Episode #9
At the Cemetery: Guiding Families Through Burial, Remembrance & Ritual
Guest: Kaitlynn Becker, Cemetery Director/Counsellor, Queensville Cemetery What happens when a family arrives at the cemetery? There is often much more to the experience than simply choosing a burial space. In this episode of Common Ground: Bereavement Sector Chats, Darren Denomme and Kate McMaster are joined by Kaitlynn Becker, Cemetery Director/Counsellor at Queensville Cemetery, who also brings her experience as a funeral director to her work with families. Kaitlynn takes us behind the scenes of cemetery service, from helping families understand their options and coordinating burial arrangements to supporting meaningful graveside and scattering ceremonies. She also discusses the important role cemetery professionals can play when a family does not have a funeral home involved, helping them navigate both the practical details and the ceremonial aspects of saying goodbye. The conversation explores Kaitlynn’s path into the profession, the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with families and cemetery operations, and the demands and rewards of cemetery counselling. Along the way, we challenge some common misconceptions about cemetery careers and highlight the many ways cemetery professionals support families before, during and after an interment. It’s a closer look at the people behind the cemetery gates—and the care, coordination and compassion that help turn burial, remembrance and ritual into a meaningful farewell. Download your free Leader Guide available for each episode at: oacfp.com/site/podcast For more information on OACFP check out: www.oacfp.com or follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/OACFP/ https://www.instagram.com/oacfphere4you/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ontario-association-of-cemetery-and-funeral-professionals-oacfp/
