we’ve seen long-standing funeral homes close their doors, while others have been purchased by large, often American-owned corporations, headquartered far from the communities they serve. Change is inevitable—but how we respond to it matters.

At Merritt Funeral Home, one thing has not changed.

We remain proudly family-owned and family-operated, rooted right here in our community. Every family we serve is cared for by people who live here, work here, and understand the responsibility that comes with serving their neighbours during life’s most difficult moments.

We are also committed to using Canadian-made and Canadian-manufactured products, because we believe in quality, accountability, and supporting Canadian businesses.

While our home is in Smithville, our commitment extends across the entire Niagara Region. We are honoured to serve any family, anywhere in Niagara, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances.

Through an evolving industry, one thing remains constant:
our commitment to families always comes first.

— Merritt Funeral Home
Family Owned & Operated

01/31/2026

We’re proud to support family time in our community !

Merritt Funeral Home is honoured to sponsor the Family Skate at the Township of West Lincoln’s Family Day celebration on Monday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the West Lincoln Community Centre in Smithville.

Family Day is about slowing down, getting together, and making memories — and we’re grateful to be able to support an event that brings so many local families together. Thank you to the Township of West Lincoln and all the volunteers who make this day possible.

We hope to see lots of familiar faces on the ice ⛸️
Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and memorable Family Day.

— Merritt Funeral Home
Family owned

01/15/2026

🎓 Congratulations, Matthew! 🎓

We would like to congratulate Matthew on successfully completing his co-op semester with our funeral home. It has been a pleasure having him as part of our team, and we truly appreciate the hard work, professionalism, and care he brought with him each day.

We wish Matthew all the very best in his future endeavours and every success as he continues his journey. Thank you for your time with us, Matthew — you will always be welcome here.

12/24/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from Merritt Funeral Home 🎄

As we celebrate the Christmas season, we are reminded of the importance of family, reflection, and hope.
We recognize that this time of year can bring a mix of joy and remembrance, and our thoughts are especially with those who are missing loved ones.

From all of us at Merritt Funeral Home, we wish you peace, comfort, and warmth this Christmas. May the season bring gentle moments of remembrance and the promise of light in the days ahead.

12/18/2025

✨ Exciting Updates at Merritt Funeral Home ✨

We’re happy to share that Phase One of our renovation is officially underway!
This first stage focuses on opening up the funeral home to create more space and refreshing our coffee area to better serve the families who walk through our doors.

We’re thrilled to begin sharing progress as this project moves forward and look forward to welcoming you into an even more comfortable and inviting space.

A big thank you to Ashwoods Contracting Ltd. for helping bring this vision to life. More updates coming in the new year!

— Merritt Funeral Home

12/02/2025

Did anyone lose a glove or a child’s boot? 🧤👢

We found a single glove and a small child’s boot in our parking lot during the parade and would love to reunite them with their owner.

If you think they might be yours, please send us a message or stop by Merritt Funeral Home during office hours!

11/28/2025

🚗🎄 West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade Parking – Everyone Welcome! 🎄🚗

We’re happy to offer parking in our lot for anyone attending the parade Saturday!

Feel free to park your vehicle, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate safely with family and friends.

Wishing everyone a wonderful time at the parade!
— Drew, Jess and Henry

11/11/2025

🇨🇦 Today, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of those who served our country—past and present.
Their dedication has preserved the freedoms we cherish today.

At the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month…
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.