Reviews of Life Transitions Burial and Cremation Service Inc. (Mortuary)

Christine Beintema

Wes, James and the staff at Life Transitions were so lovely at the time of my mom’s passing, and after as arrangements went forward. They listened carefully and helped us navigate the intimidating road of caring for a loved one after they have passed. We knew for certain that we could ask anything, and that they would do what was needed to provide comfort and professionalism. Heartfelt thanks to your team ❤️

Marilyn Roberts

Losing Mum was a very difficult time for our family. We knew she was very sick, but even being prepared did not make the loss any easier. The funeral had been planned beforehand. I am glad because decision making would have been very difficult if we had left it until Mum had passed. James and his staff guided and advised us during this process. When the time came to say goodbye to Mum every care was taken to make sure she was treated with dignity. James and the staff of Life Transitions treated our family with compassion, understanding and care.What we needed or wanted they made sure our needs were met. I will always be grateful to them for making such a sad day a little easier. I would highly recommend these caring people for your family at a most difficult time.

Susan H. Perry

We were so grateful for all of the help and support from the staff at Life Transitions, especially from James McNeil. Our questions were answered immediately and we were given excellent advice. Our family would highly recommend Life Transitions. They are so compassionate during a difficult time in life.

Carol Simpson

James made this so comforting for myself and my family when my Husband, Bill passed away. We heard about James and his business through a friend so I approached him to ask questions about 6 months before Bill passed. He reassured me that he would be there for us whenever we needed him, and he was! Only a phone call away! James, you made Bill’s transition from this life to the next comforting. I will be forever grateful to you for all you did!! All the little extras you gave to us meant so much!! I would recommend Life Transitions to everyone. Have your loved one taken care of YOUR WAY Carol Simpson

Leigh-ann Ulch

Before my father in law passed away we contacted James at live transitions. James was quick to respond and came right to the house, he helped my father in law plan his last wishes. Even when he was placed in Hospice, James came and met with us and spoke to my father in law, answering any questions and sharing some laughs. The night he passed away James was there for us answering questions and helping make our lives a little less stressful. James was there to help with paper work and again more questions. They felt more like friends than a a funeral home. We highly recommend contacting James and his team to plan end of life decisions. They make it so calm and stress free making sure wishes are followed and they truly care.

Annette Cross

Great people and excellent information from James and staff. Money saving burial and cremations.

cheryl mcCrady

My sisters and I would like to thank everyone at Life Transitions for the compassion and genuine caring that they showed. They made a difficult time easier. We would recommend anyone who is in the need of their services to speak to them. Greatly appreciated. C. McCrady

Merelyn Romanick

My husband and I had read about and had positive conversations about Life Transitions when articles of this Service first appeared in the newspaper. When my husband passed, I knew this was what we each preferred as our final situation. James and his staff were so very comforting and knowledgeable in helping our family through a very difficult and confusing time. The assistance given in such a personal caring way was invaluable, and they were helpful not only in the final arrangements, but also with the legal and government necessities. I have, and will continue to recommend James and Life Transitions to others.

Kim Benoit

Losing a family member is the hardest time is someone's life. It is an empty feeling you don't know how to handle. That is what our family felt in recent months. Given the fact too, that COVID has certainly changed the entire landscape of how we are able to celebrate and grieve the life lost. We reached out to the team at Life Transitions to help us navigate our way through all of our sorrow. There are not enough words to truly express our thankfulness for all they did to help us. Every person we worked with, went above and beyond to guide us through the process. James and the team are second to none, and we will be forever grateful for all of them and the compassion that they showed our family. God's Blessings to all of them!

lisa labadie-gagnier

James and his staff are absolutely amazing in your families time of need. James talked to us beforehand answering all our questions and letting us know all the steps that would be taken. I am very grateful for his expertise and comforting ways.

