Page A28 September 2022 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS Se c t i on A “DUNCAN STUART TODD KNEWWHAT WE NEEDED.THEY MADE IT SIMPLE IN HAVINGTHE TOTAL PACKAGE.” -THEWOOD MORTUARY PREPARATION ROOM Design + Equipment 720 - 583 - 1 886 info@duncanstuarttodd.com www.duncanstuarttodd.com SINCE 1991 Scan QR for our website 1-888-792-9315 • mymortuarycooler.com Mortuary Coolers starting at $5,899 $5,899 Continued from Page A21 VID-19 was seen throughout the industry. One of the most desired changes that funeral homes wanted was live streaming, but for many, attempts resulted in a total disaster. Directors experienced crashing, mismanagement, music copyright infringements, poor reception, and major privacy issues. Unfortunately, free options available through social media outlets are not effective and filled with negative pitfalls due to new regulations. The Initiative looked into many available options and decided on a partnership with FUNERAweb due in part to the fact that, unlike many live streaming companies, it did not start during the pandemic. The FUNERAweb company was founded in August of 2005 after the passing of a friend, Sylvie Légaré, who was 37 years old and had fought a long and valiant battle against cancer. The founders, Chantal Lepage and Mario Duchesneau, who wanted to pay tribute to her and leave her loved ones with invaluable memories, produced a video montage of Sylvie’s life, which was played on a Commander Initiative These women stand out! Whether continuing their family’s legacy or taking a leap of faith into the profession, they have become leaders through hard work and dedication to the Funeral Service Industry. As managers, owners, role models and mentors, each of these women have an inspiring vision, and have used their talents to help others. These leaders encourage creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and teamwork. They empower and motivate others – connecting their personal goals to their professional goals – leaving a legacy of insight and professionalism. Let’s recognize their achievements! By Elleanor Starks, cfsp Founder and Executive Director 100 Black Women of Funeral Service, Inc. Phenomenal Women in Leadership Estes Funeral Chapel, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota In 1962, the late Richard C. Estes opened Estes Funeral Chapel, Inc in Minneapolis, with the hopes of being able to service African American families in their time of grief and loss. At the time Mr. Estes started his journey, white owned funeral establishments typically did not accept the loved one’s coming from African American families and if they did Mr. Estes would receive a phone call to ask for either his assistance and/or advice on the technique to prepare the bodies. Mr. Estes desire was to be able to not only serve the black community, but the community at large and people from all races, creeds, color and religious backgrounds with the dignity and respect that they deserved, despite their lack of stature and in many cases, financial circumstances. Mr. Estes served faithfully for 51 years and that legacy continues under the watchful eye of his widow, April Estes, the current owner. She took Estes Funeral Home to a stellar level in the relocation of a new structure to serve her families with compassion, convenience and professionalism. Upon graduating from the Kansas City Kansas Community College of Mortuary Science, her nephew, Tracy E. Wesley joined the family firm as a licensed funeral director and is the current CEO. Tracy E. Wesley April Estes April Estes and her nephew Tracy E. Wesley April Estes big-screen television during her wake at the funeral home as well as on the web at www.funeraweb.com. The funeral home ambiance that normally reigns under such dire circumstances was transformed into a true celebration of life. This new concept meets an ever-growing desire expressed by families to perpetuate the memory and the very essence of the dearly departed in a professional manner and in good taste. Since its inception some 12 years ago, well over 20,000 families have chosen to take advantage of this service, now part of a wide variety of multimedia funeral souvenirs appreciated by everyone. The Commander Initiative Board Chair Ronald Grayson says, “Our partnership with FUNERAweb will provide the most direct, simple, and friendly live streaming available. The board agreed that the depth of this offer is comprehensive and can provide for the future of our industry.” These strategic partnerships brought together with the Commander Initiative offer outstanding opportunities to assist in leveraging quality, and professional service for the network of funeral homes, nationally. For more information about the Commander Initiative, visit www. cooperprofessionals.com. SEND US YOUR NEWS! PO Box 5159, Youngstown, OH 44514 1-800-321-7479 info@nomispublications.com Your Rea l Source . Anywhere . Any t ime . @Nomis.Publications Like News Funeral Home & C eme t e ry onl ine
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