Reviews of Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc. (Mortuary)

Jan Carrie Steven

Making our arrangements with Krystal was wonderful! I adore this woman and her service. So professional and so compassionate. The price is very modest. The service is exceptional. So much appreciation...

cinder liscious

Must say death is hard And then having to deal with all the arrangements seems to make it worse. But the Staff at Essential Cremation are very empathic and help you step by step through the grief of losing your loved one. Very impressed with the kindness and compassion they provide.

David Flack

When I first read an article in the paper about this place, I knew I wanted to change my plan over to them. Here I was able to plan something that was personal and unique, that reflected my life as a singer-songwriter with songs that were environmentally friendly. My desire to contact people through Facebook messages rather than an obituary in the newspaper was not met with an odd look. Their space at this location only allows for visitation by a few close family and friends, however it is possible to have the event at an appropriate place relevant to the deceased's life, such as in a park or historical building. I was also pleased to be offered coffee and homemade cookies when I arrived for my first visit. The cost here is also much more reasonable than elsewhere.

Ashling Amato

So compassionate and kind. Had warm cookies made for us when we arrived at the funeral home when we came to sign papers for my grandma's passing.

Kathleen

My parents and I had discussed the low environmental impact of a green burial not too long ago and Dad had expressed pleasure at the idea of being buried under a tree. Too soon after, we found ourselves in need of a funeral home to help bury him at Willow's Rest; the Green Burial section of Fairview Cemetery, Niagara Falls. The Team at Essentials is kind and professional, the Funeral Director Krystal, caring, competent and genuine. Although nothing had been prearranged and we were totally unprepared, she walked my family through the process, listened and suggested with absolutely no pressure. Not only was Essentials very affordable compared to bigger agencies, the whole event was still seamless, simple, dignified and beautiful. Afterwards Krystal made processing the necessary paperwork effortless for Mom, including Dad's pension. Sometimes luck beats out planning and we were fortunate to find Essentials Cremation and Burial Service when we needed them. I would highly recommend considering a Green Burial at Willow's Rest with Krystal there to guide you.

G Shaw

Krystal is a very organized and knowledgeable professional. When I talked to her about prearrangement she was very generous with information and patient when I was in decisive. I had no idea that you did not have to purchase an urn, almost anything with work. Krystal’s prices are the best I’ve seen. She is an extraordinarily caring person, that believes in personalizing the services for all her “guests”. Excellent service. ***** A. Shaw.

Charlene Crowe

We had a situation and we were blessed for this. Very passionate, quick and thoughtful. Closure i needed. I am very thankful we met Crystal and definitely recommend her services. Crowe family.

Nick Meier

Absolutely Wonderful Wonderful People. They Treated Myself & My Family Truly Like One Of Their Own. Very Professional Kind & Heart Warming They Gave Such Excellent Service Which Helped Provide Us Such A Beautiful Way Of Closure Till We Meet Again, For Our Beloved Mother. ????????????????

G Barkhouse

I have found that when my sister was making her final arrangements I could not believe the extra care to details that Krystal put forth to make a usually sad experience into a positive experience. I would highly recommend Essentials.

Denise Stewart

After my husband passed away I stopped in at Essentials Cremation and Burial Services out of curiosity. I was pleasantly surprised at the kind and friendly greeting I received. Krystal is the most amazing person I have ever met. She truly goes out of her way to make a sad journey easy and comforting. Her compassion and professionalism helped us move on through this difficult time in our life.

Hoyer The Exployer

My dad passed a week ago (June 26 2019) and while we're taking of Mom and family arrangements Krystal and her staff took care of my Dad and many tasks we couldn't take care of. You are caring, compassionate and professional through a tough time. Thank You.

Kristy L Walsh

My experience with Essential Cremation and Burial Services has been outstanding. Krystal was very passionate and efficient. From the moment she picked up the phone to beginning the process to the final steps. She assisted me making this more of a celebration of my father's life with honoring the upmost care and compassion. Losing someone is not easy, especially when they had to journey back home. Krystal and her crew allowed me to enjoy my last moments with him comfortably. Thank you very much for everything.

Meghan B

Of course, dealing with death is always a daunting task however Krystal does so with such grace and support. I don't think I have ever met anyone so genuine and caring. I had a very unique situation and at the beginning I was dealing with the death of my father remotely. I was initially freaking out however as soon as Krystal called me, she assured me she would take care of everything and not to worry any longer. She guided me through the entire process and made sure my father was as comfortable as could be. She would text me at any and all hours of the night to make sure that I was okay and that things were getting taken care of. The quality of service was outstanding for how economical Essentials is, you never feel pressured into spending unnecessary money or that you're being sold to as can happen in some funeral homes. All in all, I could go on all day with this review, if you want someone who is truly dedicated and loves their work then this is the only place to consider. Thank you Krystal for everything.

