Congratulations to Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes for winning Love Lives On’s prestigious Exceptional Service Award! It’s greatly deserved!
This Award is part of our Funeral Home Research Initiative to find funeral homes that represent the best of the profession.
Without further ado…
Introducing Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes
Established in 1908, this independent and family-owned funeral home has faithfully served the people of Edmonton for many generations.
With three convenient locations, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes is well-positioned to care for families across the city. It also welcomes people from all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
The enduring success of this establishment stands as a compelling testament to its unwavering dedication to exceptional service, consistently leaving a positive impression on its clientele year after year, and to innovation.
From the day its doors first open, this funeral home has been an industry trail-blazer.
In fact, the funeral home was founded by Joseph Connelly in partnership with his wife, Isabel Connelly, at a time when women had little rights.
She became the first female embalmer in Alberta and was a true partner when it came to running and expanding the business.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes continues to be a trendsetter.
Under the inspired leadership of President Cameron Connelly, this funeral home is redefining expectations of what a funeral home is able to offer.
Attention to detail is the hallmark of this funeral home. You can expect to find elegant event spaces to rival any upscale restaurant or hotel, along with expanded catering options, including sophisticated menus and wine lists.
You can also expect to find highly-experienced event planners to help you design a bespoke ceremony to honour your loved one, as well as innovative eco-friendly options for those who are environmentally conscious.
But most importantly, you can expect to be lavished with attentive care because the staff at this wonderful funeral home truly care about you and your family.
Be Comfortable in Beautiful Surroundings
During the difficult journey of saying goodbye to a loved one, the ambiance and experience provided by a funeral home plays a pivotal role.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes goes “above and beyond” for its clientele, creating spaces that prioritize comfort and tranquility for families during challenging times.
In a revealing interview, Connelly shares the essence of their design philosophy, shedding new light on how funeral homes can redefine the grieving experience.
“For Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes, the importance of comfort cannot be overstated,” says Connelly. “It’s not merely a consideration, it’s everything!”
The visual impact, the soothing audio of nature sounds, the soft lighting, and even the scents in the air via essential oil diffusers, are all meticulously curated to create an environment that is both comforting and welcoming.
Every detail, from the warm reception area to the arrangement experience itself, is crafted with the goal of making families feel truly cared for.
Their intentional effort to infuse a hospitality approach into the funeral experience can be seen immediately upon entering their front door.
Families are greeted with a coffee station, offering a selection of beverages tailored to individual preferences.
Families are then given a guided tour of the facilities. The reflection rooms, reception areas and chapels are kept open unless in use for a private event. This “open door” policy is an intentional choice aimed at fostering a sense of transparency and hospitality.
If, on the other hand, there are sensitive conversations that a family needs to have, the square footage of their locations allows for private spaces. This ensures that discussions remain confidential. “The privacy of families is paramount,” states Connelly emphatically.
Let’s delve into the unique ambience of each Connelly-McKinley location, each boasting its own distinct look and feel.
But no matter which location best suits you, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes offers a wide range of packages. This means that no matter how modest or large your budget, every family is able to take advantage of all of the wonderful facilities they have on offer.
Every family matters, and will be treated with the utmost care and compassion by the staff at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes.
Downtown Location
Recently renovated, their downtown location thoughtfully combines historic architectural features – like a gorgeous winding staircase and intricate woodwork – with modern touches, including the latest technology.
With an impressive 33,000 square feet, this spacious location can comfortably host up to 500 people. It includes two elegant chapels, two upscale reception lounges, and many other well-designed gathering spaces, both for large and intimate gatherings. It also has ample parking, (another important consideration).
The feeling that you’ll have upon entering their downtown location is that of a grand hotel. Soft furnishings, custom art pieces, gorgeous plants and floral arrangements, can be seen throughout the building.
St. Albert Location
Like the downtown establishment, this location has also been recently renovated and is able to host both small and large gatherings.
