Reviews of Highland Funeral Home - Markham Chapel (Mortuary)

Jennie Lam (j0lam)

At 62, my father passed away following 2 successive strokes. Nearing his end of life, my sister and I began preparing for the funeral. We were recommended to work with this funeral home by my father's cemetary company and we couldn't be more relieved that we made this decision. From the moment we met with the Funeral Director's Assistant, Kelvin Lai, to the completion of paying the remaining services balance (today), we felt truly taken care of. During such a stressful and emotional time, he never once made us feel pressured to make decisions, take action, or helpless. He asked as many questions and provided as much information as we could handle each step of the way. He prepared us for possible cultural or spiritual expectations from our Chinese elders, explained the range of products and services we might want (from outside vendors), and supported each decision we made. Kelvin provided for every request from my aunts and uncles and took everything in stride - no matter how outrageous. In Kelvin's hands, we felt as though nothing could go wrong - and nothing did. With Kelvin overseeing the services, we knew that everything would be taken care of - especially all of the things we didn't even know to think of...all the things we couldn't even think of. During the worst 2 weeks of my life, Kelvin and Highland were there to make this time just a little less terrible, a little less lost, and a little more peaceful. We will be forever grateful for your compassion and care during this time.

Steven Duong

My father passed and the staff there was absolutely wonderful. Respectful, helpful and knowledgeable in our Taoist rituals. Gordon, Calvin and Lisa were amazing. Thank you guys.

Jacqueline Joy

Absolute excellency from the beginning to the end. Professional and ethical staff made my mother’s funeral go very smoothly and I felt like I was in very good hands. I directly dealt with Tyler and then with Kelvin and Francis when making funeral arrangements. Kelvin also contacted me outside of his own office hours to answer any questions I had regarding the funeral. They also made sure to obtain my consent several times and were very clear with their communication before moving my mother from the hospital over to the funeral home. I appreciated that very much as I understood that some other funeral homes can be shady about that process. You will be in very good hands at highland. Their dedication and admirable work ethic helped me feel more at ease towards dealing with a closed chapter of my life. Thank you.

Denise Gurr

This was the most heart breaking event of my life, yet this Funeral Home and it's staff made it bearable. My mother passed away earlier this month. From the moment I walked in to their building with my sister, we knew we had made the right choice. We had Jessica taking care of our needs. I have never met anyone more caring and compassionate. Right down to every last little detail (things we hadn't even thought of), even as far as hugging us when we needed that hug. We had previously been to a different funeral home and although everything was "correct", it truly just felt like a business transaction to me. Luckily for us, the day we wanted our Mother's service was not available at that spot and the date was non-negotiable. As it worked out, the Markham Chapel had room for us, and with Jessica, we feel like we made a friend. She simplified everything as much as possible for us at the Markham Chapel. She showed us things that were options if we wanted them, but did not push in any way for us to purchase anything our Mother did not need or want. After hearing our family story, Jessica even found the perfect Pastor to handle our Mother's Celebration of Life. We were treated with so much love and respect. Jessica's choice of Pastor Mike for us, was just another example of how in tune she was with us and our needs. Our family could not have been happier with him. Pastor Mike even urged me to speak which I never do, and I'm so glad I did. Thank you! On the day of the service, Jessica was not scheduled to work that day, but assured us we would be in good hands. I understand staff obviously need their days of to be with family, but I was a little nervous knowing she wouldn't be there. The moment we walked in the door and were greeted by Sarah, we knew again Jessica had made the right choice in who she chose to take care of us in her absence. I didn't know there could be two such wonderful people working in one place. Sarah again, catered to every need, worry, tear drop any of us had that day. Even had to catch my one and a half year old Grandson Elliot a couple of times. Our Mother's service was handled with so much love, class, caring and respect. We know this was exactly what she would have wanted and we cannot thank you both enough. We realize other staff was involved and also very kind and helpful and we thank you as well. I cannot say enough great things about Highland Funeral Home Markham Chapel. From our family to yours.... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

N C

Wanted to send a big Thank You to the team at Highland for helping us get through one of our toughest days. From preparation to finalization, the team was very accommodating and attentive to details. Thank you again to Kelvin, Nancy, Jean and Sandy for being compassionate while providing your professionalism at our darkest time.

N C

Wanted to send a big Thank You to the team at Highland for helping us get through one of our toughest days. From preparation to finalization, the team was very accommodating and attentive to details. Thank you again to Kelvin, Nancy, Jean and Sandy for being compassionate while providing your professionalism at our darkest time.

