Stone Stories: The Golden Girls of Prospect Cemetery

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Have you ever heard of best friends being buried together?

That’s exactly what four women in Toronto chose to do. They lived in the same neighbourhood, supported one another, and made sure they’d stay side by side long after their time on earth. Their story is heartwarming, inspiring, and a little unexpected.

In the heart of Toronto’s Prospect Cemetery sits a shared gravestone marked with one simple word: Friends. The four women behind that stone, Pauline Chorna, Annie Hrynchak, Nellie Handiak and Anna Baran, might not be famous, but their story has captured hearts across Canada and beyond.

These women, friends in life and now in death, chose to be buried together as chosen family. Their decision, made decades ago, quietly reflects a lifestyle that’s now becoming more common, one that embraces shared housing and friendship as a way to age with dignity and connection.1

At a time when most people were buried with relatives, choosing to be buried with friends was unusual and incredibly meaningful, which is part of why their gravestone stands out so much today.

  • Friends gravetsone
    “Friends” Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Thank you for being a Friend

Long before the Golden Girls TV show aired in 1985, these four women had already built full lives rooted in friendship and community. All four were immigrants from the Carpathian Mountains, part of a wave of 20th-century migration driven by difficult economic times2. Some say they may have met on the ship that brought them to Canada.2

They each married and raised families, but no matter where life took them, they stayed close. They met regularly to play cards and catch up at the Carpatho-Russian cultural centre, building a bond that lasted decades and continued beyond their lifetimes.

This kind of friendship, and now living arrangement, is part of a growing movement in Canada known as the Golden Girls model. It’s a new way for seniors to share homes instead of moving into care facilities. It helps fight loneliness and can make housing more affordable. In 2019, a bill called the Golden Girls Act was introduced in Ontario to make shared housing easier and more protected by law.3

The movement has grown beyond Toronto, too. In my hometown of Sudbury, for example, a group of women created the Golden Girls Network to help seniors learn more about shared housing. They want people to know that this way of living can offer friendship, safety, and support. It’s not just about saving money, it’s also about finding joy and community in later life.4

  • Prospect Cemetery gates
    Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Prospect Cemetery

Prospect Cemetery opened in 1890 and has been part of Toronto’s landscape ever since, with peaceful paths and historic stones that reflect more than a century of stories.5

We visited on a chilly, grey day in late April 2025. My fiancé and I were staying in Toronto with friends, and they suggested we take a stroll through the cemetery. The cemetery is quite large, and many locals use it for dog walks, bike lessons and quiet strolls.

Our friends were more than happy to show us around, especially to show us the grave of the well-known Golden Girls.

We found their final resting place easily. The red granite stone sits right along the path. At the top, where a family name would usually be, is the word “Friends”, followed by the names and dates for each woman.

Pauline Chorna was the first to pass away on January 30, 1977.

Annie Hrynchak followed on February 6, 1993, at the age of 87.

Anna Baran also passed away on February 6, 1996, 3 years later, at the age of 91.

Nellie Handiak, who had purchased the cemetery plot back in 1968, was the last of the group to pass away.2 She died on June 22, 2006, at the age of 97.

  • "Friends" gravestone in Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON
    Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

Handiak’s daughter, Jeannie, honoured one of her mother’s final wishes by slipping a deck of cards into her casket.2

When Handiak first told her daughter that everything had already been arranged, even the headstone, Jeannie was taken aback. “Oh, we got that too. We’re gonna be ‘friends’”, her mother had said.2 When asked why, her answer was simple: cards. So when Jeannie placed that deck of cards in the casket, she made sure the four friends could carry on their favourite card games in the afterlife.2

Their story continues to be shared online and in local news, and their gravestone has become a small point of interest for visitors who are moved by their friendship.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering through Prospect Cemetery, take a moment to visit their grave. It might leave you thinking differently about getting older and about how powerful true friendship can be.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Who are the Golden Girls of Prospect Cemetery and why did they decide to spend eternity together? | Toronto Star
  2. Best Friends…Forever | Toronto Star (through Pressreader)
  3. Golden Girls Act to help seniors access shared housing | Registered Nurse Journal
  4. ‘Golden Girls’ concept expands to Sudbury, Northern Ontario | Sudbury Star
  5. Prospect Cemetery | Find a Grave

A Gift Guide for Taphophiles: 2025 Edition

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It’s that time of year again, for my annual gift guide for fellow taphophiles!

I can’t believe this is already the fourth edition, but it has quickly become one of my favourite posts to put together. Curating cemetery-themed goodies always feels a bit like treasure hunting, and this year’s list was especially fun to build.

Earlier in November, I tried something new and asked for suggestions to help shape this year’s roundup. The response was fantastic! You shared links, ideas, small shops, artists, and quirky treasures I had never seen before. This guide is a mix of your recommendations, creative finds from makers in the community, and a few items I discovered during my own wanderings this year.

Altogether, it has turned into a great list of 13 gifts any taphophile would be happy to unwrap!