Kathryn Dunham

Hannah was so wonderful. During such a hard time, she was so helpful and sweet. She answered all of our questions and treated my family with respect and kindness.

Jason Bleakley

Krystal and the team from Essentials did such an amazing job for our Dad's celebration of life. I really think the key point of differentiation for us was her personal approach from the first moment we sat down with her. She let us know that we weren't alone in this process and that she was there for us every step of the way during one of the most difficult times in our lives. She (and her team) is incredibly meticulous and considerate throughout the process of planning and carrying out the details of the service in addition to the overwhelming tasks that follow a loved one's passing. I just don't know where we'd be without her kindness, calmness, and guidance.

charlene winstanley

Losing my dad is one of the most difficult things I've ever been through . Krystal has been so kind and helpful . She brought great comfort to me and my sister , And dignity to my dad

Kori Stevens

Kind, compassionate and caring. Krystal and her staff went above and beyond during our time of need.

Andrew Canuck

I was impressed by Green Burial concept which my deceased Father had desired and Krystal and her team at Essentials delivered. After the funeral Krystal and her team continued to work tirelessly ensuring both our emotional and financial needs were taken care of. I would unreservedly recommend Essentials Cremation and Burial Services.

Henry Bauer

My experiences with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services have all been positive. Krystal Riddell and her associates went out of their way to accommodate my wishes and to arrange all aspects of the cremation of my cousin very professionally yet empathetically. They even helped me to negotiate through the maze of legal paperwork which necessarily follows a death in Ontario. Generally, they removed most of the stress during this most difficult time.

Nicole Callaghan

My family and I suddenly and tragically lost our father in Oct of 2021 and apart from dealing with the fact that we lost a loved one, we also had to take on the financial burden of trying to find the right place to provide him with the Goodbye he deserves. As we know funeral expenses aren't cheap and we were worried that we couldn't provide him with a proper service. All that changed when I spoke with Crystal C from Essentials. Within seconds I knew I could trust them with my fathers services. She was extremely resourceful and knowledgeable. Not only were their prices the best in Niagara - you could tell they truly cared and are in this business for the right reasons. We've dealt with too many funeral homes with the loved ones we've lost, but this was the first time I felt safe and like I could breathe throughout the whole process. Simply because of how genuine Crystal and her staff were. They went above and beyond and I am so very thankful for them! Thank you for making this extremely tough situation easier and less stressful. Honestly, we cannot thank you enough! - The Callaghan Family

FEE 1233

You will not get any better then this place in terms of compassion, respect and dignity for the passing loved one and your family members. Krystal is excellent at what she does and she makes you feel like you’re part of her family that is how much she makes you feel comfortable. Essentials is excellent!

marcsinodinos1

From start to finish, they were there every step of the way. It was nice to have one place to call that could handle all the things involved with this process. Knowing that they had taken care of everything, helped make a very difficult week a lot less stressful. Their friendly and caring staff greeted us with compassion, and their beautiful venue was warm and private, and allowed us one last and special visit with my father. We did a celebration of life for him, and they walked us through the process to make sure we were prepared for everything, so that when it was time, we could give him the proper goodbye he deserved. I would highly recommend their services, and appreciated the experience.

Fenton Bates

I would like to thank Krystal and her team for making this part of the funeral process as easy as possible. Everyone at Essential Cremation were very professional and I would highly recommend their services. If anyone has not been through this process before it can be a extremely stressful time with planning arrangements and finalizing paperwork. Krystal and her team looked after all this and provided after care services to make sure that required documentation was filed with all the required organizations.

Maureen Demizio

I recently lost my Mother and my husband. Hannah and the other staff have journeyed with me thru this difficult time. They are compassionate and caring. They helped me with all the difficult decisions and paperwork. Their professionalism is greatly appreciated. I truly thank you all. With Special thanks to Hannah.

Violet Allen

I am so very grateful to Krystal & her staff for their genuinely thoughtful and compassionate care of my mother. You gave a personal and tender touch to every aspect of your exceptional service & aftercare guidance. Thank you!

