Castle Fallsview Funeral Home Under New Ownership

We are proud to announce that West Saint John’s oldest funeral home has become a part of our Brenan’s family.

Effective today we are delighted to welcome Castle Fallsview Funeral Home as our newest location and the staff there as our newest team members.

When the former owners – a Toronto-based company – put the business up for sale earlier this year it wasn’t a difficult decision for her family-owned firm said Brenan’s president Robyn MacMackin. “Castle Fallsview is a West Saint John landmark and has a long and respected history in the community. It’s a great fit with our company and we’re really happy we can make it a locally-owned business once again.”

The history of the Castle business stretches back nearly as far as Brenan’s. In fact, it appears the two firms may come from common roots. Existing records indicate that from as early as 1920 and until 1943 a funeral home at 103 Prince Street West operated under the name W.E. Brenan & Sons. Later that year newspaper notices reflect that Byron J. Ross Funeral Home was operating from that same address. It was Mr. Ross who purchased the former Ready home on Lancaster Avenue and moved his business there in 1955. W.E. (William) Brenan is thought to be the son of Nathaniel W. Brenan the founder (in 1872) of the firm that still carries his name.

While a number of options for expanding and enhancing the Castle building are under consideration, some important things won’t change. “We understand that the Castle name is synonymous with funeral service on the old West Side and holds a place in the hearts and family histories of the community so that name will remain,” noted vice-president Will MacMackin. “And, we are fortunate that Nancy Matthews who has managed the location for many years, is staying with the business, as are funeral director Emily Bailey and several part-time staff in funeral support roles.

We also want to assure those who have existing funeral plans with Castle that everything they have arranged – and any funding they’ve put in place – is secure and remains in effect. Anyone with questions is welcome to contact the funeral home at their convenience.