Mortality bumper sticker by Cat Coven

This bumper sticker is a fun pick for anyone drawn to old New England gravestone imagery. The design has a perfect mix of humour and memento mori vibes, making it a great little gift for the cemetery fan in your life who appreciates both style and a touch of existential flair.

Find it at catcoven.com

  • Mortality bumper sticker by Cat Coven
    Mortality bumper sticker. Photo by Cat Coven

Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC

If you know someone interested in cleaning older gravestones safely, this junior kit is a great place to start. The kit follows the same guidelines used by preservation professionals, which makes it a solid option for beginners or anyone who wants to care for family stones or local historic markers (with permission, of course).

Find it at gravestonecleaner.com

  • Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC
    Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC

Our Darling gravestone replica by Weeping Widow Antiques

This 3D-printed gravestone is a beautiful, miniature reproduction of a real zinc gravestone for a little boy who passed away in 1882. Every side is detailed, from the praying child to the floral accents. It is perfect for a cabinet of curiosities, shelf display, or as a keepsake. This is also the second time Weeping Widow Antiques has been featured in my annual guide. I am always drawn to their beautiful reproductions!

Find it on Etsy.

  • Our Darling gravestone replica by Weeping Widow Antiques
    Our Darling gravestone replica. Photo Weeping Widow Antiques

Winged Death Head necklace by Red Moth Jewelry

This handmade sterling silver necklace is a beautiful nod to the old winged death head motif found on early New England gravestones. The necklace comes with a sterling silver chain in your choice of length, so you can wear it exactly how you like. Each one is made individually, so every piece has its own subtle charm.

Find it at redmothjewelry.com

  • Winged Death Head Necklace by Red Moth Jewelry
    Winged Death Head Necklace. Photo by Red Moth Jewelry

Memento Mori decorative pillow by Spider Bite

This decorative pillow is a fun, cozy nod to cemetery aesthetics. Made from soft grey minky fabric with black embroidery, it’s perfect for adding a touch of graveyard charm to any room.

Find it on Etsy.

  • Memento Mori decorative pillow by Spider Bite
    Memento Mori decorative pillow. Photo by Spider Bite

Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black

This guidebook is a great pick for anyone who loves digging into cemetery symbolism. Gina Black shares her knowledge from years of exploring burial grounds around the world, breaking down the meanings behind the designs, motifs and architectural details we often walk past.

Find it on Amazon.

  • Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black
    Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black. Photo from Amazon.

Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab

This black tee features a playful design by Steffi Lai, first seen on the 2024 Cemetery Scavenger Hunt tote bag. Made from soft material and printed locally in Canada, it is comfortable, stylish, and perfect for wearing on your cemetery adventures.

Find it at talkdeath.com

  • Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab
    Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab. Photo by TalkDeath

Taphophile Society sticker by Wirehed Laboratories

This vinyl sticker is a fun way to show your love for all things cemetery-related. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and sturdy enough for cars, water bottles, or any surface you feel like decorating. The design is perfect for anyone who proudly identifies as a taphophile.

Find it on Etsy.

  • Taphophile Society Sticker by Wirehed Laboratories

To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

If you enjoy gravestone recipes, this book belongs on your shelf! To Die For gathers forty recipes that families chose to preserve on or alongside their loved ones’ gravestones. Rosie Grant pairs each dish with photos and family stories that highlight the connection between food and memory. This is a great gift for anyone who loves a mix of history and heartfelt storytelling.

Find it on Amazon.

I reviewed To Die For back in October. You can read that review at chantallarochelle.ca

  • To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant
    To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones

This vinyl sticker is a fun little nod to anyone who can’t pass a cemetery without stopping for a closer look. It’s waterproof, durable, and the right size for decorating your water bottle, laptop, or notebook. This is the second time Magic in Our Bones has been featured in my annual guide, which says a lot about how fun their creations are!

Find it on Etsy.

  • Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones
    Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones

Graveyard Wanderer tote bag by Graveyard Wanders

If you love a practical bag for your cemetery outings, this one fits the bill. The Graveyard Wanderer tote has a sturdy sipper to keep everything secure and a handy inner pocket that is just the right size for the little things that always end up at the bottom of the bag. The silver-embroidered Gothic lettering adds a nice touch, and it’s roomy enough for notebooks, snacks, or whatever you like to bring along on your wanderings.

Find it here, at graveyardwanders.com.

  • Graveyard Wanderer tote bag by Graveyard Wanders
    Graveyard Wanderer tote bag. Photo by Graveyard Wanders

Die Laugh Love illustration by Heather Buchanan

This 8 x 10 print is darkly funny and full of charm. A playful memento mori, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates a mix of Gothic wit and clever irreverent art. Heather also has a whole cemetery of gravestone illustrations to choose from!

