Funeral services: Creating light in darkness

"Even amidst profound loss, there's room for warmth and humanity."

Meet Melanie. Calm. Empathetic, Focused.
Hometown: Stoney Creek, ON
Program: Funeral Services Diploma

Melanie Whitaker didn’t grow up dreaming of being a funeral director in the same way most kids dream of becoming princesses and superheroes. It was a serendipitous encounter while she was on the job as a firefighter that shifted her career journey, one that makes so much sense now.

During her time as an emergency responder in Alberta’s Clearwater County, she often encountered the medical examiner and local funeral home staff.

“I vividly remember one call where I was assisting the funeral home, and it struck me — this was the path I wanted to pursue,” she explains.

“My time as a firefighter with Clearwater County shaped me profoundly. It taught me how to approach the most alarming or chaotic situations with a calm and focused demeanor. This skill has been invaluable in the funeral profession,” she says.

When she told her family of her new plans, they said, “Yeah, that sounds about right.

“With no prior experience in the funeral world, the incredible Flinn family (the owners of Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Home)  took a chance on me as a funeral attendant and what a whirlwind it has been since.”

She jumped headfirst into funeral services, picking Mount Royal University for two big reasons: the program is accredited and she got to keep her education local.

Whitaker says there were so many impactful moments in her education that it’s hard to pick her favourite area of study, but one of the biggest highlights was the embalming practicum.

“It was an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to learn from a variety of instructors, each bringing their own unique techniques, setups and perspectives. It was eye-opening to see how one task — reaching the same compassionate outcome — could be approached in so many different ways. That experience not only enhanced my skills but also reinforced the importance of adaptability and collaboration in this field.”

Whitaker attributes some of her success to her excellent support system, both at MRU and outside the school, including one educator who stood out. She calls her chemistry and microbiology instructor, Joey Valenzuela, a “saving grace” in her education.

“These two courses were undoubtedly some of the most challenging for me, but Joey’s dedication and support made all the difference. He went above and beyond, ensuring I not only passed the classes but genuinely understood the material I was learning. His patience, encouragement and clear teaching style turned what felt like an uphill battle into a rewarding journey.”

She also says the immense support and guidance from her Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Home family gave her a boost through all the late nights juggling three jobs and a full course load, and Arbor-Westlawn Funeral Home, which took a leap of faith on her with her small-town training.

Now, 21 months later, she’s graduating with her Funeral Services Diploma, which includes a funeral director’s license and an embalmer’s license. And she’s eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in their most difficult times.

“I hope to be a steady presence, an anchor, for families navigating the intense emotions and challenges of losing a loved one. It’s not just about managing the details — it’s about providing comfort, guidance and a sense of stability when people feel adrift. Being able to help families honour their loved ones and find moments of peace amidst their grief is what motivates me.”

“In addition to being empathetic and building meaningful connections, I've found that my ability to bring a moment of joy, whether through humour or a kind word, can make an immense difference, especially when someone feels like they're drowning in sorrow. Sometimes, it's those small, unexpected smiles and gentle laughter that remind people of their resilience and capacity to heal.”

Sandy Nordstrom, MRU’s program director for the Funeral Services Diploma, says Whitaker is a natural fit for this type of career due to her experience as a first responder and her service-oriented perspective of helping others.

“Melanie is the type of person who demonstrates calm professionalism. She will be an asset to the profession and her interest in serving others will be beneficial for her career in funeral service,” Nordstrom says.

As Whitaker prepares to say goodbye to the Calgary campus, she has a couple of pieces of advice she’d like to impart to new students. She says to plan your courses carefully, save all of your receipts for tax time and make sure to check in with yourself.

“This field demands an incredible amount of emotional strength and resilience. While empathy and compassion are at the heart of what we do, it’s equally important to maintain your own mental and emotional health,” she explains.

“Balance is everything in this line of work and staying grounded is what allows you to truly support those who need you most.”