Kyle Glassford

Of all the events that life holds, and all of the lessons we learn in school and just life in general, there is one event that we just aren't taught about one event that no mater what we do we just aren't prepared for... the death of someone we love. There is just so much to do, and so many things to navigate through, notifications, paperwork, final arrangements, and all while grieving, it's all just so heavy, add to that all the COVID 19 restrictions, and that I wasn't able to see my father the entire time he was in the hospital made his death even more overwhelming. When the hospital called and told me that my father had passed it was one thirty in the morning they asked what funeral home he was going to and I didn't know I've never had to make arrangements for anyone's death before, I hadn't made any decisions yet, they said that I could call them back when I knew, what they didn't tell me was that they needed to know immediately when they called me again at three o'clock in the morning and informed me that they weren't able to move my fathers body to the morgue, that a funeral home had to pick him up immediately and he would remain in his room until they did, I was shocked. When I called Life Transitions at three am they answered the phone, took my name and and my fathers name, there was no discussion of money or anything like that, he said go back to bed we'll go get your father and you can come make arrangements in tomorrow. The entire experience with Life Transitions was professional and compassionate, there was no rush for anything everything was explained to me and they were available to help me navigate the challenging steps of closing the files of my fathers life, he and I were treated with respect and dignity throughout the process, you can trust Life Transitions to support you through the difficult process of making the final arrangements for a loved one. Thank You for all you've done.

Mary McLean Easter

We are so grateful to James and his team at Life Transitions for their professionalism, their compassion, and assistance during the recent passing of our mom. We had pre-planned the arrangements with Life Transitions a few years prior, so everything was in place. Only one phone call was made and James and his team handled everything. In the days after our mom's passing, James and Lee Ann were happy to work with any specific requests we had and they handled the paperwork that was required. Life Transitions offered everything we needed at a reasonable price and gave us peace of mind during a difficult time. I would, without any hesitation, recommend Life Transitions to anyone who needs to plan, or pre-plan arrangements for their loved one.

Stacey Scaman

James & Leanne are AMAZING! This was a very difficult time for my mom and our entire family. We did not have to worry about a single thing regarding my Grandfathers funeral arrangements. One call to James and he took care of absolutely everything, exactly how it was planned. They were flexible with last minute changes and were very calm and respectful during this time. They relieved all the stress so we could focus on our family during this time. Thank you so much!

nancy jackson

We called life transitions to handle arrangements for my Mom. They were amazing during such a hard time. They were a wonderful mix of professionalism and compassion. Everything was taken care of, and not a hint of upsaling or price gouging. Their costs were very fair and James went above and beyond what was expected. Death of someone you love is a hard enough thing to go through. I was grateful to be able to relax with all the details. I would definitely recommend. Nancy and Elaine

Kenneth Pailey

One word can only describe Life Transitions. "Excellent". In everything they do. From the first time you meet James and his staff. To the last interaction they are Excellent. The staff work hard making this tough moment in your life go smooth. Even to the point that after everything is done James reaches out to offer a hand if needed.

Nancy Parker

James, Leanne and Trish at Life Transitions were a tremendous help when my mom passed away. I had never gone through this experience before and the Life Transitions’ team helped me plan a service that was simple yet so very honoring to my mom. They were patient with my tears, concerns and many questions. Planning a funeral for my loved one is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, so having a compassionate, professional group of people guiding me through the process was a godsend. Thank you Life Transition.

Mike Griglak

Did not know where to turn to for help,my brother's sudden passing left me and the family lost. Got in contact with James and staff they handled everything professionally and guided us through out this unfortunate circumstances, thanks again Michael

Kimberle Ezeard

Excellence under pressure. We had the unfortunate experience of our loved one being released by the hospital to an unauthorized service provider. It was extremely stressful and heartbreaking. James stepped in, quietly and proficiently made all the necessary arrangements and transfers with dignity and compassion. I can't say enough good things to convey my gratitude and appreciation for their care and understanding. Kudos to you and your team.

Mark Armstrong

When my Mom passed the team at Life transitions treated us with caring and respect. James was available on short notice and our every request was handled quickly and professionally. I highly recommend Life Transitions

Wendy Bishop

We had a situation where a family member passed away in BC and his wishes were to be buried in ON with family. Life Transitions guided and orchestrated this situation. The deceased had to be prepared in BC flown to ON, picked up in Toronto, plans were made for storage as family were delayed for 2 months. Without the expertise and knowledge of Life Transitions we would have been lost. The funeral was arranged and burial took place with professionalism, and compassion. Life Transitions is a 5 star rating with our experience.

Peter Roos

When you lose someone who is your whole life nothing makes sense. It's difficult to get up and put one foot in front of the other let alone make tough and lasting decisions. James and his team made this terrible time easier. They were professional, compassionate, understanding and never pushy. It was all about what we wanted and needed. At some point each of us has to go through this and I cannot say enough about this team of wonderful, caring and genuine people. Thanks for helping us get through this difficult time. Ruth Roos & Family

Annie Ethier

James, Leeann, and staff were wonderful during the difficult time of my Mother's passing. So kind and compassionate. They made everything so much easier.

