Katherine Scimmi

"Winner of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Award in 2007.″

Married to Greg for 30 years, we moved here to Sarnia 16 years ago along with our daughter Samantha. Born in Sarnia, and always wanting to return to his roots, my husband always called this city ″God's best kept secret″ and he was right, for I fell in love with the city immediately.

I have a strong administrative background and many years experience in the cremation/cemetery industry, but feel that I have found my calling in funeral service. Since coming to the firm I continue to expand my knowledge by taking courses and achieving accreditation in Bereavement and Grief, Crisis Intervention and Funeral Management. As well as my managerial responsibilities, I present educational programs in the local schools, in-house tours and lectures for many local groups such as victim services, caregivers and church groups and facilitate our Bereavement Support Groups.

I was the recipient of the 2003 Women's Initiative Award presented by the National Funeral Directors Association for my commitment and innovations in Funeral Service. I was privileged to be the second Canadian  ever to receive this award. I have a commitment to giving back to this community and have volunteered for many organizations: Board volunteer for Pathways Children Centre, St. Joseph's Hospice, Past Board volunteer for the Sarnia Community Foundation, Past Chair of the board of Bluewater Health, I represent funeral service on the Sarnia Lambton Palliative Care Association, Provincial End of Life Strategy Team, Provincial Death at Home Committee and Board Chair and past volunteer of Sarnia Lambton Victim Services and part of the Sarnia Lambton Grief Network team.

In 2004 I completed my undergraduate requirements in Cemetery and Funeral Home Management through the International Cemetery and Funeral Association. I now have the opportunity to share my knowledge and help train others as the Dean of the College of Administration for the ICCFA University Program. 

In October of 2005 I became a co-owner with Grant McKenzie and  President of McKenzie & Blundy to ensure the values and service excellence provided to this community for over 65 years continues into the future.  My daughter now works beside me as part of the team and my husband is actively involved also, proudly keeping McKenzie & Blundy a family owned and managed funeral home.

In 2006 I was honoured to be the  recipient of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Award, recognizing "an individual who has demonstrated excellence in their field of business and who has had a positive impact on the community through demonstrated  leadership ability".  In 2009 I was proud to be part of the McKenzie & Blundy team as we were presented the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Customer Service - Medium Business Award, given to "a business, its management and staff for successfully demonstrating quality customer service.  I am proud to be part of a team that demonstrates high quality service from beginning to end, who go above and beyond to serve our families and our community.  I pledge my commitment to serving families of this community ″Before, During & After″ the death of a loved one for many years to come.