About Us

The century facility of the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home- Stayner Chapel, has been providing funeral services to the area since 1872 when it was established as the Mathers Furniture Store and Undertaking. The Mathers family, longtime Stayner residents, owned and operated the business for over 100 years.  Paula (nee Carruthers) and Shawn Davidson purchased the funeral home in October 2001 from Pauline and Bill Tofflemire who had been operating as the Tofflemire Funeral Home since 1987. 
Paula was born and raised in the area.  She was introduced to funeral service as a secondary school co-op student in 1993 at the funeral home she now owns.  She continued to work with the Tofflemire's until she entered the college program.  Paula secured an apprenticeship with Turner & Porter Funeral Directors in Toronto.  That is where she met Shawn who had been with Turner & Porter since 1992.  Shawn & Paula married in 1999.  Prior to acquiring the Stayner Chapel, Paula worked with the Ward and Neweduk families at their funeral home locations in the western GTA.  Shawn continued to work with Turner & Porter until the move to Stayner.
For many years, Wasaga Beach families have been well served by the Stayner Chapel.  In fact the first funeral home in Wasaga Beach in 1984 was a branch location of the Stayner Chapel.  Many families continue to choose the Stayner Chapel.  Shortly after establishing themselves as the new owners of the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home, they understood the strong sense of community within Wasaga Beach.  Shawn & Paula understood the value to families of having a local establishment where families could be comfortable, be provided with the professional and compassionate service they had come to expect and that was large enough and easily accessible for their families and friends.  The plans began for what is now the Wasaga Beach Chapel.
 All the while, they continued to build upon the service excellence that had been instilled with them during their tenures with some of the best in funeral service.  The Stayner Chapel was remodelled and updated to meet the higher expectations.  The use of advanced audio visual presentations, the encouragement for increased personalisation, the expansion of services offered and an increased variety of choice were important advancements they believe in.
The property at 509 River Road West was acquired in late 2006.  Following an extensive renovation, the Wasaga Beach Chapel opened for service to the local community in the fall of 2007.  The facility is over 7,000 square feet.  It has been designed to provide flexibility with modern and spacious designs that will make all feel welcome.  Whether it is a service for over 200 guests or an intimate gathering of 20, the facility will make everyone feel at home.  Complete audio visual facilities exist, mirroring the Stayner Chapel, for presentations, special music and even digital video recording of events direct to DVD.  There are on site reception facilities and an in house caterer to provide all in one location services for your ceremonial and celebration needs.
Paula and Shawn lead a dedicated team that's first concern is the families that they are privileged to serve at perhaps the most difficult time of their lives.  Every detail, every request is fully considered and implemented.  They are dedicated to providing families and their guests with the utmost in professionalism, compassion and value.
They provide assistance well after the ceremony has concluded with guidance to the necessary agencies, government benefits, bereavement support and the various details families need to consider.
Paula & Shawn are committed to our community as well.  They support and are involved with the well being of Wasaga Beach and Clearview through their membership in service clubs, recreation, business associations and local causes.
Shawn & Paula value and are honoured by the trust families invest in Them when they choose the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Homes. 
They intend to exceed your expectations.