Meet the Staff

Jules Leon Janisse
President
Licensed Funeral Director

Jules attended Assumption College School and received his Funeral Directors Licensed from the Canadian School of Embalming at the Banting Institute at the University of Toronto. Along with his father and younger brother Albemy, they moved their family business from downtown Windsor to our present location on Tecumseh Rd. East in 1971. Jules is a former member of the Lions Club and has been involved with the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner at St. Gregory the Great. Jules and his wife Joyce (nee Landry) of 44 years have 2 boys Leon Marc Janisse and Dr. Mike Janisse. Mr. and Mrs.Janisse currently reside in Tecumseh.

Leon M. Janisse
Manager
Licensed Funeral Director

Leon Janisse is the Licensed Manager of Windsor Chapel Funeral Home. He has been involved in the funeral home since the age of 16. He is the 5th generation to carry on in the family business. Leon grew up in Riverside and attended St. John Vianney Elementary School, F.J. Brennan High School and then graduated from the Funeral Service Education Program at Humber College in 1989. Leon and his wife of 16 years, Lesley (nee Turton), currently reside in Tecumseh and are the proud parents of Chelsea, Zachary and Braeden. Leon and his family attend St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Along with his children, Leon assists with minor sports in Tecumseh, such as hockey (Windsor Wildcats), soccer, and baseball.

Philip Albemy Janisse
Manager
Licensed Funeral Director

Philip’s compassion for people makes him an exceptional asset for the Funeral service Industry. He is a 5th generation family member of Windsor Chapel Funeral Home who brings over 15 years experience with him and is the current Manager of the Main Chapel. Philip enrolled at Humber College in 2005 where he graduated with honors as a Licensed Funeral Director. He was born in Windsor and later raised in LaSalle where he met his wife Dawn (nee Kennedy) in 1997. Philip and Dawn married in 2004 and are proud parents of Olivia May and Sophia Noelle. Family is very precious to both Philip and Dawn. For this reason we are very proud to have Philip as part of our family-oriented industry.

John Bobaljik
Licensed Funeral Director

John was born in Windsor, attended De La Salle Elementary School and Walkerville Collegiate Institute. He graduated from the Funeral Service Program at Humber College in 1978 and has been a Director at Windsor Chapel Since 1980, and is the Past President of the Windsor-Essex Funeral Director Association. An avid golfer, John has been a member of Essex Golf Club since 1984 and resides in Windsor with his wife Judy (nee Simon) of 31 years. John and Judy love to travel, or stay at home and look after their "boys", Toby and Rudy.

Kenneth M. Armstrong
Licensed Funeral Director

Ken started in the funeral service in 1962 after graduating from the Hon. W. C. Kennedy Collegiate. He entered Canadian School of Embalming the following year receiving his funeral directors license in 1965. Married to his wife Joyce (nee Kenney) for 41 years and has two married daughters, Paula Hill and Stephanie Letkeman. He is proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren. Ken is very active in his church, Oakwood Bible Chapel and serves as an Elder. He is also active in Gideons International In Canada and has served on the National, Provincial and local administration since 1979.

Thomas Holisek
Licensed Funeral Director

Born and raised in the Windsor/LaSalle area, Thom is a graduate of Sandwich Secondary School. He has served many families as a licensed Funeral Director in the Windsor area for the past 27 years; and has been employed by the Windsor Chapel Funeral Home since 1983 presently serving as Assistant Manager. Thom is the proud father of his children Matthew, Daniel and Brittany, and currently resides in Windsor with his wife Cristina.

Scott Walker
Licensed Funeral Director

Scott was born in Windsor, attended Hugh Beaton Elementary School and W.D. Lowe High School. He graduated from the Funeral Service Program at Humber College in 1989 and has been a Director at Windsor Chapel since 1991. Scott is an avid gardener and Tiger Fan. Scott currently resides in Windsor and is a proud parent to MacKenzie and Hunter.

Julia Kelly Dion
Assistant Manager - Licensed Funeral Director

Julia grew up in East Windsor. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary, and F.J. Brennan High School. She began her career in Funeral Services at Windsor Chapel in 1994 and received her Ontario Funeral Directors Licensed in 1995. Julia is trained as a Grief Facilitator and Aftercare Provider. She and her husband of 12 years Raymond Dion reside in Russel Woods.