Find it at heatherbuchanen.ca

  • Die Laugh Love illustration by Heather Buchanan
    Die Laugh Love illustration. Photo by Heather Buchanan

The Graveyard art print by Katherine Blower

This dark and moody scene invites the viewer to imagine the story behind the ghost searching through the cemetery. Printed on lightly textured, gallery-grade cotton paper with a white border for easy framing. It makes a striking addition to any Taphophiles collection or home decor.

Find it at redbubble.com

  • The Graveyard art print by Katherine Blower
    The Graveyard art print. Photo by Katherine Blower

And that wraps up the 2025 edition of the gift guide!

I love seeing how much the cemetery-loving community grows and connects each year, and this list really shows that spirit. Whether you are shopping for someone else or treating yourself, I hope you found something that sparks a little joy.

Here’s to another season of celebrating the art, history, and offbeat charm we all appreciate.

Thanks for reading!

Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle is not affiliated with any of these brands and artists. I do not receive any proceeds from sales. I am just sharing products I love!

Cemetery Recipes: Scotcharoo Bars

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After taking a break from gravestone recipes over the summer, I’m excited to dive back in with a sweet treat that has a story. Kari Jo Lozenski’s Scotcharoo Bars seemed like the perfect place to start.

Kari was known for her energy, kindness, and the way she brought people together. She managed the AmericInn Hotel in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she was named National General Manager of the Year in 2015.1 She was also a devoted mom and an active part of her community.

Baking was one of her favourite things to do, and she earned the nickname “Betty Crocker” from friends and family, who loved her treats.1 Kari passed away from breast cancer in 2020, leaving behind memories of good food, laughter, and a whole lot of love.1

  • Gravestone of Kari Jo Lozenski.
    Gravestone of Kari Jo Lozenski. Photo by Tasha Tietz, Graveyard Girl. Used with permission.

According to her gravestone, which can be found in Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen, this recipe was one of her favourites:

Scotcharoo Bars

  • 6 Cups crushed Rice Crispies
  • 1 1/4 Cup Corn Syrup
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 1 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1/2 Bag Butterscotch Chips
  • 1/2 Bag Chocolate Chips

| Crush the Rice Crispies in a big bowl and then measure them out. In a Pan | Add Sugar, CS, PB & Honey. | Heat that until the sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil. Put in pan and melt chips over top and that’s it!!

  • Gravestone of Kari Jo Lozenski
    Gravestone recipe found on the gravestone of Kari Jo Lozenski. Photo by Tasha Tietz, Graveyard Girl. Used with permission.

In The Kitchen

I went into this recipe thinking it would be quick and simple, but the more I studied the recipe, the more tiny question marks popped up. A quick online search cleared some things up, so I gathered my ingredients and cookware and got started.

  • Ingredients to make Scotcharoo Bars

When I reached out to Tasha Tietz, also known as Graveyard Girl, to ask for permission to use her photos for this post, I also asked if she had any advice for making these bars. Her biggest tip was to use the largest bowl I owned because the crushed Rice Crispies will get everywhere. I usually try to follow gravestone recipes as closely as possible, but I decided I wouldn’t be crushing mine up. I did take her bowl advice, though.

From there, it all came together pretty quickly. I measured out the sugar, corn syrup, honey and peanut butter, then warmed everything on the stove. I kept a close eye on the mixture to make sure it didn’t boil and waited until the sugar was dissolved completely. Once it looked smooth, I poured it over the Rice Crispies and gently folded everything together with a spatula. Then I pressed the mixture into a 9×13 pan, having forgotten to butter it, of course.

The topping was supposed to be a mix of butterscotch and chocolate chips, but my butterscotch had definitely seen better days. I stuck with straight melted milk chocolate chips, which gave the bars a thinner top layer, but honestly, considering the sugar load in this recipe, it didn’t feel like a loss.

That unbuttered pan did come back to haunt me when I tried to cut the bars after they had cooled. Thankfully, a few minutes in the oven at 350°F loosened everything enough for me to pry them out. Crisis averted!

  • Scotcharoo Bars

The final result was sweet and chewy, and perfect with a cold glass of milk. Although I didn’t make them exactly according to Kari’s recipe, I did have a lot of fun trying, and they still tasted delicious in the end. I hope I did her memory justice by bringing her recipe to life in my own kitchen.

Recreating Kari’s Scotcharoo Bars was a great way to ease back into gravestone recipes. This recipe is simple, sweet, and exactly the kind of treat that disappears fast. A nice way to spend an afternoon experimenting in the kitchen, remembering Kari and sharing food.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Kari Jo (Ulmer) Lozenski (Obituary) | Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory

Cemetery Book Review: Remembrance

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November feels like the right time to settle in with a book about memory, loss, and the people who shaped the world before us.

The author of Remembrance, Norman S. Track, kindly reached out and shared a PDF copy with me to review. Self-published in 2019 through Blurb, the book explores war memorials and cemeteries around the world, focusing on how we honour and remember lives shaped by conflict.

With Remembrance Day having just passed, the theme hits close to home.

