The province and the regulatory body overseeing funeral directors in Nova Scotia are conducting an investigation following the revelation that the new owners of a funeral home in Annapolis Valley found the cremated remains of numerous individuals in storage. Families who had used the services of Serenity Funeral Home expressed shock and dismay upon receiving calls informing them that the ashes of their deceased loved ones had been discovered.
Kristina Sweeney, who buried her mother in 2024, was deeply unsettled upon learning about the situation. Similarly, Michelle Carey and her sister Amanda Sabean, who had entrusted Serenity with the cremated remains of their father in 2018, were distressed to discover that his full remains were among those found in storage.
The new owners, East Coast Memorial, disclosed that they uncovered a substantial number of cremated remains left in storage, some for an extended period. They are diligently reviewing the records to locate and contact families to facilitate the return or appropriate burial of these loved ones.
Families recount receiving calls from East Coast Memorial, with some reporting that their loved ones’ remains were initially delivered in a cardboard box or a different container than what was originally provided. Concerns have been raised by families who believed they had appropriately handled the remains of their deceased relatives, only to be informed otherwise years later.
Former owner Tony Facey acknowledged the existence of unclaimed cremated remains dating back several years, attributing it to a broader issue faced by funeral homes. The Funeral Service Association of Nova Scotia expressed surprise at the accumulation of unclaimed remains, noting that funeral homes typically retain ashes for a brief period if the family cannot be reached.
Upon being alerted to the situation, provincial inspectors visited the crematorium to gather more information. The regulatory board overseeing funeral directors assured a thorough investigation in collaboration with Service Nova Scotia. This incident follows a previous investigation at Serenity Funeral Home in 2018, where a mix-up of bodies led to legislative changes in 2025.
Serenity Funeral Home, no longer licensed under the new ownership, is undergoing scrutiny to address any non-compliant administrative matters. East Coast Memorial is prioritizing the respectful handling of the remains and is arranging a community burial ceremony for unclaimed ashes. Families affected by this distressing discovery are seeking closure and answers, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect in funeral practices.
