YARMOUTH, N.S. — In addition to traditional funeral services provided by Sweeny's Funeral Home & Crematorium, an optional new concept is now available for celebrating the life of a loved one.
In early April, Sweeny's – located at the corner of Main Street and Starrs Road in Yarmouth – is opening a second-floor events centre with a separate entrance. Unique service options – beyond the standard reception after a funeral or memorial service – can be held here to celebrate a person's life. The space will also be used for many other functions.
Managing director Charles MacIsaac started thinking about Jacob’s Loft close to five years ago.
“We’ve had a few visitations in our chapel where they said it would be nice to have an area where a true celebration could be held,” he says.
“It got my wheels turning. Over the years I envisioned this space, where it really is coming full circle.”
The space was a former three-bedroom apartment, which was home to a minister and his wife for 17 years. When they moved out last year MacIsaac recognized his chance.
He engaged a number of local tradespeople and businesses to transform the space, including Jenesis Interiors for interior decorating. Friends and family also worked to make the dream a reality.
“Jacob’s Loft is a totally separate area. It has been a labour of love for a vision I wanted,” says MacIsaac.
From idea to reality
Jenesis Interiors owner Julie Mood was keen to help make the development a reality.
“We wanted it to have a rustic, industrial unique vibe,” she says.
Black trim is used throughout the 2,000-square-foot area, which features several sections, including a room for catered, sit-down meals, with four big farm tables and floating bar seating. Another room, next to a coffee bar area, has a flat screen TV with comfortable lounging chairs. A spacious kitchen can be used by caterers for prep work. The large bathroom is painted black and has a vintage, refinished sink.
Accessibility to upstairs won’t be a problem, as a new elevator is being installed with partial funding from a provincial grant.
MacIsaac says he named the addition after Jacob Sweeny, to pay homage to the original owner of the business.
He believes Jacob Sweeny, who started off as a furniture maker and evolved into an undertaker, would approve of this project.
“Even now, people will find furniture with Jacob Sweeny Fine Furniture & Mortuary Services (identification). He kind of evolved from his original profession into this,” says MacIsaac.
Celebrations of life
At Jacob’s Loft, the life of a loved one can be celebrated in a variety of ways. It could include an Irish wake with a live band, or a casual reception (60-70 people, COVID safeguards permitting) with pizza, wings, drinks, and the recently departed’s favourite sport or pastime – NASCAR, golf, hockey, curling, etc. – playing on a TV. Stories and memories can be shared amongst those attending.
Another option connected with the new approach is a partnership with Tusket Island Tours. A boatload of 40 to 50 people can have a service at sea, scattering the ashes of their loved one, with entertainment on the way back.
“I’m excited about that,” says MacIsaac.
“The main thing is – if we can get people to realize that Sweeny's is not just a funeral home now.”
He says he views himself and other funeral home owners as transforming into event planners/coordinators, taking funerals and celebrations into modern days.
“I know in a lot of larger cities the funeral homes have transitioned into event centres. A lot of them now have sprawling establishments with big auditoriums attached to their buildings," MacIsaac says.
“In Yarmouth I think there is a need for a multi-functional space. I envision receptions up here, alternative services, business rentals, conferences, training meetings . . . we can cater to those. People have heard through the grapevine that we’re doing this and some people are interested in holding wedding receptions here."
He adds that he wants his business to be something for everybody.
The traditional chapel-style services that have been performed for generations will still be available in the same location.
For those people that want a more unique aspect – as unique as a person’s life was – now an alternative is available.
MacIsaac compares the latest addition to funeral webcasting, which started eight years ago. Sweeny's was the first in the province to bring in that service.
“Fast forward 10 years, if you don’t have a webcast, you’re severely limited. Back then they didn’t know what people would think of a funeral webcast. Is that morbid? Is that taboo?" MacIsaac says. “Nowadays with people not able to travel, if we’re not able to do the webcast, that’s abnormal.
"So, I’m hoping that this is kind of the same thing," he says about the new addition. "It’s a bit novel for the area, a departure from the original, but I think it will become the norm.”
Website: Jacobsloft.ca
Jacob’s Loft also has a Facebook page
