WCM’s Return to Bay Street

THE JOURNEY BEGAN WITH A VISION…

The New Haven Funeral Centre opened the doors of their 30,000 sq. ft. facility on November 13, 2017. A modern boutique style facility, the centre has 4 visitation suites, a large chapel, and reception/repass room that caters to many types of authentic cuisine.

The funeral centre was opened to fill a gap in the market. Long time classmates and friends, Shelley Challenger and Shari Yearwood, always had dreams of opening their own funeral establishment. As fate would have it at the time, the two were unsuccessful in seeing their dream come true and eventually life took them in different directions.

Shelley stayed in the industry and became the first black woman in Canada to manage a funeral home. Shari moved on and entered the world of marketing in the telecommunications field. Throughout the years Shelley Challenger became a household name in funeral service to various cultural communities. Her ability to navigate families through even the most difficult losses, with grace, always served as a place of comfort to many, and many took notice. Shari, navigated her way through the corporate telecommunications world managing large marketing and branding projects across the country.

Moving through life in separate careers, while still close on a personal level, the two had no idea fate would bring what was once a dream, a reality.

The vision of a church overseer coupled with a deep admiration for Shelley is what led to the inception of New Haven. The opportunity to partner and lead Canada’s largest Christian, black-owned facility was finally coming to fruition. Dreams were coming true and so was history.

L-R: Shelley Challenger, Shari Yearwood

For more information, please visit newhavenfuneralcentre.com or call 1.833.363.9428