J H

I rarely leave reviews online but felt compelled to leave one for James and his team (family) at Life Transitions. I cannot recommend Life Transitions enough - if I could give more stars I would. They made the entire process of planning my father's funeral extremely easy for us - always working within our timeline and always answering our questions promptly no matter what time it was. We never felt pressured at any time even when we were delayed in making selections. They simply provided options and we chose what we wanted according to the type of service we wanted to provide for my father. We were able to focus on other matters confident that the funeral planning was in great hands. James (and team) were extremely compassionate and empathetic to what we were going through - before and after my father's death - and very helpful in filling out government paperwork for my mother which helped her out tremendously. I don't have anything to compare prices to but I thought the pricing was extremely fair. There was no up-selling of any kind and whatever options we didn't need were subtracted out of the cost. We never felt forced into any 1 set package - everything was very transparent from the start. Thank you James - we couldn't have got through this without your help.

Elsie Kloostra

Thank you to the staff at Life Transitions. The service they provided for my mom was excellent. Going through this difficult time was made a bit easier by caring staff.

Anne Ottaway

I highly recommend James and Lee-Anne and Life Transitions. They are wonderful. James knows about the funeral industry and he is also a very compassionate person. He is so easy to talk to about your wishes. We had Life Transitions when my mom died almost 2 years ago and just recently when my brother died. Go in and talk to him.

Gail Marvell

James and his staff were wonderful and kind a very difficult time for our family. They made it easy to make the arrangements for our loved one. I would highly recommend them.

Bill Nash

Watched their TV presentation and am impressed with how they conduct a funeral service without robbing you blind.

Google User

James and his team were amazing during the passing of my father. They were very compassionate and understanding. James said a few words at my father's funeral. I would definitely recommend them for all of your funeral needs.

Micheline Augustyn

Recently our mom passed away, and James and his staff were most compassionate and guided us along the way with all the arrangements. He provided us with many suggestions that we would not have thought of doing. We certainly were in good hands and will always be grateful. Thank you James & staff.

Kathy Noble

James at Life Transitions couldn't do enough for our family when our father passed away. We were very grateful for his guidance through a difficult time.

Nellie Roelofsen

We want to thank Life Transitions for helping us step by step with the arrangements we had to make for our beloved grandson Everest Matthew Welch. James you were very understanding, ( as we made changes) mindful to our needs, very personable and made it a beautiful day to remember our Everest. Lee-Ann thank you so much for creating the keepsake exactly as we had envisioned it to be. The service will forever be in our minds.

Trish Brinkman

Posted on behalf of Elaine M: When Andy passed without arrangements I knew only the basics of what he wanted. The team at Life Transitions provided services and guidance throughout the very difficult days after Andy's passing. Initiated by an emotional call from the hospital, James came to our home and went though the options with me and advised me of government requirements. The guidance of Life Transitions staff was helpful in taking my next steps and truly eased the process for our family.

Julie Bechard

James and the staff at Life Transitions were very professional and very patient with us during the passing of my husband. They were able to assist with our every request. They went above and beyond. If you think you are not dealing with a full funeral home, then you are wrong. Would definitely highly recommend them.

Kate Lally

James and the team at Life Transitions are great. We were utterly unprepared for the death of my brother and therefore had nothing planned. Within an hour of meeting James we knew exactly what needed to be done, how to do it, and that we’d have his support when we wanted/needed it. James is flexible, compassionate, efficient, and knows his job very well.

Amy Dunslow

The staff at Life Transitions were excellent. They made this difficult process seamless and calm. They were always there to answer any questions I had. I highly recommend.

Stephen Tuck

Great people to deal with especially at one of the worst times in your life. They went above and beyond with helping in anyway they can.

Tracy Hunter

Thank you to James and his team. They dealt with our family on a very professional and compassionate level, with the willingness to go the extra mile to ensure all of our needs were met.

April Erickson

I first met James in 2015, prior to him opening Life Transitions. Even when he was working for another funeral home, he was integral in helping me not only process my father's passing, but also integral in helping me make my father's celebration of life an amazing reflection of his life. The following year, my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When he passed three years after, James and Le-Anne were there for us, now with their own business serving Chatham-Kent. The care they provide their customers is beyond anything that could ever be expected. When people are facing some of the hardest, most difficult times of their lives, James and Le-Anne provide more than just a service. They provide love, compassion, and shoulders to cry on if needed. I would recommend them to anyone. Thanks so much for not only providing a much-needed, required service, but also for caring.