Here is the book synopsis from Blurb:

“A September 1970 trip to Warsaw, unexpectedly, started me on a journey of memory and remembrance. Twenty-six years later, while walking through the six towers of the Boston New England Holocaust Memorial, I felt myself back in rural Poland traversing the terrain of Treblinka, Gross Rosen, and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Four years later, after extensive study and thought, I traveled throughout Europe visiting sites where incidents occurred, both negative and positive, during the twelve years of the Third Reich. The photographic images of that journey are published in A Voice in the Ashes (2008).

The latest stop on my journey was a visit to Ohlsdorf Cemetery, Hamburg. On 11 May 2017 I photographed a number of military cemeteries, both German and Commonwealth. On the train back to Eppendorf, I started to see these Ohlsdorf images standing together with those from the historical landscape of the Third Reich—all speaking the language of remembrance. This collection of images is a first attempt to explore this concept.”

  • Book cover for Remembrance by Norman S. Track
    Remembrance by Norman S. Track

This is a beautiful book. The photos have a quiet strength to them and carry a lot of emotion. Every image is paired with text that weaves historical detail with the author’s personal experiences at these sites, giving you both facts and feelings. It feels like you’re learning about the past while also witnessing how it lives on in memory.

The layout is clean and simple, giving the photos room to speak for themselves. I love photo books that give the images room to breathe, and Remembrance does that really well. There is a strong balance of context, reflection, and personal connection that brings the sites and the author’s journey together.

If you enjoy cemetery photography, memorials, military history, or books that encourage you to slow down and think, this is a lovely choice. It’s a book meant to be experienced, and not skimmed. It carries a great deal of respect for the places it documents.

I’m always grateful to find cemetery-related books that explore memory with care, and this one does so in a sincere and thoughtful way.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you!

A Collection of Canadian Military Markers

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With Remembrance Day coming up on November 11, I have been thinking a lot about the quiet way we honour those who have served.

One of my favourite ways to reflect is by visiting military graves. There is something powerful about finding these simple, dignified markers in cemeteries across the country.

So, I thought this would be a meaningful time to share a collection of Canadian military gravestones that I have photographed over the years. Each one tells a story, and together they remind us that service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Zion Evangelical United Church Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024

Canadian Armed Forces members who pass away during service are honoured with a standard military tombstone. These gravestones are arranged through the Department of National Defence and placed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission when the marker is in one of their cemeteries, or by Public Works and Government Services Canada when it is in a civilian cemetery.1 The goal is to maintain a consistent style and honour each member with the same level of care.1

Veterans who are buried in civilian cemeteries can also receive grave marker support. Veterans Affairs Canada runs a Grave Marker Maintenance Program that repairs, cleans, and restores veteran markers across the country.2

In 2023 alone, more than 110,000 repairs were carried out in communities big and small.3 It is pretty incredible to think about how much work goes into preserving these stones and their stories.

  • First Baptist Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024
  • Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre, Burks Falls ON ©2023

There are clear rules that guide what goes on a military gravestone. The design is simple and respectful. Each one includes the person’s name, rank, service number, unit or branch, and date of death. If the family wishes, an approved religious emblem or a personal inscription can be added. The stones are all made in the same style and materials, so they stay uniform and recognizable.1

  • Cemetery of Saint John. the Divine 1911-1931, Byng Inlet ON ©2021
  • Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon SK ©2011
  • Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon SK ©2011
  • St. John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kirkfield ON ©2022

Military graves remind us that history is not just something in books. It’s carved in stone and tended with care. Next time you are exploring a cemetery and you see one of these markers, take a moment to pause.

Lest we forget.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Military headstones | Government of Canada
  2. Grave marker maintenance | Veterans Affairs Canada
  3. Over 110,000 repairs made to Veteran grave markers across the country | Government of Canada

October Stone Stories: The Bird Family and Woodchester Villa

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Even though Halloween has just passed, it still feels like a perfect time to share another ghost story.

One that stands out is the tale of the Bird family of Bracebridge, Ontario, and the mysterious history of Woodchester Villa. A house known for both its striking architecture and its lingering ghostly rumours.

In April of 2024, my mother and I took a trip to Bracebridge to explore this unique historic site. It was Easter weekend and our first road trip of the season. The Spring thaw had come early, but spring itself hadn’t quite arrived yet. The trees were bare, and the grass was still brown, giving the whole day an autumn feel.

It was fitting, since we were there to visit ghosts.