Robert Arnone

Staff here is very polite. They make it easier when dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Joe Scalabrelli

This funeral home did a fantastic job of handling a death in our family, and Tyler is a consummate professional who supported us throughout the process.

hungrysheepie

2020 was a year that has brought many tears and heartbreaks to our family. One of them being that both my grandmothers passed away, one after another. It was unbearable losing them both in such a short time. One passed away due to old age and one passed due to an outbreak in the senior home. This Highland Funeral Home has seriously gone above and beyond to make sure that we are being taken care of. Both funeral services went smoothly, and we all had our chance to say our goodbyes. Please note: if the person passed away due to covid, EVERYTHING is expedited compared to non-covid, so please be prepared. At this time, I want to extent a heart felt thank you to Kelvin Lai and the team at Highland Funeral Home, who guided us through these difficult times. Kelvin was very professional, and he knew all about our cultural needs and rituals. He had a very calm presence, and our family felt at ease while working with him. Thank you once again.

Master iOqY

Attended the visitation and funeral for a close buddy's mom here. The staff were courteous and professional. The facility is well kept and even has a large lounge for where visitors and family members can sit down a bit away from it all for some normal chatter. A smaller lounge is also available on the second floor.

J Lim

We've known Janice Chan for over 10 years and has helps us greatly in our time of need. She's helped with the preparations, such as graveyard selection, and how the financing works for both my grandparents and other relatives in my family. She was very patience, explained everything in detail, and provided amazing explanations for all of our questions. During those difficult times, Janice had helped us with every aspect of the funeral which made our lives easier. We appreciate all the hard work Janice has done and would highly recommend her to other families.

Cindy Leung

Highland Funeral Home was responsible for my baby's memorial service. The staff (especially Lisa and Nancy) were amazing. Their compassion and empathy, respect for my baby's body, and assistance were so essential during such a difficult time for our family, as we were grieving and had to make many decisions in a short time. They really listened and took care of our needs. Other funeral homes charged a discounted fee for funeral coach, gas mileage, enbalming, and visitation (which all adds up to ~$2000), whereas Highland waived these services and that took a huge financial load off. They contacted me as soon as they picked up our baby; they bought a pink blanket for our baby when they picked her up from the hospital; they took footprints for us on a nice piece of paper that had a poem on it... just to name a few of the things they have done for us. They truly went above and beyond. I hope you don't need a funeral home, but if I were to recommend a funeral home to take proper and compassionate care of you and your baby/child, this is the funeral home to choose.

Enza Stefanovic

Send your love ones elsewhere, sloppy throughout! From birth date incorrect, to wrong gender in memorial write up. My mom passed away suddenly, her body looked angelic after her passing, on the day of the viewing it was difficult to recognize her, it was only her eyebrows that made me know it was her. I was horrified to how she was made to look, attempts were made to correct the problem, it was as though she had been over stuffed! Director failed to give important information for day of funeral regarding pall barriers, lack of communication on the part of director with the executors on important decisions with what my mom's wishes were. Police escort service was purchased, the director went against the family and executor recommdation to take Don Mills as the route and rather went from the beaches up the Don valley to the 404 exiting on Finch. The reason $1000's of dollars were spent for police escort was to honour my mother and keep all the guest accompanying her together. There were family unfamiliar to where the cemetery was that got lost, keeping a persecion together on the highway was proved to be impossible! Highland, I've had other loved ones pass before my mother, brought elsewhere, i had no issues or complaints, it was seemless and made easy. I can only hope that this review will be taken seriously by upper management.

Breanne Catharine Norris

I’ve never experienced a worse environment. It was like going to a used car dealership. There was no compassion. It was all about them making money from families at an extremely vulnerable moment. I walked out in duress not knowing what to do and I stumbled into CHAPEL RIDGE. My prayers were answered and I can not recommend them enough. Screw these corporate a**holes. Save your money and go down the street to the family owned Chapel Ridge.

Deon West

I would like to extent a heart felt THANK YOU to the staff at Highland Funeral Home. The team made a very difficult situation bearable. Through their guidance and willingness to go above and beyond; we were able to give our dad a send off befitting of him even during these difficult COVID-19 times.

Frances Chieffallo

When my mother passed away suddenly, the staff at Highland Funeral home were fantastic. A special thank you to Jackie Hopkins, the funeral director who assisted me and my family throughout the entire process. She was truly amazing, compassionate and caring and made sure that every detail was taken care of. She went above and beyond when we were having trouble getting a priest for my mother's funeral mass. She was able to get Monsignor Weber from her own parish to do the mass which our family appreciated very much. Jackie and the staff made our difficult time less stressful and everything went smoothly. We were very happy with everything and would highly recommend Highland Funeral home to anyone in their time of need.

Cindy Burghout

The loss of a parent is truly unbearable. The loss during a pandemic complicates the grief process all the more. I lost my Father September 26th and the Staff at Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel were immediately there for us. We had the pleasure of working with Jackolin Hopkins, our funeral director, who provided exceptional service from beginning to end. She guided us through the arrangements with such compassion and professionalism. She was amazing. We were also assisted by Jessica, who's attention to detail touched my heart when she confirmed her personal connection to my Father as a past employee of his. The entire team at Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel are the most professional and supportive staff you'll ever need at a time such as this. They made a very difficult time less stressful as we always felt that we were in the best hands. It is very obvious that all of the Staff Members are committed and dedicated in providing the best possible service. Although we understood the added restrictions to keep everyone safe during this global pandemic, it did complicate the process of laying our loved one to rest. We were very happy with everything and we would highly recommend Highland Funeral Home, Markham Chapel to anyone in their time of need.

nicolee.

