Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home

Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home Mattatall Varner provides a full range of funeral products and services to residents of Truro and su

12/02/2025

Pat

12/01/2025

E. Keith Pickering – 91, of Truro passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25 2025 at Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Born in 1934 in Leamington, Ontario he was ...

Victorian Grave DollsDuring the Victorian era, death could strike at any time, claiming the young and the old. Mourning ...
12/01/2025

Victorian Grave Dolls

During the Victorian era, death could strike at any time, claiming the young and the old. Mourning methods embraced several practices, including a lesser-known tradition of grave dolls.

Following the death of an infant or child, families who could afford the expense commissioned a wax replica of their offspring. The likeness was deliberate, as the doll would actually be dressed in the child’s clothing and have clippings of hair attached to the doll’s head. Instead of viewing a child’s sickly body, the doll would be laid in a miniature coffin during a wake or funeral. The eyes would simply be closed, symbolizing a peaceful sleep and softening the cruelty of death.

Following the funeral, it was customary for the doll to be left on the child’s grave or even kept at home, where it would be displayed in a case or placed in a crib or bed to bring comfort to the family.

While grave dolls are no longer common practice, the tradition of leaving items at a cemetery continues. Families often adorn the grave site of children with photos, flowers, mementoes and toys – including dolls. Before leaving such items, remember to check cemetery policies to prevent the loss or removal of treasured items.

© Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home/CFHC Online

Peace of Mind, always a Goal in Whatever we UndertakeWith most decisions we make almost all of us have as a goal the nee...
11/28/2025

Peace of Mind, always a Goal in Whatever we Undertake

With most decisions we make almost all of us have as a goal the need to achieve peace of mind. You choose a child care provider, or purchase a new or used vehicle; you decide on a vacation getaway, or you select a dentist or health care provider; an underlying wish is for this choice to provide peace of mind. You are hopeful who you’ve chosen will treat your children right, you are hopeful the vehicle will operate for many years with minimal investment in maintenance and repairs. You hope the getaway will be an ideal place to create happiness and provide many wonderful memories. Yes, Peace of Mind, that feeling that comes with knowing a good decision has been made is very powerful.

When it comes to funeral arrangements, peace of mind occurs at two levels. The first is at the service provider level, knowing you’ve chosen and will work with someone who has your best interests as their priority. We’ve supported countless families over the years and in doing so, we strive to achieve outstanding service and it is this that becomes the basis for being known as a reputable provider, one where the communities trust and confidence are placed with us.

The second way peace of mind is found is in making decisions to ensure the service that is planned for as a tribute to a loved provides meaning for all in attendance. Yes, we are very mindful of your needs and listen carefully to arrive at an ideal plan.

Funeral planning is another aspect of life that warrants time and effort to achieve peace of mind. We are here to help you through this process. We have the experience and insights to find a truly optimal plan.

© Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/28/2025

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Arlene Myrtle Carter, age 89, of Truro, NS. Arlene passed away at the Colchester East ...

11/26/2025

Looking to add a little adventure to your vacation? Check out our guide to nine of the world's most amazing and mysterious monuments.

The Key Steps of MAIDMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is an intrinsically personal and complex issue. Several safeguar...
11/24/2025

The Key Steps of MAID

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is an intrinsically personal and complex issue. Several safeguards exist to ensure it’s the right decision for those suffering from a grievous and irremediable condition. If considering MAID, the key steps include:

1. Medical Assessments: Two independent medical assessments are conducted – including one that is by an expert on the condition. Assessment will also ensure that alternative methods to ease the pain have been explored. Eligibility assessments take 90 days, but can be expedited if someone is at risk of losing the capacity to make their own health-care decisions.

2. Written Request: A written request must be submitted and must be signed by an independent witness. While it is unnecessary to inform family or friends of your decision, it is strongly recommended to talk about your choice. Even if there is disagreement, they cannot overrule this decision.

3. Final Consent: Prior to the procedure, final consent is required. Those considering this procedure can withdraw consent at any time including on the scheduled MAID day.

4. Day Of: The decision to have family or friends present is an individual one, as is the location. Several drugs are administered during the course of MAID, the first one causing the recipient to fall asleep.

Since federal legislation was passed to approve this procedure in June 2016, more than 31,000 Canadians have ended their suffering and have died using MAID.

© Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/21/2025

Eleanor Y. (McLellan) Wilson – 76, Truro, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Colchester East Hants Health ...

Delayed GriefDelayed grief occurs when grievers are unable to respond to the changes that occur following a significant ...
11/21/2025

Delayed Grief

Delayed grief occurs when grievers are unable to respond to the changes that occur following a significant loss. The difficulty may be related to diminished emotional or cognitive capacity or factors in everyday life that interfere with the process of grieving.

Examples of significant loss include: trauma associated with the loss of a child, loss from su***de or murder, or multiple losses within a short period of time. These losses are often too much for grievers to bear, causing them to engage in protective mechanisms to avoid the pain and suffering they are experiencing.

If normal grieving is prevented from happening, some symptoms that may occur include: frequent periods of physical exhaustion, poor concentration, disorganization and a gradual withdrawal from social activities. The happiness a griever once found in joyful and fun activities may no longer be there for them and is often replaced by negative self-thinking and emotions.

It’s important to face the emotions and feelings that accompany grief. In order for a griever to access healing resources within, stories of sadness must be told. Finding a non-judgmental listener is a great place to begin. Additionally, self-care is of the upmost importance during this period. Some examples of activities that will stimulate the body’s happy hormones include: rest and sleep, healthy and enjoyable food, adequate water intake, regular exercise, time in nature, sunshine, laughter and music.

Once grief is acknowledged, it is important that the griever doesn’t delay facing their loss and that they embrace the feelings they are experiencing. In doing so, they will be able to process the impact of this loss, come to an understanding of their new reality and ultimately begin their journey towards healing.

Bertha Brannen
Grief Recovery Specialist

© Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/20/2025

Gerald Bruce MacPherson - 74, Truro, known to many as Gerry or Butch, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. ...

11/17/2025

Marlene Vera Fisher – 59, Truro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro, she was a daughter ...

11/17/2025

Catherine Alaine Rushton – 89, Truro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at The Mira Long-Term Care Facility, Truro. Born in Londonderry, she was a daughter ...

Address

PO Box 751, 55 Young Street
Truro, NS
B2N5E8

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

About Us

Mattatall-Varner is a full-service funeral home offering facilities for visitation and chapel services to Truro and surrounding communities.

We cater to the needs of families and individuals requiring either traditional funeral services or cremation. We offer many alternatives to those we assist, at their time of need.

Our facilities are within a “heritage style” home which was constructed in the 19th century. At this historic and centrally located site, we provide funeral services which are well received by our community, families, and their guests, who visit to pay respects and celebrate the lives of loved ones.