Tom (T.J.) Jagatic
Assistant Manager - Licensed Funeral Director

Tom is compassionate, sensitive and understanding to the diverse needs and cultures of the many families that he is privileged and honored to serve in the Windsor and surrounding communities. The level of dedication and personalization that Tom exhibits is beyond the expectations of many of his families. It is Tom’s devoted commitment and his belief that the “smallest” of details are of vital importance to his families that makes Tom a valuable asset to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home Ltd. Born and raised in Windsor, Tom is very proud of his Croatian heritage (reads, speaks and writes it) along with affiliation with St. Francis of Assisi Croatian Catholic Church in Windsor. Tom is the president and past-treasure of the Windsor-Essex Funeral Directors’ Association, and past-president of the Windsor Modular Railroad Club, where he maintains an active membership. A resident of Tecumseh, Ontario, Tom is happily married to his wife Paulette (nee Hanna) and they have a beautiful daughter named Gabriella. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing bocce ball and enjoying the hobby of model railroading.

Darrin E. Ellis
Licensed Funeral Director

Darrin started with us on May 1, 2007. After 19 years in the auto industry and over three years as a part-time funeral director assistant for a local funeral home, Darrin felt it was time to make funeral service a full time career. After enrolling at Humber College in Toronto in the Funeral Service Education Program in 2006, completing the year long apprenticeship and obtaining his Ontario Funeral Director's License in 2008, Darrin has fulfilled his desire to become a funeral director and proud to be a part of a family-owned funeral home like Windsor Chapel. Darrin was the recipient of the Western Ontario Funeral Service Association Award for 2008. Darrin was born and raised in Windsor and still resides here with his wife Donna, son Matthew and daughter Mandy. Darrin is an avid sports fan with his favorite being the Detroit Red Wings.

John W. Lalonde
Licensed Funeral Director

John was born and raised in Collingwood, Ontario and attended Collingwood Collegiate Institute. Following high school, John spent two years studying Law Enforcement at Seneca College, graduating in 1990. John went on to graduate from the Funeral Service Education program at Humber College in 1994. John has been a Licensed Funeral Director in the Windsor area for the last 15 years, proudly joining the family at Windsor Chapel in January of 2008. John resides in Windsor and is the proud father of his son Joshua. In his free time John and his son Josh, can often be found fishing along the shore of the Detroit river. He also enjoys a day of golf, and watching his son play travel baseball and basketball.

Britany J. Wilson
Licensed Funeral Director

Born and raised in Chatham-Kent, Britany chose to join the family of Funeral Directors at Windsor Chapel in 2011. Her journey in funeral service began during a high school co-operative education placement with McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd. After graduating from Humber College in 2005, she returned there as a licensed Funeral Director. Britany brings to us a diverse knowledge of funeral service, and excellent technical skills, having received the Embalmer’s Supply Company award during her internship at Blake Funeral Chapel in Thunder Bay. She currently serves on the Humber College Advisory Committee, helping her to guide the education of future Funeral Service Professionals. In their spare time, Britany and Sean enjoy travelling in the Caribbean, and visiting with friends.

Les Boomer
Licensed Funeral Director

Les was born and raised in Windsor. He attended Edith Cavell Junior High School, and graduated from W. F. Herman Secondary School. He spent six years in the Transportation Industry, and fifteen years at Ford Motor Company. Being laid off in 2008 presented him the opportunity to pursue his ambition to become a Funeral Director. He enrolled and was accepted to the Humber College Funeral Service Program in 2009. He graduated from the program with is Funeral Directors Licence in June of 2011. He was much honoured to accept a position with Windsor Chapel Funeral Homes in July of 2011. Les has been married to his wife, Tina (Letourneau) for 23 years and have two children: his daughter Danielle, who is a Sign Language Interpreter, and his son, Travis, his best buddy. Les is proud to be a part of the Windsor Chapel team, and looks forward to helping those families in their time of need.

