Our Staff
We promise to work with you and your family in your time of need to create the perfect memorial service for your loved one. We will be here for you today, as well as tomorrow. Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.
We understand how difficult it is to lose a loved one. Our compassionate and caring team work hard each and every day to make sure that the members of our community and beyond are taken care of during such a difficult time. For advice on what to do when a loved one is dying, making funeral arrangements, pre-arranging your own funeral, or anything else, please feel free to contact us, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Brett Denning
Brett received his licence in 2002. His professionalism and caring nature has secured our reputation as the leading firm in the area. Brett enjoys his work with the Watford Optimist Club. He and his wife Courtney are the parents of three boys; Will, Nick and Alex and daughter Grace.
Email me at: brett@dennings.ca
Bill Denning
Bill wanted to be a funeral director since he was a young man helping his dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He received his licence in 1998. Bill has enjoyed being active in many professional associations as well as a number of local community groups. Bill is the proud father of Ben. Bill loves to help families create meaningful ways to say goodbye.
Email me at: bill@dennings.ca
Sam Di Cesare
Sam was licensed in 1997 and takes great care to ensure the families he serves are comfortable and at ease. Sam is quite possibly the most talented funeral technician in Ontario. Sam's passions outside the funeral home include gardening and caring for animals. Sam resides in Forest where he is always available to assist and serve the families of Lambton Shores and surrounding area.
Email me at: sam@dennings.ca
Brad Denning
Brad grew up around the funeral home. After the retirement of Bill Sr. and his father Al, Brad stepped into the management role in Strathroy. Nowadays, he manages the office and keeps our computers running. He has been a constant presence in the community since receiving his licence and returning to Strathroy in 1987. He is married to Marcy and is the proud father of Damon, Connor and Danielle.
Email me at: brad@dennings.ca
Jill Zavitz
Jill grew up in Strathroy and returned to her home town to add to her profession after she received her licence in 2005. She is available to meet with families at all of our chapels or in your home to discuss funeral planning options and provide assistance on the more than 100 separate notifications and cancellations required when death occurs. She and her husband John Artuso have one son, Cooper. She is an avid runner, book worm and foodie.
Email me at: jill@dennings.ca
Mary-Lyn Denning
Mary-Lyn has been a licensed Funeral Director since 2013. Mary-Lyn was born and raised in Strathroy and is the daughter of Rick and Lynn Denning. Mary-Lyn has a passion for assisting our families at the greatest time of need. This is what led her to joining her family in Strathroy at Denning’s as a fourth generation Funeral Director. She is the proud mother of Blair.
Email me at: mary-lyn@dennings.ca
Lee Shaun Williams
Lee is a caring and dedicated part of our team. As a funeral director, Lee is able to help families say goodbye and excels at helping create personalized experiences. She is the general manager of Denning's. Lee loves to visit and would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Email me at: lee@dennings.ca
Josh Denning
Josh Denning was born and raised in Strathroy along with his brothers Bill and Brett and their sister Lesley. Josh is the manager of all of Denning's Audio-Visual media. He looks after all the live-streams, creates the beautiful slideshows and supports the team with all of their technical needs. Josh has been married to his wife Lindsay for 16 years. They have two sons; Sam and Clark. They reside in Watford and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Email me at: josh@dennings.ca
Clara Patterson
Clara has lived in the Kerwood community with her husband Wayne for the past 45 years. While earning a living farming, together they raised three wonderful children. She loves to spend time with her four grandchildren. Clara became part of the Denning team in the fall of 2007. She understands the pain that is felt when losing a loved one. Her wish is that her presence provides some comfort to families during their time of loss.
Ann Moffatt
Anne retired from a career in banking after an incredible 46 years. She has been a great source of comfort to many through her work at the funeral homes. When she's not helping her husband Lyle farm, she can be found golfing, playing cards, paper toling or volunteering at Coffee Java at Strathroy Hospital. Anne is also a certified fitness instructor.
Don Degraw
Don has been a part of funeral service longer than anyone with the firm. He has complimented the work of a number of different funeral homes over the years before retiring to Glencoe and joining us. He is knowledgeable, caring and most of all professional. And he's still the first one to work!
Roxann Nethercott
Roxy has been a part of funeral service in West Elgin for many years. Her warm smile and natural approach with people are just two of her many qualities. She keeps herself busy working with the Rodney Horticultural Society and the West Elgin Nature Club.
Marg Varga
After retiring from the Bank of Montreal in West Lorne, Marg joined the funeral homes on a part time basis. Marg has been with us for over twenty years and has brought the families of West Elgin a great deal of comfort and compassion.
Martin Slaats
Martin has lived most of his life in Rodney. He is married to his lovely wife, Debbie and has three girls. Martin was a Sales Representative and retired from Canada Building Materials in 2016. He is actively involved with the Kiwanis Club of Rodney. After retiring, Martin began his venture with Denning’s. Martin is a natural fit in the funeral home with his easy going, approachable and professional demeanor.
Jamie Stevenson
Jamie works behinds the scenes at Denning's. She primarily provides assistance to the Estate Care, Pre-Planning, and Accounting departments. When she's not at work, you'll find her spending time with her family. Jamie loves music and photography, and she has a soft spot for animals. The beach is her happy place.
Brad Ward
Brad's responsibilities includes maintaining our Strathroy location, inside and out. Brad lives in Strathroy with his family and is an important part of our team!