ML Ward

Cannot thank James and his staff enough for being so accommodating to our needs. James was always available to take the time and listen to your concerns. Our family experienced true compassion in our time of loss. Highly recommended.

Lisa Walton

Until my mother passed away, I had know idea there was an alternative to dealing with a funeral home. James, from Life Transitions, made the whole process as easy as it can be. He made the transportation arrangements, which in my mothers case was to the Medical Science Dept of UWO. He met with my father at his home to assist him with all of the paperwork necessary to cancel drivers license, health card, CPP, ect. He armed my Dad with multiple death certificates and a list in order to deal with banks, pensions and insurance and also submitted the obituary to the Newspapers of our choice. The fee for his services were reasonable. From start to finish James was professional, efficient, prompt and kind.

Ron Wilken

From the first phone call to the latest email, James and his staff have done everything we asked for with clarity and dignity. I cannot say enough to complement his company for the service they offered us at a difficult time. Thanks.

steven lawton

The experience that I had with James and the staff at Life Transitions was truly a blessing. The knowledge and experience they exhibited was absolutely a comfort. The flexability in my Mothers final arrangments made for a very unique interment gathering. She would have wanted it exactly as it played out. Timmies coffee tribute. Ask James! This was Margie(Mom)(Grandma) Again Cheers to Life Transitions. Lawton Family.

Marianne Mitchell

You know, when it comes to end of life decisions, you are sometimes overwhelmed with what expectations are out there. My mom was a strong willed woman who had her own ideas of how “things should go” - and that was no muss and no fuss. When we first called Life Transitions a few months ago, James was so easy to speak with and listened. And he never pushed. When my mom passed, and my family were here to be with her at the end, they were all so impressed with James and his professionalism during the process. You may not want to think about end of life decisions, but I can tell you....these are the folks to work it through with. So much respect for them. Thank you all again for making the challenging time so smooth for my family.

Amy Heyninck DaSilva

Life Transitions is a warm, welcoming, empathetic and knowledgeable safe environment when dealing with the loss of a loved one. James and Lee-Anne are both wonderfully compassionate people, and are eager to assist their clients through the death process, taking care of all administrative tasks that they were able to, and alleviating the additional stress of navigating unknown territory. The idea of stepping outside of the traditional funeral home setting allows for a more intimate and personal experience. We cannot say enough good about Life Transitions and our experience with the MacNeils. Thank you once again, for everything.

Bonnie Holman

I’d like to share my experiences with Life Transitions,it started in 2017 when my mom passed away,it was a wry difficult time,she was in a different city than myself and it would have been overwhelming if it weren’t for the fact that I had seen the Life Teansitions sign in my neighbourhood and had checked it out previously.i called James from Sarnia ,he met my sister-in-law and myself at her home,he was genuinely kind and walked us through the process ,assured me that he would take care of my mom ,and that he did,when he left my brothers house I felt such relief ,he did everything from getting my moms body released from the hosp and taken to crematorium to filling out the death benefit,I didn’t have to do a thing,once the ashes were back I got a call from Lee Ann asking if I wanted them brought over .Then again in 2020 ,I had to make that call when my brother died unexpectedly,Lee Ann assured me his body would be picked up,James called to let me know when they had the body of my dear brother,and again I had to do nothing,I am beyond grateful that James ,Leeann and they’re staff are here in Chatham but travelled to Sarnia twice to make my life easier.i would recommend Life Transitions to anyone ,it’s so difficult when a loved one passes away, yeti felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders so thankyou

Chad Smulders

James was a very easy person to deal with during the most difficult time. Thank you very much

edwinna rawlings

The passing of a loved one is difficult anytime but during Covid restrictions, it was even more difficult. However the people at Life Transitions were helpful, compassionate and understanding.

Don Roskamp

Was able to live-stream the funeral of Clare Wiersma . Excellent audio/video Thank-you for making this available.

