If you spend a lot of time in cemeteries, especially in Northern Ontario, you will start to notice the repetition of certain symbols and motifs. In Ontario and Quebec, something I have come across frequently is handmade stones.
These stones have been lovingly hand-poured in cement, adorned with crucifixes, stones, and other baubles, and usually have hand lettering. They are beautiful representations of love for those who have passed. There could be many reasons why a handmade stone was created, and each one is unique and beautiful with its own charm.
I love finding handmade stones and have photographed many over the years. I wanted to share some of them with you.
Long Lake Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2011
Timmins Memorial Cemetery, Timmins ON ©2017 Notre Dame de Lourdes Cemetery, Municipality of French River/Aban ON ©2021
Chute-Saint-Philippe cemetery, Chute-Saint-Philippe QC ©2014 Cadillac Cemetery, Cadillac QC ©2016 Holy Family Roman Catholic New Cemetery, Britt ON ©2021
Blezard Valley Cemetery, Blezard Valley ON ©2016