The chapel catches the eye with many architectural features, including a wooden slatted ceiling and a row of attractive stain-glass windows.
The reception lounge feels more like a modern restaurant than a funeral home with its harvest tables made from 100-year-old barns in the area, its fine china and extensive menu. There is also a sunny outdoor patio that guests can enjoy.
Edmonton South Location
There is a lot to love about Connelly-McKinley’s Edmonton South location, which too has been newly-renovated!
The chapel is visually stunning, with its vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams. The seating is soft, upholstered chairs instead of hard, wooden pews.
The reception room looks and feels like an elegant restaurant, with modern decor and fine dining options.
But perhaps our favourite aspect of this location is the sheer abundance of green space!
Conveniently located on the Our Lady of Peace Cemetery grounds and directly adjacent to South Haven Cemetery, this funeral home has 360-degree scenic views.
The surrounding area, with its lush grass, majestic trees, pagoda and spectacular fountain, is a beautiful place to take a stroll or have an outdoor ceremony.
The funeral home also offers guests a huge outdoor patio to relax and enjoy the sights of nature, or to host a reception after the service.
The inclusion of a patio, (both at this location and the St. Albert location), is a wonderful surprise for many families. It’s simply not something that’s expected from a funeral home.
This thoughtful addition is enjoyed by many people, especially on a beautiful, sunny day. Nature always has a healing presence.
Rely on Compassionate Staff to Care for Your Loved One
Whether you choose cremation or burial for your loved one, you can rest assured that your loved one’s body will be well-cared for and treated with respect by the staff at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes.
If you are considering cremation, it should be noted that this leading funeral home also owns its own crematoriums.
When a funeral home does not own its own crematorium, it’s forced to rely on another business to care for your loved one’s body.
The outsourcing of this important task opens the door to potential issues with quality control.
“For families, the huge advantage when it comes to us owning our own crematoriums is that they’re guaranteed continuity of care for their loved one,” says Connelly.
“Our operators have been trained extensively and are certified. Since we have complete control of the cremation process, we’re able to ensure that our quality control meets the highest standards.”
Craft a Unique & Meaningful End-of-Life Ceremony
Many people dread the thought of having a funeral service because they think of their grandmother’s funeral decades ago, steeped in tradition, dark and somber, a joyless obligation to endure.
What they may not know is that innovative funeral homes, a category that Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes falls squarely into, are experts at crafting bespoke ceremonies that are both beautiful and unforgettable.
They are highly experienced in using stories, passions, and past-time interests of your loved one to design an end-of-life ceremony that truly reflects who he or she was during their lifetime.
(They can even help you design your own ceremony as part of their “pre-planning” service, should you wish to ensure that the service that’s held after your passing reflects your own feelings about your life and legacy.)
Whether you’re looking for a formal funeral service, (one that’s traditional, religious or cultural in tone), or a more informal gathering, (like a picnic in a park), Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes is able to create a thoughtfully curated ceremony that’s sure to be an uplifting experience.
They’re able to incorporate a vast range of personalization options, including life memorial tributes, streamed services, memory boards, memorial candles, special cards, music, floral arrangements, and so much more.
The possibilities for personalized services are limited only by your imagination.
“We offer many different service options, we work within your budget constraints, and our goal is to try and say ‘Yes!’ to any personalization desire that you may have, no matter how unusual it may be,” says Connelly.
“Our aspiration is to be a funeral home that everybody can find value in working with.”
Enjoy a Sumptuous Meal & Share Stories
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes has embraced a fresh perspective on post-funeral gatherings, recognizing the profound importance of food and shared moments in the healing process.
Breaking away from the stereotypical funeral reception menu, the funeral home offers an extensive array of choices, carefully curated to cater to diverse preferences.
While classic options like egg salad and turkey sandwiches are still available, the funeral home has elevated its offerings with an elegant and enhanced menu, rivalling those found in upscale restaurants, banquet facilities, or five-star hotels.
