We have worked hard to make sure that our team is made up of a talented, diverse and special group of people who have a passion to serve our client families. We hope that by allowing each of our team members to choose their own photo, a little bit more of their unique personalities will shine through and you will be able to get to know them that much better.
The Cardinal Team
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim began working in the family funeral business as a teenager. He became a licensed funeral director in 1982 and became president of Cardinal Funeral Homes in 1984, following the death of his father. Jim has held leadership positions in many funeral and bereavement-related organizations, among them: the Toronto and Ontario boards of Bereaved Families of Ontario; the Funeral Service Association of Canada; Open Dialogue; the Ontario Funeral Service Association. Outside his professional field, Jim has had volunteer roles with the Hospital for Sick Children’s Unforgettables Fund and has coached his children’s T-ball, little league and hockey teams. A professional musician, making music remains an important hobby for Jim, along with gardening, scuba diving and golf. As of October 2019, Jim has officially retired from day to day operations of the company but remains connected as Chairman and majority shareholder.
Email: j.cardinal@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Jimmy is the fourth generation of the Cardinal family who has chosen to be a funeral director serving the families of Toronto. Jimmy began working at the funeral home during summer breaks during High School and University, and it didn’t take him long to realize that joining the family business was the right path for him. After completing his studies in Economics at McGill University, he attended Humber College to obtain his Funeral Director’s License and graduated in 2012. In 2018 Jimmy was promoted to the position of President of Cardinal Funeral Homes as his father began to wind down his career and take a less active role in the day to day operations of the company. Always looking to grow professionally and give back to the bereavement sector, Jimmy is a past president of the Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals, a current member of the Humber College Funeral Services Advisory Committee and a Board Member of Evergreen Crematorium. Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Lily, is an avid traveller and a diehard Leaf fan. He’s also always on the lookout for a new restaurant to try so feel free to share any recommendation you might have!
Email: kim@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
“For as long as I can remember, being a funeral director is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Kim says. She feels it is an honour that families entrust the care of their deceased family members to her. “I will do everything I can to ensure the funeral is meaningful and perfectly organized.” After graduating with Honours in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Kim pursued a funeral services diploma, graduating in 2007. She had already joined Cardinal the previous year as an intern. Her interests are reading, listening to music, camping and volunteering for charities that help animals.
Email: kevin@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Originally from Chatham, Kevin worked his way through University working at a local funeral home. He soon learned that his passion was serving families in their time of need and returned to school to become a funeral director, receiving his license in 1991. In his spare time Kevin is very involved in the local community, his church and is a Past State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus. He is also an avid Argos fan and loves to take long trips on his bike.
Email: m.langdon@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Michael has been a licensed Funeral Director since 2013, after searching for a meaningful career. He is patient and understanding and takes a lot of pride in his work, providing care and support for families. Born in Toronto, raised in Newfoundland, and settled back in Toronto since 2007, Michael spends his spare time refining his collection of vinyl records, and supporting his favourite team - Arsenal Football club.
Email: cindy@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
A funeral director of more than 20 years, Cindy has dedicated her professional life to assisting families in arranging unique and meaningful ceremonies for their loved ones, as well as for themselves when pre-planning.
Growing up in Northern Ontario, Cindy enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband Chris and their three young boys. Her favourite activities are building snow forts, working in her garden and spending as much time as possible at the beach!
Email: christine@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Christine has been a licensed funeral director since 2015. After deaths in her personal circle and the different approaches from professionals towards the family and friends, she felt called to be a funeral director when she saw the positive effect a funeral director that cares can have when someone dies. When not at work Christine spends her free time reading, crafting and baking and has a passion for history, museums, learning and good food.
Email: clara@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Like many of the families we serve, Clara was born in the Azores, but raised in Toronto. She decided to become a funeral director as a second career, after being exposed to the field through a friend and family. She is a member of Toronto and Ontario funeral services associations and finds it very gratifying to help families through the emotionally difficult time when a loved one has died. When not at Cardinal, Clara likes to read, travel and “do nothing”.
Email: katherine@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Kathy joined the Cardinal’s team in 2003. She works with families both before and after they need a funeral. A licensed funeral pre-planner, she helps people organize their funeral plans, so that their families will be spared the task when the need arises. She also delivers Cardinal’s Extended Family Services Program, helping families who have just experienced a loss to wind up the deceased’s affairs. With her fluency in Ukrainian and her professional expertise, Kathy is a godsend to many of our clients. She finds her work gives her “a really good feeling at the end of the day”. In her free time, you’ll find Kathy enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.
Email: debbie@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Prior to Debbie receiving her Funeral Directors license in 2013 she graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. She was first introduced to funeral service while in high school but decided to obtain her arts degree first. After receiving her degree she worked part time at a local funeral home in the east end of Toronto. It did not take long for Debbie to realize that this was the career for her because Debbie loves to help people. She graduated from Humber College Funeral Service program in 2013 with Honours. When Debbie is not at work she loves to spend time with her family, watch movies, read, cook and scrapbook.
