Mattatall~Varner's highly trained staff of funeral directors, licensed embalmers and funeral support staff take very seriously the reputation and traditions they are responsible for maintaining. They have a commitment to serving families that is both personal and professional. 

Edward R. “Ed” Varner
Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born in New Germany, Ed began his career in funeral service apprenticing with George McLaren & Sons Funeral Home in Pictou. While there, he met his future wife, Sheila (Roach), and they moved back to New Germany where they were married in 1976 and lived for a couple of years. Ed worked with Langille’s Funeral Home in New Germany and also drove ambulance for the New Germany Fire Department. In 1979, Ed, Sheila and their son, Bruce, moved to Truro to pursue his career with Mattatall Funeral Home. Since 1979, Ed has worked here at Mattatall Funeral Home and was manager until 2004 when he and Sheila became the proud owners. Ed is a member of Brunswick Street United Church and an associate member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26, Truro.

Sheila J. Varner
Owner & Receptionist

Born in Pictou, Sheila had her introduction into funeral service when she met her husband, Ed. Sheila met Ed while he was apprenticing with George McLaren & Sons Funeral Home in Pictou. They moved to New Germany where they were married in 1976, and in 1979, Sheila, Ed and son, Bruce, moved to Truro. Sheila is thrilled to be a part of the Mattatall team and enjoys the daily interaction with the many families and the everyday running of the business. Sheila is a member of Brunswick Street United Church, where she sings in the church choir and volunteers on many committees. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling on a weekly league and reading.

E. Bruce Varner
Managing Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born in Bridgewater, Bruce has lived in Truro since 1979 and graduated from Cobequid Educational Centre in 1995. While attending high school and after graduation, he worked at MacQuarries Pharmasave and in 1997, graduated from the Funeral Services Program, Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec Campus. After graduation, Bruce worked at Mahone ~ New Germany Funeral Homes and in 1998 joined Atlantic Funeral Homes in Dartmouth, Halifax and Lower Sackville. He received his Embalmer and Funeral Director licenses in 1999. In November 2007, Bruce joined Mattatall Funeral Home and is thrilled to be back in his hometown. Bruce attends McCulloch United Church, where he is their pianist and choir director and also fills in as pianist, organist and pulpit supply at other area churches. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys playing the piano, cooking and spending time at the cottage. 

Peter J. Surette
Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born in Digby, Peter began his career in funeral service while working with Jayne’s Funeral Home in Digby. Peter moved to Truro and joined Mattatall Funeral Home in December 1988 and is a truly valued employee. While in Truro, Peter has made many contacts and truly enjoys his work. Peter attends Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, is a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26, Truro, where he is an Executive Member and has served as President. In his spare time, he enjoys HAM Radio (VE1 PJS) and is a member of the Truro Amateur Radio Club. Peter and his wife Ann enjoy camping and canoeing and live in Truro.

Cindy L. White
Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born in Truro and raised in Upper Stewiacke, Cindy began working in Funeral Service as a Receptionist with Atlantic Funeral Home in Lower Sackville. Having a keen interest, she went on to study at Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec Campus, apprenticed with Atlantic Funeral Homes in Dartmouth, Halifax and Lower Sackville and obtained her Funeral Director and Embalmer licenses in 2002. In July 2011, we were fortunate to have Cindy join our staff. Cindy's pleasant personality, caring ways and attention to detail helps the families we serve through very difficult times. Cindy, her husband and their three sons reside in Stewiacke.

Andrew H. Boone
Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Andrew moved to Nova Scotia in 2003 to complete the Funeral Services Program at  Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec Campus. He has worked for Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes in Shubenacadie, Halifax and Dartmouth.  Andrew joined Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home in 2011, and works on a part-time basis. He appreciates the opportunity to help people at a difficult time in their lives. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys running and exploring Victoria Park. Andrew, his wife and their three sons live in Truro.

Lois C. McNutt
Receptionist

Having lived in Truro for most of her life, Lois joined our team in 2008 following her retirement from a lengthy career with Scotiabank. An active member of Immanuel Baptist Church, she enjoys singing in the choir and holds various positions within the church, most recently as church clerk. She has travelled throughout Canada and eastern United States along with taking three Caribbean cruises but her favourite is travelling throughout Nova Scotia enjoying the beauty of our province. Lois has a passion for animals - cats and dogs and enjoys watching the deer as they travel through her backyard. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and gardening.