To ensure the seamless execution of these culinary delights, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes has partnered with the reputable Divine Catering.
Together, they have meticulously crafted a menu that aligns with the funeral home’s vision of providing comfort and solace through culinary experiences.
With wine pairings recommended by a trusted local liquor store, the funeral home has successfully exceeded families’ expectations, presenting a more sophisticated and personalized approach to post-funeral gatherings.
The upscale menu has been a game-changer, challenging preconceived notions of funeral receptions. Every aspect of the catering experience is thoughtfully considered and flawlessly executed.
Connelly shares why a great deal of thought and effort goes into their catered events: “Sharing food with family and friends after a funeral goes beyond the mere act of nourishment. This practice is a fundamental part of the healing process.
“While formal gatherings may be somber and structured, the post-funeral reception serves as a platform for genuine connection, storytelling, and laughter.
“The shift from formality to a more relaxed environment allows for the exchange of stories and memories that might otherwise remain untold.
“By providing a space for levity and shared moments, our funeral home creates an opportunity for families to bond and find solace in each other’s company.”
It is clear that Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes is setting a new standard in the funeral service industry.
Through innovative catering options, strategic partnerships, and a profound understanding of the healing power of shared moments, this funeral home is reshaping perceptions and providing families with a compassionate and personalized experience during their most challenging times.
As we embrace the future of funeral services, let us remember that even in grief, there is room for elegance, connection, and the comforting embrace of a well-crafted meal.
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Consider Eco-Friendly Options
In the evolving landscape of funeral services, the concept of green and natural burials has gained prominence, aligning with the growing global consciousness about environmental responsibility.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes has taken significant strides in accommodating families seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
They provide families with educational resources, cemetery recommendations and eco-friendly merchandise in order to meet the wishes of their clientele.
Connelly states: “As a society, we’re grappling with the need for environmental stewardship and are actively seeking alternatives that align with these values.
“As we navigate an era marked by heightened environmental awareness, funeral homes must adapt to cater to families seeking more sustainable and eco-friendly options.
“Green burial serves as a harmonious bridge between the inevitable journey back to the Earth and the conscientious effort to minimize our ecological footprint.
“At the same time, it’s essential to acknowledge and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds that shape individual preferences when it comes to burial.
“We offer a spectrum of options that cater to the diverse needs and sensibilities of families.”
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes does an admirable job of respecting cultural traditions while actively embracing and providing greener burial options to meet the evolving needs of families today.
As society continues its journey toward a greener future, funeral homes are not just providers of services, but stewards of an increasingly eco-conscious farewell.
Give the Gift of Financial Savings & Peace of Mind
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes has a dedicated team of pre-planning specialists that will work one-on-one with you to navigate the intricate maze of emotions and decisions surrounding death and ensure that your final wishes are carried out.
They view their premier pre-planning services as a cornerstone of their commitment to families for several compelling reasons.
Connelly explains: “While there is some discomfort with contemplating your own mortality, pre-planning ultimately affords peace of mind.
“People have the opportunity to articulate their wishes explicitly, sparing their loved ones from the difficult decision-making process during emotionally taxing moments.
“By pre-planning, you can meticulously detail preferences and ensure that your legacy is honoured precisely as you envisioned.”
In addition to mitigating potential family conflicts, funeral pre-planning is also a financial gift to your family.
“By pre-paying for services, you are potentially saving substantial amounts of money by locking in current prices against the inevitable rise in costs,” says Connelly.
“This foresight not only safeguards one’s financial legacy, but also shields the family from unexpected financial strain during an emotionally tumultuous period.”
By investing in a pre-paid funeral plan with Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes, you are investing in you and your family’s peace of mind, as well as easing your family’s emotional and financial stress in the future as your final gift to them.
“In preparing for the inevitable, we pave the way for an enduring legacy of love,” says Connelly. Wise words indeed.
Rest Assured That You’re in Caring & Capable Hands
At Love Lives On, we know from experience that not all funeral homes are created equal. The quality of the funeral home largely depends on the people who work there and how much they care about people who are grieving.
