Funeral Director Brings 25 Years' Experience to Chesterfield
Picture
Caption:
Jenny Roome, Senior Funeral Director for Midlands Co-op Funeral Services
in Chesterfield.
Midlands Co-op Funeral Services has strengthened its funeral services in Chesterfield with the appointment of Jenny Roome as Senior Funeral Director.
Jenny has been promoted from within the service where she was a Funeral Director for Midlands Co-op’s funeral homes in Chaddesden and Spondon, Derbyshire.
Now responsible for the Chesterfield area Jenny manages a team of ten colleagues, across three funeral homes, and has a clear plan for further enhancing the services offered to families.
Jenny said: “For the majority of people the only contact they have with a funeral home is when they need to arrange a funeral and it can be quite daunting. In order to demystify the services we offer and dispel any myths people may have it’s my intention to allow the general public to interact with funeral home staff on an informal basis. This will enable them to become better informed if they find themselves in the unfortunate position of needing to arrange a funeral.
“I’m planning to arrange open days at our funeral homes to encourage people to come and see what it’s like inside and chat to staff who will be able to answer all those questions they didn’t dare to ask. These will be informal occasions with refreshments served and fundraising activities for Midlands Co-op’s corporate charity, Dogs for the Disabled. In addition I hope to develop links with other local groups and causes - in fact, I’ve just been ‘locked up’ for charity when I took part in the Leonard Cheshire Jail Break fundraiser to help raise funds for its invaluable services.
“I’m also looking for opportunities to talk about the role of a funeral director and would welcome invitations to talk at local events.”
Whilst studying for a business studies diploma her own father died. Inspired by the staff who arranged his funeral, Jenny was encouraged to apply for an administration position with a funeral home in Nottingham and since then has accumulated 25 years experience in the profession, the majority with Midlands Co-op Funeral Services.
She said: “This profession is so rewarding and you gain a great deal of job satisfaction from helping families through what must be the most distressing time of their lives. I always remember the support that my own family was given at the time of my father’s death and it’s always been my aim to offer that same level of support to the families that entrust me with their loved ones funeral arrangements.”
Over the years, Jenny has arranged many funerals and although funerals traditionally remain the same, she has noticed one major change, which is people’s perception. She said: “I believe that death is less of a taboo subject today and families are now requesting more personalised funerals which we are more than happy to accommodate.”
Commenting on her appointment, Jeff Foy, who oversees Midlands Co-op’s funeral homes across Derbyshire and Chesterfield, said: “Experience is important in many professions but even more so for a funeral director and Jenny has started at the bottom building up a vast amount of knowledge. I’m confident that she has what it takes to ensure that families across Chesterfield get the support that they need.”
Outside of work, Jenny lives in Hucknall, Nottingham and is married with two children. She is a qualified scuba-diving instructor and an accomplished horsewoman.
Midlands Co-op Funeral Services has three homes located in Chesterfield at: 55 West Bars, (T:01246-220201), 2, Market Street, Staveley (01246-472535) and 13 High Street, Claycross (01246-862142). Jenny is based at the West Bars home.
For Further information please contact:
Alison Cooper/Julie Potts
Midlands Co-op
T:01543-414140