Lisa Michaud

I first met James from Life Transitions in December 2016. My Dad had passed away the month before and I was really unprepared for everything that came with arranging his funeral. As a child, my Grandmother has taken me and my cousin to many traditional style funerals and I helped my Dad when She, his Mother, and his Brother passed so I thought I’d have no trouble in the future but was I wrong. It was not a good experience and the most difficult time in my life but that’s all I’m going to say about it! My Dad and I were not that close but after watching him die the extent of my grief was awful. In my heart I knew that it would take a lot more strength to bury my Mom so I needed to be prepared. My Mom had been unwell for some time so I thought it would be a good idea to talk to her about Pre-arranging her funeral as I knew that when the time came I would not want to be fought off guard again. It was important to know what Her final wishes would be. I interviewed a few of the local Funeral Homes and they were all very accommodating. I just felt Comfortable talking to James. He answered all my questions and helped me put my fears to rest! Trust me I asked a lot of questions and I explained what I didn’t want to happen. From 2017 to 2020 Mom went from independence to assisted living, then to Hospice for 5 months but she was a fighter so she had to be relocated to long term care where she lived her final two months. It was during that time that I learned about Pre-Grief and It was ever-so painful to watch her decline so slowly. I had seen James and his team a few times during Mom’s stay in Hospice and every time they were Caring and Professional. In the back of my mind I was comfortable with the prearrangement decision I had made 3 years before. Oddly, a few days before my Mom passed away I sent James an email to let him know where my Mom was now residing and I had no idea I would be seeing him so soon. On January 27th. 2020 My Mom was gone. That final morning I wasn’t rushed. We all took turns sharing a private moment with our Mother. It was Sad but Beautiful and I knew that The Life Transitions’s family would care for my Mom as if she were their own. James was understanding when I sent him multiple emails to add important information that I had forgotten to add to Mom’s obituary. I am forever Grateful for the amazing support I received during those difficult days. Every encounter was straight forward and stress-free! I have no regrets! I believe that what may be seen as non-traditional will continue to become mainstream as it gave me the opportunity to say Goodbye to My Beautiful Mom in a way that I will carry in my Heart Forever! Thank You Life Transitions’s Family for giving your all to me and my family!

sharon schroder

Life Transitions were very friendly and Helpful when my Husband Ken passed away.. Took a lot of the burden from me of contacting government, insurance company etc.. I am going to preplan for me with in the next month or so.Thanks again Life Transitions for all that your friendly staff did for me

Kazia Belanger

I am so grateful to James to be there for me when my husband passed away.James was very compassionate,professional,and helpful.He made Rocky's last journey with dignity.Thank you for carring.

Judy Flaglor

James and his staff are very empathetic to the needs of the grieving family. Answered many questions & helped us deal with our loss. I would highly recommend Life Transitions.

Metin Muharrem

I found the process with James so smooth and amazingly easy. I helped my mother transfer her pre arranged service from a local company to Life Transitions, and was surprised my mum received a refund of approximately $1,300 for exactly the same service. If people took the time to know how it all works I’m sure they would have a similar experience.

Melinda Eldridge

We went to James when my Dad passed away and when my daughter got her wings and he was great to deal with. So when my Mom passed away it was just the natural place to go. James is very compassionate and caring and knowledgeable. James know how to make you feel comfortable is a hard time. His staff is also caring and compassionate people. Over all I would very highly recommend James and his businesses! May God bless you and your family and business as you help the people of Chatham .

Diane D

James & his team are the best at what they do.They help make a horrible time easier to deal with.Very caring & helpful,don't force you to do anything your not willing to do.Take their time with you,to do what you want.Their prices are really reasonable. I recommend to everyone

Beckie Borst

This difficult time in our lives was made ever so slightly easier by the folks at Life Transitions. They took care of everything and were so kind and comforting. Thank you for your compassion and professionalism!

Sherry Lines

Life Transitions, were so very professional and caring during our time of need in taking care of all the necessary arrangements and paper work in a very relaxed and calm setting. We thank you so much for everything you did for our family in our time of need.

Laurie Welch

Heartfelt thanks to James for your guidance and support as plans were made for our precious grandson, Everest Matthew Welch. Your kind, caring, and professional manner was so appreciated. The family gathering was a beautiful and meaningful time to celebrate Everest that we will hold forEVER in our hearts. Thanks also to Lee Ann for taking our vision of a keepsake to reality. Many thanks to Life Transitions...

c. Hitch

I have worked with James and I know his professionalism is second to none. He handled my grandpa's service so well and he even did a graveside memorial for us when we interred the ashes. We were so pleased with James and the wonderful job he did.