True caring cannot be faked. Instead, it is seen in daily acts of service that go beyond the scope of what is merely expected.
The magic of Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes lies in its staff. They hire the right people, men and women with high-levels of emotional intelligence who are able to sensitively support families during an often traumatic time.
They also actively create a workplace culture of mutual respect and support. “Our workplace is very collaborative,” explains Connelly.
“The great thing about having a lot of people on your team, and people who are passionate about the work they do, is that they spend a lot of time thinking about their specific area and how it could be improved.
“We continually share ideas about how we could fine tune things, and staff members come up with thoughtful gems which are then implemented.”
A recent example of how staff at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes went “above and beyond” for a family is both meaningful and creative.
The staff heard that an elderly woman who had passed away was a big fan of ice-cream.
They surprised her family by hosting a sundae bar at the funeral reception. Her son gave a toast to her, and everybody cheered the speech with their sundae cup. It was a truly beautiful and touching moment.
“We always try and figure out little ways to show we care,” says Connelly modestly.
Another way that Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes shows that it cares about its clientele is through their “after-care” program that’s run by a dedicated team of specialists.
They expertly guide families through the critical tasks that must be performed after a person dies, including important paperwork required by the government and financial institutions.
What sets Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes apart is the seamless integration of after-care services into their offerings.
Furthermore, unlike other funeral homes where aftercare is an add-on service, often requiring an additional fee, they offer these services free of charge because they view it as a fundamental part of their commitment to families.
These valuable services not only ease the workload of grieving families, it also provides them with substantial financial savings.
“Families no longer need to navigate the daunting paperwork alone or engage costly professionals for every detail,” says Connelly.
It is overwhelming, to say the least, to face the seemingly endless list of tasks associated with closing an estate, especially when you are emotionally depleted because of grief.
By offering a specialist to help you every step of the way at no extra charge, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes demonstrates their commitment to lightening your burden and helping you navigate a difficult time.
Beyond serving families that enter their doors, this funeral home also serves the wider community in many different way.
For example, they run a community bus that’s used by many senior centres and churches. This service is especially appreciated at Christmas time when the bus gives tours of “Candy Cane Lane,” a street in Edmonton that’s known for its festive light displays.
The funeral home also donates to a wide range of causes, including those that serve different religious and cultural communities in Edmonton.
When asking why he and his staff are passionate about serving families and the wider community, Connelly responded: “It’s a profound feeling to be involved in a profession where you can help a family navigate through a very, very difficult experience.
“We get immense satisfaction from providing comfort. There’s no other feeling in the world like it.”
His sentiments echo those of his father, (and Past President), the late Gerry Connelly. He was an outstanding funeral director and a true gentleman and will always be truly missed.
In a previous interview, when asked by Love Lives On why he chose to be funeral director, given that the hours are long and the work often emotionally taxing, Gerry responded: “Being a funeral director is not a vocation. It’s a calling.”
We can see that the commitment to community service runs deep in this family, passed from generation to generation.
Our Final Thoughts…
As families navigate the challenging process of saying goodbye, Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes stands as a beacon, offering a soothing environment that brings solace, support, and an opportunity for healing.
They are also challenging the conventional view of funeral homes by creating welcoming and tranquil event spaces and dining experiences that are akin to upscale hospitality venues.
Between the extra, surprising touches they add to a funeral service, their extensive “after-care” program provided at no cost, their ongoing commitment to volunteer work and charitable donations, it is abundantly clear that the staff care deeply about people.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Homes truly makes Edmonton a better place. It’s why Love Lives On is proud to bestow our highest honour, the Exceptional Service Award.
For more information about this outstanding funeral home, please visit their website or phone them at their downtown location (Ph: 780-422-2222), St. Albert location (Ph: 780-458-222), or their Edmonton South location (Ph: 780-468-2222).
We know that you’ll be in excellent hands.
