Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home

“If you’re looking for a funeral home, you don’t have to look any further. I’m so sorry for your loss, and you have found the right place. In short: this is the experience I wish upon anyone who is newly bereaved. Kathleen helped us navigate an incredibly difficult time with clarity and direction as if she had been a dear, lifelong friend. Throughout each interaction with the entire team—Kathleen, Melissa, Zoltan, and Darlene—we felt encouraged and supported. Kathleen helped us customize every aspect of the experience to create a remembrance and celebration that would have delighted my mom. The day-of team seamlessly transformed the room from visitation, to ceremony, to reception, and made sure every guest had water, food, beverages, and sweets. It was a day of remembrance and a day to remember, and Townley and Wheeler was the magic that made it happen. Full review: Kathleen picked up the phone before 8 am when we were still reeling from the news of my mother’s overnight passing. While we rambled about all of the logistics we were stressing over and patched in the immediate family members, Kathleen instantly gauged how we were navigating the news with both sorrow and levity and invited us over to visit the home at 11 for coffee (and lunch if we could stomach it). Offering to feed the newly bereaved in a lighthearted way was an indicator of what was to come—we knew we had made the right choice in entrusting our mother’s care to Kathleen and her team. Kathleen and Melissa thoroughly outlined the logistics and options available to us without burdening us with details and to-dos. We had a clear picture of what was happening and when, and the communication was perfect. Kathleen and Melissa made sure they got all of their questions answered while they had us in-person so they could work their magic behind the scenes without missing a beat. Every expectation that was set was met. And then their attention and accommodation of details exceeded our expectations. This team accommodated all of our requests to create the most fitting tribute for my mother—incorporating our custom artwork on a plaque and on wood engravings, picking the colors and general vibe for the flowers, hosting a private goodbye for the family a week before the public event, streaming the hundreds of photos we put on a shared drive on the beautiful framed projection screens, recommending and booking catering (and desserts!) for the in-house reception, coordinating a toast at the end of the ceremony, and ensuring the visitation-ceremony-reception we planned ran without a hitch. Additionally, they allowed for full customization of the prayer cards and remembrance story cards (which we chose in lieu of a guest book). There was not a single detail that Kathleen or Melissa overlooked—they made a list and checked it thrice to make sure the celebration was extra nice. After the ceremony, we wanted to give the flowers a second life. When we asked Kathleen, she assured us that she was partnered with a team that would repurpose my mom’s flowers into smaller arrangements for the sick and elderly. Knowing that Kathleen helped my mom donate something so special one last time meant the world to us. Finally, the ambiance of Townley and Wheeler can best be described as saying goodbye to your loved one at a home. I have been to many funeral homes that have multiple visitation rooms, outdated decor, and a generalized glum vibe. From the moment we drove up and saw the rocking chairs on the porch, we knew it was the right place. The chapel is a light-filled, cozy room where all of our friends and loved ones felt comfortable sharing stories amid tears and laughter—as any celebration should be. Finally, the unofficial canine ambassador, Teddy, was an excellent greeter for all of our visits, and I was beyond thrilled when he came in to visit toward the end of the reception. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the most lovely experience and for supporting us in creating cheerful memories that will help us through these tough upcoming months.”

— Rebecca La Creta

“We cannot thank kathleen and her team enough for their caring supportive professionalism as they walked us through a most difficult time. I could depend on them totally to take care of every little detail from start to finish. My husband’s funeral was truly beautiful and they made it happen. They cared for me and my family with loving kindness. Thank you Kathleen for making Paul’s funeral a joy filled memory. Peace always , Janet Troidle”

— Janet Troidle

“Words cannot fully express the deep gratitude my family and I feel for Kathleen and the team at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home. After visiting a well known local funeral home, I left with an unsettling feeling. The location on a busy, noisy road, the dark and dated interior, and the "salesman-like" approach of the funeral director made it clear this was not the right place for my dad. Despite having initially arranged for him to be taken there, I knew he deserved better. After searching online, I discovered Townley & Wheeler and was impressed by their many glowing reviews. I called at the end of the day and spoke with Kathleen, who invited us to come by immediately. My three siblings, my mom, and I got in the car without hesitation. From the moment we arrived at their serene, beautiful location, I felt at ease. The home was immaculate, updated, and welcoming. Kathleen greeted us with genuine compassion, offering guidance without any pressure. She listened closely to our wishes and concerns, offering reassurance and peace of mind. We unanimously knew this was the right place. Kathleen went above and beyond by personally arranging for my dad to be transferred from the other funeral home at no extra cost. From that point forward, she handled every detail with precision and thoughtfulness. The wake was absolutely perfect. The room was bright and beautifully arranged. My dad looked angelic, and every detail, from the big screen welcome photo and personalized guest book to the placement of photos and flowers, was handled with care. Light refreshments were thoughtfully presented in the kitchen, and her staff were impeccably dressed, kind, and attentive to both our family and our guests. On the day of the funeral, Kathleen and her team arrived early at the church, seamlessly managing every logistical detail. The service concluded with a moving flag-folding ceremony in honor of my dad's military service, coordinated by Kathleen. She also arranged for the Patriot Guard Riders to lead the funeral procession, adding a poignant and respectful touch. At the Saratoga National Cemetery, the military ceremony was both dignified and beautiful, providing a fitting and honorable farewell for my dad. True to form, Kathleen was there every step of the way, ensuring everything went perfectly to the very end. Kathleen was truly an angel during this incredibly difficult time. Her compassion, dedication, and professionalism created an experience that was seamless and beautiful from start to finish. If I could give Townley & Wheeler ten stars, I would. Thank you, Kathleen, and your wonderful team, from the bottom of our hearts. I know my dad would thank you, too.”

— Suzette Kraus