Woodchester Villa. Bracebridge ON ©2024

Henry James Bird

Built in 1882, Woodchester Villa was the dream home of Henry James Bird, a successful wool mill owner who made his mark in Bracebridge, Ontario.1 Henry was born on January 3, 1842, in Woodchester, England, the youngest of eleven children.2 He learned the wool trade in his home country before spending time in Australia and the United States, eventually settling in Canada in 1867.2

Before finding his footing in Bracebridge, Henry worked for the Rosamond Woollen Company in Lanark County.2 A few years later, he bought a mill in Glen Allan, but after a terrible flood damaged the property, he decided it was time for a change.2 Tragically, before he could make the move north, his first wife, Sarah Jane Fraser, and their two young children died of tuberculosis.2 In 1872, Henry moved to Bracebridge, where he opened the Bird Woollen Mill beside the falls.2

Henry quickly became a respected businessman and community leader. He served on the town council and helped bring new public utilities to the growing town, including its first water and fire protection systems.2 His success and civic pride eventually led him to build his grand home, naming it “Woodchester” after the village where his story began.2

Woodchester Villa

Although Woodchester Villa was ahead of its time, it’s also long been tied to strange happenings that add to its eerie charm. The house was closed during our visit, but we spent plenty of time admiring its design and reading the educational panels scattered around the property. They helped us picture what life might have been like for the Bird family living within those walls.

I wandered around the grounds with my camera, hoping to catch a flicker of movement from inside. We didn’t see any spirits, but the landscape itself felt charged, as if the past still lingered quietly on that secluded hilltop.

Woodchester Villa is one of Ontario’s finest examples of an Octagonal house.1 The eight-sided design was inspired by Orson Squire Fowler, an American phrenologist and author who believed octagon homes were healthier and more efficient than traditional square houses.1 Bird fully embraced this philosophy, creating a three-storey home that blended innovation with comfort.2

Inside, the villa featured some impressive amenities for the late 1800s, like indoor plumbing supplied by rainwater tanks on the second floor, a ventilation system that circulated air throughout the house, and even electric lighting, which was rare for the time.2

Woodchester Villa. Bracebridge ON ©2024

For all its beauty and history, Woodchester Villa has a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in Bracebridge. Behind its restored walls, many believe something otherworldly lingers.3

Stories tell of a spectral woman and two ghostly children who seem to wander the rooms.3 Visitors and staff have reported hearing the soft cries of a baby, the quick steps of little feet on the upper floors, and the faint sound of a woman’s voice singing somewhere in the distance.3 Cold spots are often felt throughout the house, especially near the basement stairs. Some have also described the air growing so cold they could see their breath, even in the middle of summer.3

While no one can say for sure who these spirits are, many believe the ghostly woman could be Henry Bird’s first wife, Sarah Jane, accompanied by their two young children.3 All three died of tuberculosis before Henry moved to Bracebridge. Perhaps, as Andrew Hind suggests in Muskoka’s Most Haunted 2, their sudden, tragic deaths left them unable to rest, and they followed Bird north to the home he would later build.3

The idea is both eerie and oddly touching. If the spirits truly belong to Henry’s lost family, Woodchester may represent the life they were meant to share, their love quietly echoing through the halls, long after death.

Bracebridge United Cemetery

After exploring the villa grounds, we visited the nearby Bracebridge United Cemetery, where Henry James Bird and his family are buried.

After some searching, we found the graves of Henry, his second wife Mary Matilda Bird, and several of their children, including Margaret Elizabeth and Catherine.

The cemetery was quiet and calm, yet the connection between the villa and the family’s final resting place added an eerie layer to our visit. Standing at Henry’s grave, I felt surrounded by history and maybe something more. Whether it’s the family’s hardships or the strange energy tied to their home, the Bird story seems to linger beyond the grave.

Bracebridge United Cemetery, Bracebridge ON ©2024

The Bird family’s story and their haunted home remind us how easily history and mystery can intertwine. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s something about Woodchester Villa that still feels alive with the past.

For anyone interested in cemetery tourism or dark local history, this hauntingly beautiful site is well worth the visit.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Woodchester Villa, Bracebridge | Ontario Heritage Trust
  2. Woodchester History | Bracebridge The heart of Muskoka
  3. Muskoka’s Most Haunted 2 by Andrew Hind | Book

Cemetery Book Review: To Die For

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October is full of gatherings. Friends, family, and food, all come together this time of year, with Thanksgiving feasts and Halloween parties aplenty. And what better spooky treat to bring to a fall party than a recipe made from a gravestone?

That’s exactly what Rosie Grant’s new book, To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes, is all about. As someone who often tries out gravestone recipes, I knew this cookbook had to be added to my collection and, of course, reviewed on the blog!

Rosie Grant is a digital archivist and cemetery enthusiast known as @GhostlyArchive on social media. While interning at Washington, D.C.’s Congressional Cemetery, she began to notice the unique things people had engraved on their gravestones.1 After some digging, she discovered that some even included recipes.1 That discovery sparked her project of cooking gravestone recipes and sharing the stories behind them, which eventually led to her new book, To Die For.1

Published in 2025 by HarperCollins, To Die For includes 40 recipes collected from gravestones around the world. Each recipe comes with beautiful full-colour photographs, stories about the people behind the dishes, and even tips on how to document your own family recipes.

Here is a bit of the synopsis from Goodreads:

“For so many, food is a touching, nostalgic thing that brings us together. So much so that some families choose to remember their loved ones through the dishes they made and the food that brought comfort to those around them by immortalizing their recipes on their gravestones.