Email: aaron@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Toronto native Aaron joined Cardinal in 2005 and still finds the camaraderie of team to be exceptional. He likes working for families in their time of need and says his goal is always to take away their anxiety and stress about planning and experiencing a funeral. “The nicest thing a family can say to me is, ’thank you for making this so easy.” In his free time, Aaron enjoys cycling, movies and playing the guitar.
Email: b.szocik@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Like so many of Cardinal’s funeral directors, Bill was inspired to make this his life career after the death of someone very close to him – his father. A native Torontonian, Bill graduated with a Diploma in Funeral Service Education in June 2003, receiving the John Finn Memorial Award for outstanding achievement. “The thing I like best is knowing that I can help make the funeral process just that little bit easier like the funeral directors did for my family when my dad died.” When not at work, Bill enjoys spending time with his family.
Email: jessica@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Originally from Hagersville Ontario, Jessica moved to Toronto to pursue her career in the funeral profession. She received her funeral director's license in 2005 and began working at Cardinal as a funeral director in 2009. With additional certification in Supply Chain Management, she took on the role of Purchaser from 2011 to 2022 before returning to her original position as a funeral director serving families in need. When not at work, Jessica spends her time with her husband and their daughter. She is also an avid traveler with a love for old films.
Email: mark@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Mark has been an integral part of the Cardinal Funeral Homes team after graduating from Humber College with honours in 2016. After his younger sister and Dad died, he knew becoming a funeral director was the right thing for him. Mark says, ``One of the last things my sister did was wish me success; I define that as being fortunate enough to do what I love.`` Mark's favourite thing in the world is being Uncle Mark to his nieces and nephews. He thinks if you throw in indulging in some junk food, this is a recipe for a great time! Mark also loves to cook and watch cooking shows such as the Great British Bake Off as well as discovering great new local places to eat.
Email: eva@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Eva has been a licensed director in Toronto since 2013. She is passionate about her commitment to all of the families she cares for. Being able to guide families through an intensely difficult and stressful time is something she takes a great deal of pride in. An avid traveler, Eva has explored countries such as Colombia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Belize, Panama, and Ireland.
Email: colleen@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Born and raised in Toronto, Colleen became a Funeral Director as a second career after working in Ornithology for several years. The sequential loss of two close family members lead to some soul searching and upon the “joking suggestion” of her recently passed Nana, Colleen applied to work in a funeral home.
In 2016 she graduated from the Funeral Services Program at Humber College and has dedicated her career to ensuring families and their loved ones are cared for with the utmost dignity and respect.
In her spare time Colleen enjoys gardening and camping with her partner Adrian; as well as reading and relaxing with their many parrots and two cats.
Email: amanda@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Amanda’s interest in the funeral profession began in high school during a co-op, she then graduated from the Funeral Service Education program at Humber College in 2009. When she isn’t helping families honour the life of their loved one she enjoys reading, camping and powerlifting.
Email: susan@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Susan graduated from Humber College with honors in 2021. Although she is new to the role of funeral director, she is very eager to deliver the highest possible degree of service to families and is committed to doing everything in her power to achieve that goal. Susan lives with her partner and their cat in Etobicoke and when not at work she enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, listening to music, and proudly maintains that she is the #1 fan of The Who.
Email: brianne@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Brianne has wanted to be a licensed funeral director since high school. She obtained her funeral director’s license in 2012. Brianne is very honoured to serve families and to help people during what can be one of the most difficult time of someone’s life. When not at work she’s enjoys walking her dog Silas and hanging out with family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews.
Email: jennifer@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Jennifer began her career in funeral service as a high school co-op student in Peterborough after finding a connection to helping bereaved families following the loss of her best friend. After becoming a licensed funeral director in 2011 she came to Toronto in search of the experience that such a multicultural and diverse city offers. One of Jennifer’s favourite aspects of being a funeral director is learning about the traditions of the families she serves and helping them find ways to celebrate the unique lives of their loved ones.
Sharing her family’s love of crafting, she always has a sewing or leatherwork project on the go. In her spare time she works alongside the Blind and partially sighted community as an audio describer in addition to spending as much time as she can with her family, friends and beloved feline companion, Littlefoot.
Email: charlotte@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Charlotte started the Funeral Service Education program at Humber College in September 2021 in search of a more meaningful career and joined the Cardinal team as an intern in May 2022. She has lived and worked in the UK (where she is from), Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, and is now settled in here in Canada. Charlotte’s interests outside of work and school include art, languages, reading, movies, and relaxing with her two cats.
Email: melodie@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
After working in banking for three years, Melodie joined the Funeral Services Education program at Humber College in September 2022. While she held an interest in the bereavement sector since she was a young person, the death of a friend inspired her to switch paths towards caring for those who are grieving. Melodie's interests outside of work are music, long walks, and various arts & crafts.