Just wanted to say thank you to Gordon and Kelvin for helping with my grandmother's funeral. They handled everything professionally from the beginning all the way til the end. My grandma's service wouldn't have gone the way it has without their guidance and support. Thank you so much again.

Lucy Rotondi

Thank you to Jessica and the rest of the great staff. Although we were dealing with Covid-19 restrictions, you made us all very comfortable and our experience much easier. We were still able to have our closest family and friends attend which made a world of difference to us. I would highly recommend this location to everyone. From the entire Viggiani Family.

Gracie Longo

I recently had the difficult task of burying the woman who practically raised me, my aunt. During the process I didn't know if I was coming or going half the time. I can't tell you how fortunate I am to have dealt with Tyler. She was amazing and went above and beyond what I felt should be expected. The level of service was not only professional yet compassionate, it was helpful, detailed and definitely what I would call exceptional. When I had a question for Tyler, the response time was immediate. Her information and the reassurances she gave were spot on. I can honestly say I had no concerns that what she said would happen, and the timing of it as well, actually did occur exactly as planned. All of my aunt's personal items were well taken care of. Tyler kept me in the loop on everything, at all times. She would respond to me during her off hours as well. The paperwork was precise, no issues at all. I really just can't say enough about how caring she was towards me and how she helped me emotionally as well, and I certainly did not expect that. I would highly recommend her and Highland Funeral Home, Markham. The place is lovely, considering it is a funeral home, and it was very clean. Even the other staff members I met were helpful and efficient. I had the pleasure of dealing with Jackie as well, the day of the funeral, and she too was lovely, caring and very professional. Thanks to everyone for helping make a difficult situation for me much more bearable, and most especially a huge Thank You to Tyler!

jing wang

Unfortunately for us, we had to navigate our loss in the midst of a global pandemic. While the added restrictions are necessary for keeping everyone safe, it definitely complicates the process of laying our loved ones to rest. Despite that, we had a relatively positive experience as Jessica, our funeral director, went above and beyond to ensure we got exactly what we wanted. She was extremely accommodating with our requests and never pushed us to purchase any service we did not need. While we met under unfortunate circumstances, we are truly grateful for Jessica's assistance.

PJA

Rude staff, very inconsiderate

M Del

During the death of my Father, the whole Highland team (especially Jessica) were a tremendous help. There services were very professional which helped us get through our difficult time. 5 Star all the way.

Vida Lee

nice and comforting place

Vicky To

We are so grateful to Jessica and the entire team at Highland Markham Chapel for their compassionate and capable support. We can't thank you all enough for helping us navigate all aspects of the service, especially in these challenging times.

Emma Bower

Highland funeral home went above and beyond for me this year. Obviously 2020 has been rough for everyone, however back in January my father passed away suddenly with no plan for what he wanted. Jackie not only planned the perfect service, but was so helpful considering we were no help. The service went wonderfully and she even contacted the cemetery we wanted for us. We thought that would be the end but she even came to the internment in the fall (because the cemetery doesn’t do winter internment’s) she was so professional and compassionate and helpful. I would recommend this funeral home to anyone. They really do everything they can to help you in your darkest moment and Jackie is like superwoman.

Jeffrey Meatem

High pressure sales tactics, corporate environment in all the bad ways...stay away

Scott C

Losing a parent is stressful enough, but unfortunately for us we lost our dad during Covid-19. Once again Jessica was there for our family in our time of need. We had lost our mother several years ago, and our family had the pleasure of working with Jessica to decide on funeral arrangements. The compassion and patience she showed our father during the process was something he never forgot. Jessica's professionalism, caring manner, and attention to detail impressed us, but treating us like we were part of her family went far above and beyond anything we could have expected. Even though we had to deal with Covid-19 restrictions this time, Jessica helped us navigate our way through all of the decisions with ease, and helped us to have our closest family members safely attend a visitation and funeral for our father. Just like before, she went above and beyond making sure every detail was perfect, and that all our family wishes had been taken care of. Jessica, we can't thank you enough for all you have done to help our family through these difficult times.

zoltan pasztor

We are online funeral supply store and deliver a lot of places. We've delivered a coffin here. Very clean and organized place. Friendly, compassionate people working here. Truely one of the best place we had been. Keep it up. Zoltan Pasztor CasketMart

Amanda L

Thank you to Highland and to Jessica... very professional and sympathetic...the Salemi family

William Tam

Place is well decor but while visit, is under renovation. Otherwise not bad