Thoughtfully and respectfully explored, Rosie has documented this connection between food, legacy, and family, remembering the deceased through the recipes they most loved, and giving their families a platform to share their loved one’s story and cherished dish with the world.”

  • Book cover for To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant
    To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

This is a gorgeous book. The cover illustrations are lovely, and the glossy photos that accompany each recipe are beautiful. The recipes are organized into familiar categories like cookies & brownies, pies & cobblers, and also includes a few savoury dishes too. One of my favourite touches is the inclusion of sample menus at the back of the book. They show how to create an entire meal using only gravestone recipes, which I thought was a fun addition.

What really makes To Die For special though, are the stories. Grant includes personal notes and memories from the families, showing how food connects generations. The stories are touching and heartfelt, reminding us that a recipe is more than just a list of ingredients. It can be a memory, a legacy, and a link to those we’ve lost.

To Die For is a must-read for anyone who loves cemeteries, cooking, or the idea of keeping memories alive through food. It’s a perfect October read, and it would make a great addition to any cookbook shelf. I’ve already tried about half of the recipes in this book, but I’m looking forward to trying out more.

Whether you bake something from its pages or just enjoy the stories, this book captures the sweetness of remembrance in such a unique way.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you!

References:

  1. How making recipes etched on gravestones changed this student’s perspective on death | CBC

October Cemetery Stories: Canada’s Most Haunted Cemetery

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Some cemeteries feel alive with history, and sometimes with something else entirely!

Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls is one of those places. Known as the site of one of the fiercest battles of the War of 1812, it’s also considered Canada’s most haunted cemetery.

Long before its haunted reputation took hold, Drummond Hill was a popular tourist stop, even rivalling Niagara Falls. Visitors came for battlefield tours led by veterans eager to share their stories.1

  • The gates of Drummond Hill Cemetery
    Cemetery gates. Drummond Hill Cemetery, Niagara Falls ON ©2024

Drummond Hill Cemetery

Drummond Hill was once farmland, but on July 25, 1814, it became the site of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, one of the bloodiest conflicts of the War of 1812.2 The hill’s high ground made it strategically important, and the fighting went on for six hours before darkness and heavy losses brought it to an end.2 Both sides lost more than 800 men, and although each claimed victory, the Americans withdrew the next day, ending their advance into Upper Canada.2

Today, a large stone monument stands on the hill to honour those who fought and to mark the battlefield.3 Beneath it lies a vault containing the remains of 22 British soldiers.3

The first recorded burial at Drummond Hill is John Burch. He was originally buried on his farm in 1797 and re-interred here in 1799.3 That means this ground was already being used as a burial place well before the battle. Over time, the cemetery grew to roughly 4 acres and now contains more than 25,000 burials.4 The site is managed by the City of Niagara Falls and remains semi-active, though plots are no longer for sale.3

Among those buried here are veterans, Loyalist settlers, and many early Niagara families. One of the most visited graves belongs to Laura Secord, the woman who warned British forces of an American attack during the War of 1812.4 Another notable grave is that of Karel Soucek, the daredevil who famously survived his barrel plunge over Niagara Falls.5 You will also find markers and monuments for soldiers and local leaders from the region’s early days.3

Drummond Hill Cemetery, Niagara Falls ON ©2024

Haunted

With its violent past and long history, it’s no surprise Drummond Hill has a haunted reputation. Many stories connect back to the battle, where soldiers were killed and buried on the grounds.6 Visitors and locals have reported seeing ghostly soldiers walking among the gravestones, or appearing at a distance before fading away.6

It’s said that the cemetery is haunted by two distinct groups of soldiers.1 One group is a troop of five soldiers dressed in Royal Scots uniforms, limping across the former battlefield before vanishing.1 The second group is said to consist of three British Soldiers in red coats, slowly making their way up the hill and settling into a steady march, before disappearing.1

Laura Secord’s monument, which features a lifelike bust, has also been linked to supernatural occurrences. Some visitors say that her statue seems to watch them as they walk by, as if she’s still keeping a watchful eye on things.1 These reports, combined with the age of the cemetery and its battlefield history, make Drummond Hill a place where history and the supernatural feel closely connected.1

  • View of the Skylon tower from the cemetery.
    Drummond Hill Cemetery, Niagara Falls ON ©2024

When I visited Drummond Hill, I made sure to stop at Laura Secord’s grave. Standing in front of her stone was moving, knowing her bravery has become such a lasting part of Canadian history.

During my visit, I did have one unsettling experience, but it had nothing to do with the supernatural.

I came across someone under the influence, wandering through the cemetery. For the first time in all my cemetery visits, I felt unsafe. It was a harsh reminder of how deeply the opioid crisis has reached into our communities, even historic sites like this. That moment pulled me out of the past and reminded me of the struggles happening right now.