Lucas Martin
Licensed Funeral Director

Lucas was born and raised in Kingsville, Ontario. He attended Cardinal Carter Secondary School and graduated in 2008. He went on to Humber College in 2010, where he began and continues to study for his future career in Funeral Services. Lucas has a passion for the sport of Jump Rope which he has been dedicated to for the past 14 years. He has travelled and competed provincially, nationally and world-wide while continuing to strive to become a more advanced athlete. He is an assistant coach of the Essex Energizers jump rope team and enjoys sharing and teaching his knowledge and skill of the sport, while witnessing the accomplishments of each growing athlete. Alongside his team, Lucas takes part in demonstrations for many activities and organizations such as Heart and Stroke Jump Rope for Heart. Lucas is proud to be a part of the Windsor Chapel team, as family is an ample value to him. With his aptitude for people, he looks forward to serving you when reliance matters most.

Marie J . Janisse
Pre-Planning Assistant/Aftercare

Marie is the sister to Jules and Albemy Janisse, and has now been working in the Funeral Home with the family for the past 7 years. Marie is trained as a Grief Facilitator and Aftercare Provider. Having 33 yrs in the banking industry, Marie provides the necessary information needed to help families in finalizing their affairs for their loved ones, (CPP, Child Benefits, Widows Benefits, etc.) Marie is a very compassionate, caring, genuine person who is a great asset to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home. Marie and her husband Randy of 38 years and their son Jamie currently reside in Windsor.

Gavin D. Stevenson
Pre-Planning Counsellor

Gavin is the father of 2 boys Brendan and Garrett. He grew up in Windsor's West side, and for the last 20 years has lived in the Riverside area. He attended J.E. Benson public elementary school, J.L. Forster Secondary School and St. Clair College where he studied Industrial Engineering and General Technology. Other educational studies include the Canadian Securities Course and the LLQP life insurance licensing course which Gavin is currently enrolled in and due to complete in the near future. He has always been involved in his son's sports with Riverside Minor Hockey, Windsor Minor Lacrosse where he served on the board for many years including as president, Riverside Minor Basketball, and Windsor Minor Hockey. Gavin joined us in May of 2007 out of his desire to work in our family operated business, and has been involved in the funeral business in various capacities since 1985. Gavin is our pre-planning counselor and enjoys assisting families and individuals make informed decisions before the need arises.

Chris J. Janisse
Manager of Advance Planning

Chris was born and raised in the west end of Windsor, where he attend St. James Elementary School and graduated from Assumption College School. Chris and his wife of 10 years, Julie (Duguay), currently reside in LaSalle and are proud parents of Alexanne and Richard. Chris has been assisting families for over 20 years.

Nicole Parent
Office Administrator

Nicole Parent was born and raised in the town of Tecumseh, she attended St.Antoine Elementary school, L’Essor Secondary, and then later graduated from the St. Clair College Finance Program. With her French background she has made her way successfully in the French community. She is a caring and compassionate person that has worked with the public for over 18 years. Nicole and her husband Ben of 16 years are raising their 3 loving children Taylor Samantha, Ayden Roger and Cole Benjamin all with French background.

Anne Robert
Office Administrator

Anne Marie was born and raised in Windsor and attended St. Bernard Elementary and Corpus Christi High school. She has enjoyed over 30 years of working at various positions with the public. Currently Anne Marie has been employed part time with Windsor Chapel for over 20 years. She has been married to her husband Rollie – an Electrical Engineer for over 45 years. They have one daughter Chantel and two grandsons, Jordan and Brenden. Anne Marie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, vacationing with her husband and volunteering her spare time working with the residents at Malden Park Continuing Care Centre. Retirement is not in her vocabulary.

Sandra Piché
Receptionist

Born and raised in Windsor, Sandra attended Walkerville Collegiate High School. Following high school she studied Economics and Psychology at the University of Windsor for three years, and then attended St. Clair College where she graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program. Sandra lived and worked In Waterloo, Ontario for 12 years after graduating, and then decided it was time to move back home where her family and roots are. Sandra and her husband Mark now reside in Belle River, Ontario where they enjoy boating, going to sporting events and entertaining with friends and family. Sandra joined our team in April 2011 and knows her past experiences with helping and caring for people will be an asset to Windsor Chapel.