John in Fenwick

Krystal and her team were sensitive, caring and very helpful at a very stressful time. Our family is very grateful for all their support after the loss of my wife and mother of our children

Richard Lai

Beyond 5 stars. In our time of mourning Krystal, Nicola and the entire Essentials team was compassionate and beyond accommodating through the whole process. Unbelievably accommodating. They were reachable and responsive literally all hours of the night, weekends and even Christmas Day. You will simply not find better service elsewhere. Very knowledgeable and will even take care of the things you wouldn't think of needing. Krystal - I wish you and your team the best. Your service and friendship were absolutely perfect

Tasha Gillis

When I was told my mom had less then 3 months and I should start to make arrangements, I honestly didn't know where to start. I drove by Essentials on my way to see my mom's lawyer actually, and decided to stop in. All I knew is my mom wanted something small and more personal, and didn't want your typical funeral service. After speaking with Krystal and her receptionist, I knew this was the place for us. Krystal walked me through step by step with everything. She explained everything to me and was so compassionate from beginning to end. My mom's celebration of life was beautiful and just what we wanted. It did not cost us a fortune, and she gave me some great ideas of what to do that day. She even called the restaurant to set up the event and food. Everything, from picking my mom up at Hospice when she passed, to all the little details, she was amazing and I would highly recommend.

Rob Fallsvue

After visiting a Funeral home in the area, we ran across Essentials C&B. From the second we walked in, we felt at ease. We were greeted by Hannah which seemed very compassionate, caring and kind. Her willingness to accommodate many of our wishes, during these times, was truly outstanding... And believe me, we are a difficult family to deal with! Thank you to Hannah and Krystal for all the care, help and support.

Evelyn G

A death is a very difficult to handle especially if it's your first. My family and I didn't know where to start so I called several funeral home. When I contacted Essentials Cremation and Burial Services I know this was the place to take care of our grandma burial. My Funeral Director was Crystal Cameron and she was amazing! We cannot thank her enough what she and her team has done for me and my family in the whole process. She's very detailed, patient, respectful, understanding and accommodating. She exceeded all our expectations. Her team guided us thru the process all the way. Because of this excellent service, and unforgettable experience, we all have decided to do pre-planned with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services.I highly recommend this place100%. Thank you Crystal from the bottom of our heart.

B-Ryan None

Testimonial – Essentials The day the hospital notified us that my father was being placed in palliative care and that my family needed to start making arrangements for once he passed, I had googled funeral homes in Niagara Falls and stumbled across the website for Essentials. Having never had to go through the process of making such arrangements or even really knowing what I should be doing, I was impressed with both the services Essentials offered as well as the family testimonials I had read on their site. It was not until that night when I had a chance to speak to my mother that we realized without knowing it that we had both found the same funeral home and had decided to use same, feeling that they would be the best fit for our family. My father passed on August 19, 2020 and my husband contacted Essentials to assist in removing my father’s remains from the hospital as with the pandemic the hospital was very short on space, and were insistent that his remains be removed promptly. Hannah contacted us and we were very impressed with how quickly they arranged to take possession of my father’s remains, helped us to make arrangements and assisted in the preparation and publishing of the obituary to their site. Due to the pandemic, we were unsure if we would be able to have a viewing before cremation took place but Essentials was able to accommodate us and the service was beautiful, down to the smallest details such as playing my father’s favorite band during the service. Their warmth, compassion, integrity and the way they personalized my father’s service especially during these uncertain times went way above and beyond expectation and we are incredibly thankful for the team at Essentials. I would highly recommend Essentials Cremation and Burial Services Inc. Kylie Hicks

Devin D'Amelio

Krystal and Nicola were both wonderful to work with. When my family and I first walked in we were overwhelmed and totally lost. Nicola explained everything patiently and clearly. We sat down with Krystal for our second appointment and she was so thoughtful and helpful. The services and assistance they offer took so much stress off of myself and my family.

Janice Kertesz

Krystal & her team took care of our Mother. They were amazing. Krystal spent so much time explaining everything to us and helping with all the things you don't think of at the time of your loss. Professional & Caring, made everything a little easier. We highly recommend their service. The Hardy Family.

Nate Jahns

I cannot praise Krystal and her team enough for their wonderful care and expertise they provided for our family. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable and caring in all aspects of their service, while taking care of the many details involved in my Dad’s final care. Krystal provides the best aftercare to the family available in the industry. Other funeral homes do not provide this level of service in taking care of the family emotionally and with the many administrative tasks the family faces after the death of a loved one. Krystal and her team are by far the best in the industry. -Karen

Bonnie Bailey

Krystal and Andrew helped me with everything. Andrew went far and beyond to make me happy. I'm glad my friend Tammy suggest them. I will definitely recommend Krystal and Andrew. They treated me more like family then a customer. Thank you again. The Bailey family