Who We Are

Our Valued Staff

Mr. Jeffrey S. Scott, Licensed Funeral Director

Jeff is a third generation funeral director, licensed for more than 25 years. Originally from Woodbridge, Ontario, Jeff and his wife Valerie have recently relocated to Barrie following the purchase of the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Homes. Previously, Jeff was the President of the Trillium Funeral Service Corporation, the largest funeral provider in Ontario and Senior Vice-President of Arbor Memorial Services, overseeing the funeral group which extended from coast to coast. Jeff is excited at the opportunity to serve families first hand once again. Having always believed that funeral homes should be a part of the living community, Jeff is eager to get involved locally.

Ms. Valerie L. Scott, Licensed Funeral Director

Valerie grew up in Hamilton and has been a licensed funeral director for over 25 years. Valerie has also received a certificate in "Life Threatening Illness, Grief and Bereavement".

Valerie and Jeff have two children, Rachel and Joshua both of whom are attending universities in Ontario.

In 2011, Valerie was nominated for Business Woman of the Year. She is also a Rotarian, a member of the Barrie-Huronia Club, an active volunteer, active buddy (facilitator) and Director on the board for the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children. In addition, she is a member of the strategic planning and fundraising committees, very involved in Hospice Simcoe Palliative Care as a client volunteer, and is a fundraising committee member for C.O.P.E. Service Dogs.

Mr. Roger E. Leistra, General Manager / Licensed Funeral Director

Roger graduated with Distinction from the University of Toronto, earning an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in 1993. Following completion of the Funeral Service Education program, Roger worked with Turner and Porter Funeral Directors in Toronto for 11 years. It was during this time that he met his wife, Catie, whom he married in 2003. In 2005, Roger and his family moved to Barrie, accepting the position of General Manager of Steckley-Gooderham Inc. The ever-growing family (currently at 4 young, incredibly busy boys) are active members of Grace United Reform Church in Oro, and Roger is a member of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to Roger and Catie on the birth of their fourth son Seth.

Mrs. Susan Booth, Preplanning Director

Susan grew up in Toronto and moved to Barrie in the spring of 2009. Married for 15 years to her husband John, they have one daughter, Amanda. Susan was a nurse at a large Toronto hospital and then ventured into the automotive world where she was a service manager for Lexus. Ten years later, Susan graduated from the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College and became a licensed funeral director in 2000. Specializing in preplanning for the past four years, Susan is looking forward to her new life in Barrie. Recently, Susan has obtained her Life Insurance Licence.

Mrs Alice Holmes, Preplanning Director

Through her career, Alice has worked as a Funeral Director serving families in need, and as a Preplanning Director helping people design their own personalized funeral. Alice, her husband Scott, and their two children moved to Barrie in 2009, and on Canada Day of 2010 they welcomed their third daughter. Alice is a member of the CWL and with her family are parishioners of Holy Spirit Church. Alice enjoys being a mother to her three girls and can attest that having so many little ones makes for a very busy and fun household. They are very happy to be a part this very beautiful and friendly city.

Mrs. Wendy Sturgeon, Senior Administrator

Wendy (Horton) Sturgeon grew up in Stroud. Raised in the once small village, Wendy is the youngest of three children born to Charles and Doreen Horton. Shortly after moving to Barrie in 1996, Wendy was offered a position with Steckley-Gooderham. She began her time performing various duties including receptions and administration. Wendy became Senior Administrator in 2007.

In 2001, while working at a funeral service, she met her future husband Joe.They were married in October of 2005 and Joe brought his beautiful daughter Braidey into her life.

Mr. John Turvey, Licensed Funeral Director

Graduating from the Funeral Service Education Programme at Humber College in 1982, John has gained his experience with funeral homes both in Toronto and Orillia before joining us in the summer of 2011. John has two sons Patrick who is married to Bethany and Kyle in university. Involved with the Prostate Awareness group, Lions Club and the Orillia Fish and Game Club, John still finds the time to ride his motorcycle or do some hiking.

Mrs. Jodi Smith, Administrator

Jodi grew up in the city of St. Thomas, Ontario, where she met her husband Joe. Daughter to Gary and Irene Bodkin, she has one older sister and one younger brother. In April 2003, Joe and Jodi married and moved to the Barrie area. They both attend Emmanuel Baptist Church, where Jodi currently bakes for their café. Jodi's hobbies are mainly sewing and baking, while she also likes archery and karate.

In 2009, Jodi had a beautiful baby girl, Evelyn, but sadly, she passed away. In memory of her daughter, she sews Berevement Love Packages for Stillbirths and Preemies for the hospital in St. Thomas.

At her previous job, a big Customs Brokerage office, she has had almost four years experience in the Accounting Department, as well as a year of education in the Accounting field. At Steckley-Gooderham, she looks forward to learning new things and expanding her knowledge.

Jodi enjoys living in Barrie and is excited to serve the community!

Mr. Darren Cunliffe, Licensed Funeral Director

After a career in the transportation industry, Darren is living out a long time dream of being a funeral director. Although he is new to the Barrie area, he feels very privileged to serve the families of Barrie and surrounding Simcoe County, meeting new people and becoming active in the community. Darren's true joy in life is his daughter Jordan who was born in 2007. Darren is hoping to join the Lion's Club and is currently a member of the Masonic Lodge in his home town and hopes to move his membership to Barrie.

Darren was recently awarded the Thomas A. Humphrey Memorial Award and the Fabhaven Donald B. Steenson Memorial Award at Humber College in 2009 and 2010.

Ms. Meghan Jack, Licensed Funeral Director

Meghan graduated from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology with a diploma in Funeral Service Education in 2011. Meghan grew up in Paris, Ontario but is now happy to be living in the beautiful city of Barrie. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as taking her bulldog Winston for walks by the lake. Meghan looks forward to serving the Barrie community.

Mrs. Heather Perrier, Licensed Funeral Director

A licensed funeral director for ten years, Heather has gained experience in St. Catharines, Welland, and Toronto, before moving to Barrie in May 2010 with her husband Colin. She looks forward to serving the community. Heather is an avid runner, and has participated in many running events, including half and full marathons. She also enjoys traveling, playing guitar, and spending time with her dogs.

Ms. Lindsay Catling, Intern Funeral Director

Lindsay has had an interest in being a part of the funeral service industry for the past 6 years. Having completed her first year of studies at Humber College Institue of Technology & Advanced Learning, she is now continuing her education as an intern at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Homes.
Lindsay was born and raised in Barrie and is the eldest of three daughters born to Lee Ann and the late Darren. She also has two older step-brothers and a step-father, Tim. The passing of her father Darren in her early childhood has been a large influence on Lindsay's decision to become a Funeral Director.