Drummond Hill Cemetery is layered with stories. It carries the weight of the War of 1812, the lives of pioneers and heroes, and the ghostly legends of soldiers who never left. It’s a place where history and mystery meet, and where the past feels close. Visiting left me reflecting not only on the history that shaped this ground, but also on the realities of the present.

Haunted or not, Drummond Hill remains one of Canada’s most fascinating and important cemeteries.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Haunted Cemeteries: True Tales From Beyond the Grave by Edrick Thay | Book
  2. Battle of Lundy’s Lane National Historic Site of Canada | Government of Canada
  3. Drummond Hill Cemetery | City of Niagara Falls
  4. Drummond Hill Cemetery | Find a Grave
  5. Karel Soucek | Find a Grave
  6. The Most Haunted Cemetery in Canada is Drummond Hill | Ghost Walks

October Stone Stories: The Haunting of Bell Mansion

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Some places just have a presence.

You can’t help but notice them. The Bell Mansion in Sudbury, Ontario, is one of those places. It’s grand, full of history, and, if the stories are true, maybe even haunted.

Despite its spooky reputation, it’s also been a popular spot for wedding photos, with its striking architecture offering a mix of romance and a touch of haunted charm.

But while the mansion still stands for now, its future is uncertain, and its past lingers in more ways than one.

The Bell Mansion. Sudbury, ON ©2024

The Bell Family

William Joseph Bell, better known as Willie Joe, was born in Pembroke, Ontario, in 1858.1 He started in the lumber industry at just 18, working as a scaler and lumberjack in Quebec.1 By the time he moved to Northern Ontario in 1896, he had already made a name for himself.1 He quickly climbed the ranks, becoming Vice-President and General Manager of the Spanish River Lumber Company in 1901.1 His influence didn’t stop there; he also ran a hardware company and sat on the board of National Grocers Ltd.1

In 1886, he married Katherine Skead, the daughter of an Ottawa senator, and the couple eventually settled in Sudbury.1 Beyond business, they were generous community builders. Their greatest gift may be Bell Park, a beautiful green space on Ramsey Lake, which they donated in 1926.2 A gift that continues to benefit Sudbury today.

The park remains one of the city’s most beloved gathering spots, offering accessible recreation for people of all ages. Just as Bell Park connects residents with nature, the Bell Mansion connects them with the city’s past, standing as a reminder of the Bells’ influence and Sudbury’s early growth.

The Bell Mansion

Built in 1907, the Bell Mansion, also known as Belrock, is beautiful. Made from local stone in the Arts and Crafts style, the house once sat on 155 acres, stretching from Elizabeth Street down to Ramsey Lake.3,4 That land is now Bell Park, but back then it was all part of the Bell’s massive estate. The mansion itself is a 6,000-square-foot beauty, complete with a coach house, greenhouse, and a separate house for the servants.4

On December 3, 1955, disaster struck when a fire gutted the home, leaving little more than stone walls standing.5 Only one room survived—the conservatory.5 The Nickel Lodge Masons bought the property, but their rebuilding plans never came to life.5 For more than a decade, the mansion sat empty until the Centennial Committee of the Chamber of Commerce led renovations in 1966.5 Two years later, ownership was transferred to Laurentian University, which leased the space to the Art Gallery of Sudbury.5

For decades, the gallery displayed countless exhibits within the mansion’s walls. But what fascinates people just as much as the art are the ghost stories.

Over the years, people have reported eerie sounds such as rustling skirts, heels clicking across the floor, and even ghostly horses neighing outside.6 Many believe Katherine Bell still keeps watch over her home.6 Staff and security have both described phantom footsteps, loud crashes with nothing disturbed, and objects disappearing only to reappear days later.5

The most memorable stories involve a woman’s voice that can be heard eerily singing throughout the house. It’s seems to be loudest in the conservatory, the only room spared by the fire.5 Some say Katherine is still rehearsing for one last ghostly concert.5

She may not be alone. Visitors claim William Bell also makes his presence known, through heavy footsteps and sightings of a tall figure in a dark suit and top hat, quietly watching over the gallery.5

Another mystery once puzzled visitors: the sound of children laughing and playing inside the house, even though the Bells never had children of their own.5 The voices eventually faded, but the questions remain. Who were they, and what tied them to the mansion?5

In 2024, I visited to photograph the exterior. Though currently closed to the public and sadly in visible disrepair, the mansion still has an undeniable elegance, and definitely still has stories to tell.

The Bell Mansion. Sudbury, ON ©2024

Calvin United Church Cemetery

For all their ties to Sudbury, the Bells aren’t buried there.

Instead, they rest in Calvin United Church Cemetery in Pembroke, Ontario, a peaceful spot along Boundary Road East where six cemeteries line the street.

William Joseph Bell died in January 1945 at the age of 87 from complications of a leg injury, and was buried in the family plot.5 When Katherine Bell passed away in her home at age 90 in 1954, she was laid to rest beside him.7 William’s parents and three siblings are also buried in the family plot. Their large pink granite monument is simple and understated. It’s a sharp contrast to the grandeur of the mansion they left behind.