Email: vera@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
After working for many years in the advertising field, Vera decided to make the decision to change careers and pursue work in the funeral industry.
Vera’s previous work experience is something that has added great value to the team at Cardinal’s. Specifically, her skills in co-ordination and communication enable Vera to adapt to the new challenges each day and ensure families wishes’ are reflected for each visitation and service. Vera has also made herself integral with overseeing large scale office projects that ensure the front office runs efficiently.
Working along side with her colleagues brings her great joy in making a contribution to helping the people in our community.
Email: athena@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
After working in the corporate world for 20+ years in a marketing communications capacity, Athena found her true calling and passion in working in a temporary position for a long term care facility during the global pandemic. It was here that she realized just how short, precious and valuable life truly is - and a need to assist and provide compassionate care for people just came as second instinct. Once the global pandemic ended,she decided to take the next natural step in her career and transition to Cardinal Funeral Homes as an Office Administrator / Receptionist where she assists with the day-to-day coordination and facilitation of documentation necessary for all funeral arrangements. In her spare time, Athena is an avid traveler, having visited several countries throughout Europe, Middle East and South America and has lived in the USA and Cyprus for many years. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new cuisines and restaurants, reading, watching horror films and documentaries and spending time outdoors.
Email: martha@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Born in Mexico City, Martha spent a portion of her childhood in Detroit before moving to Toronto when she was 9. Martha also spent 8 years in Ottawa before recently moving back to Toronto with her partner and her cat. When Martha isn't working, she is usually caring for her adorable cat, Simon, and dabbles in various hobbies such as a knitting, reading, and hiking.
Email: marshall@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Marshall is one of our dedicated and hard working Funeral Directors Assistants. He finds it a rewarding experience to be able to assist families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Marshall and his spouse settled in Toronto in 2015 after living in Southwestern Ontario for many years. They chose Toronto because, according to them both, it is the best city in Canada! When not at work, Marshall enjoys spending time with his dog, Marsha, exploring the city and spending time at the Toronto Island where you can often catch a glimpse of Marsha taking a refreshing swim.
Email: r.holloway@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
As a Funeral Director Assistant, Rob is honoured to serve families at Cardinal Funeral Homes after a career in Cemetery Operations, primarily in the Toronto area. When not at work, Rob enjoys curling in the winter, lawn bowling in the summer, and reading, travelling, walking, and good food with family and friends all year round.
Email: manuela@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Manuela has always been interested in the customs and the services provided by funeral homes. This interest was sparked in two major ways: one from having watched the movie ``My Girl`` and the other through her mother's fascination with family history. Historical sites and graveyards were always a part of the family travel itineraries, with many many cemeteries visited in the Caribbean and Italy. Even local cemeteries were often places for a quiet stroll, reading tombstones and savouring the past. Traditions, particularly involving history and family, continue to be important to Manuela. This lifelong love of travel and times past is actively being handed down to her young daughter who joins all her adventures. But you can't always travel, so when Manuela is in between trips or seeking a new place to explore, she will likely be on a mission to find the best sweets in town, accompanied by her daughter and her dog, Charlie.
Email: sandora@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Driven by a deep-rooted passion for mystery and folklore, Sandora has found her calling in the funeral profession. Thanks to her lifelong fascination and the influence of a close friend, a funeral director, she excels in providing empathetic support to families during their most challenging times. Known for her unwavering compassion and dedication, Sandora ensures the process is as smooth as possible, offering strength and courage to those in need.
Inspired by her parents and enriched by her own family, including a soulmate, two children, and four birds, Sandora knows the value of memory-making. When she isn't providing invaluable support to grieving families, she can be found cooking and baking with her children, writing, meeting new people, enjoying nature walks, listening to music, or engaging in meditation.
Email: sandora@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Drew is a Funeral Directors Assistant at Cardinal Funeral Home and honoured to be a part of such a professional and well organized team. They’ve lived in the Greater Toronto Area all their life and enjoy finding new things to love about the city every day. While out of work Drew enjoys spending time with their cat, and quite time reading or knitting. Drew is an avid cyclist and enjoys being active in between watching sitcoms and horror films with the people they love.
Email: charles@cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Charles is pleased to be part of the Cardinal Funeral Homes Team as a Funeral Directors Assistant. He brings a collective knowledge of the grief, care, and support values from previous careers in Ontario and Alberta. Starting in the Fall of 2023, Charles will be a student in the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College and he hopes to be able to graduate with honours. When not in school, or work Charles enjoys spending time hiking the many trails on the Niagara escarpment with his family and two rescue dogs.
Born in Azores and immigrated to Canada in 1985, Paula joined Cardinal Funeral Homes in June 2018. She has a background as a hair stylist and now takes great pride in helping create clean and beautiful spaces for both the staff and the families we serve. In her spare time, she loves to dance and get together with family and friends.