On my way back from Ottawa in 2024, I stopped in to visit their graves. Despite their prominence in Sudbury, I was surprised they weren’t buried there. With the help of reference photos, I eventually found their gravestone and was able to pay my respects.

Bell family plot. Calvin United Church Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024

Today, the fate of the Bell Mansion is uncertain.

In late 2024, Laurentian University announced it would list the property for sale, saying repairs were too costly.8 The Art Gallery of Sudbury, which had long occupied the mansion, has already relocated as part of Laurentian’s insolvency process.8

In response, local advocates launched a petition urging that the grounds remain open to the public and that the heritage designation be respected.9 Many argue the mansion is too important a piece of Sudbury’s history to lose.10 That is one of the reasons I felt it was important to photograph it and share its story.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that this house has a past worth remembering.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. The History of Bell Rock | Local Color
  2. Appreciating the legacy of Bell Park | Sudbury.com
  3. Bell Mansion provides touch of elegance | Northern Ontario Business
  4. Turning Bell Mansion into a historical teaching tool | Sudbury.com
  5. Haunted Museums & Galleries of Ontario by Andrew Hind | Book
  6. Ten haunted habitations and spooky sites in Greater Sudbury | Sudbury.com
  7. The History of The Bell Mansion | Art Gallery of Sudbury
  8. Historic Bell Mansion in Sudbury, Ont., listed for $1M | CBC
  9. Sale shouldn’t limit access to Bell Mansion grounds, petition states | Sudbury.com
  10. Bell Mansion’s heritage should be protected, local history buffs say | Sudbury.com

A Collection of Freemason Symbols

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After visiting countless cemeteries, you start to notice patterns. Symbols that repeat in different styles and settings. Some are subtle, while others are bold, but each carry its own meaning.

For today’s collection, I want to take a closer look at the symbols associated with the Freemasons and share some examples I’ve photographed over the years.

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most widespread fraternal organizations in the world. It began with stonemason guilds of the late Middle Ages.1 Over time, it became a society that focuses on moral integrity, personal growth, and helping the community, all while keeping rituals and symbols that have been passed down for centuries.1 Membership was traditionally men only, and lodges operate under larger governing bodies called Grand Lodges.1

Although often secretive, Freemasonry is not a religion. It is a system of moral and ethical teachings that encourages members to live good lives, help others, and seek knowledge.1 Its symbols, which appear in cemeteries, and historic buildings, serve as reminders of ethics, morality, and brotherhood.2

  • Square and compass
    Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph ON ©2007

Possibly the most iconic symbol of Freemasonry is the square and compass, tools once used by stonemasons. In Masonic teachings, the square represents acting morally and treating others fairly.3 The compass symbol reminds members to control their desires.3 The “G” in the center is thought to represent Gnosis (the Greek word for knowledge), Generations (passing knowledge down through the ages), and God.3

  • Square and compass symbol on a gravestone.
    Nairn Community Cemetery, Nairn Centre ON ©2021
  • Square and compass emblem on a gravestone
    Park Lawn Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2022
  • Square and compass symbol on a gravestone
    Pinehill Union Cemetery, Mattawa ON ©2023

Another common gravestone symbol shows two hands clasped in a handshake. If both hands have suit cuffs, it is a fraternal handshake, symbolizing brotherhood.3

  • Fraternal handshake on a white bronze marker
    Walkerton Cemetery Walkerton ON ©2025

If one hand points a finger down, it is a Masonic handshake, showing that the deceased was a Freemason.3

  • A masonic handshake on a gravestone
    Sylvan Valley Cemetery, Echo Bay ON ©2019

A rare version, the double Masonic handshake, shows both hands pointing a finger down, mimicking the square and compass symbol.3

  • A double Masonic handshake.
    Little Rapids Cemetery, Little Rapids ON ©2023

The Freemasons also have a sister organization called the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). It was created to allow female relatives of Master Masons to join in Masonic activities. Today, both men and women can become members.

The OES symbol is an inverted five-pointed star, with each point representing one of the five Biblical heroines and the different roles that a woman can play in life.3 Some people mistake the inverted star as evil or witchcraft, but it actually stands for humility and sacrifice. It’s a reminder of the organization’s values: charity, loyalty, and moral integrity.4

  • Inverted star symbol for the Order of the Eastern star.
    Eyre Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2011

Symbols used by the Freemasons and the Order of the Eastern Star offer us an interesting way to look at history, values, and community. Whether carved in stone or hidden in plain sight, each symbol tells a story and encourages reflection.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. What is Freemasonry | The Grand Lodge of Ohio
  2. Behind the Masonic Symbols: The Square and Compasses | The Grand Lodge of Ohio
  3. Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards by Tui Snider | Book
  4. Behind the Masonic Symbols: The Eye of Providence | The Grand Lodge of Ohio
  5. The Pentagram: Masonic? Satanic? Or What? | Freemasons for Dummies