Paula M. LeBlanc
Senior Graphic Designer

Paula and her brother, John, were born and lovingly raised in Windsor by their parents, Mike and Christine De Ryckere. She attended St. Rose, St. John Vianney, and F. J. Brennan and received an honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from the University of Windsor in 1994. She also received post-graduate certification from Sheridan College in Oakville and the Centre for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. Paula has been a professional graphic designer since 1995. In 1999, Paula married Adrien, the love of her life, and together they have welcomed three beautiful children to the world. Paula still makes time to work on her fine art. Paula feels fortunate to have joined the Windsor Chapel family in 2009 after the passing of her beloved dad, a fellow artist, and dedicates her work to his memory. She strives to offer the compassionate personalization necessary to respect the needs of the clientele at Windsor Chapel.

Erin S. Turner
Graphic Designer
Media Specialist

Born and raised in Windsor, Erin went to M.S. Hetherington Public School then later graduated from Riverside Secondary School in 2004. She went on to graduate from the 3 year Graphic Design program at St. Clair College in 2007 and has been employed by the Windsor Chapel Funeral Home since January 2010 as part of their Graphic Design team. She is thankful for all of the support and encouragement she received from her friends and family, especially her mother Hazel, her sister Lauren, and her Grandfather Herbert Barnes. When Erin isn’t working you can find her playing beach volleyball during the summer, photography, spending time with her family and friends, enjoying live music, and enjoying life.

Melissa Reitz
Graphic Designer

Melissa achieved her Graphic Design diploma after completing a three year design program at St. Clair College. She has developed a passion for graphic design and enjoys seeing how a project evolves from the idea stage to a finished product and the difference it makes in someone else’s world. She happily contributes her graphic design skills to a variety of causes. An important aspect of her life is family – Raised in North Bay by her mother Bernice along with her sisters Ruth, Gina, Rita and Tammy. Melissa married her loving husband Simon in 2007, and they are devoted parents to their amazing son James. Outside of professional interests, she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, sewing, scrapbooking and spending time with her family.

Ashley Allison
Graphic Designer

Ashley was born and raised in the town of LaSalle. She went to Sandwich Secondary High School where she graduated with honours in 2007. From there she went on to study Graphic Design at St. Clair College, receiving her diploma in 2011. As a teenager, she donated her time with the Windsor South Canadians Little League and canvassing with the Canadian Cancer Society. After graduating from St. Clair, she joined the Windsor Chapel team and is very thankful for the opportunity to help families in their time of need. When she’s not working, you can find her travelling the world, reading and simply enjoying life with family and friends.

Orlando Segatto
Funeral Director Assistant

Orlando was born and raised in the Windsor area, where he attended Hon. W. C. Kennedy Collegiate and graduated from St. Clair College School. Orlando and his wife of 16 years, Lisa (Borri), currently reside in Amherstburg and are proud parents of Spencer and Julianna. Orlando has been with our funeral home since April of 2000, he is hard working, reliable, and a dedicated individual who takes great pride in his work.

Jim Stewart
Funeral Director Assistant

Jim is a Windsorite, attended St. Jules Grade School and is a graduate of F.J. Brennan Secondary School. Jims zest for life and passionate nature has carried him through many adventures. An avid traveler and sports enthusiast, he’s constantly searching for new conquests. Currently Jim is a Wrestling Coach at St. Joseph High School and the Windsor Wrestling Club. His own sporting accomplishments include several marathons and 3 Iron man Triathlons. Anne, his wife of 18 years, keeps fit trying to keep up to Jim’s active pace.

Mike Viselli
Funeral Director Assistant

Mike is a long time resident of Windsor, a graduate of Riverside High School and St. Clair College, currently residing in Tecumseh. After many years in the auto industry, Mike felt it was time for a career change and joined the family at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home in July of 2008. In his spare time, Mike likes spend time with his family and play golf. Mike is a member of the Ciociaro Club of Windsor and has been for over 20 years. Mike is married to Renee (Couture) for 18 years and they are proud parents of Chelsea and Christopher.

Scott Webster
Funeral Director Assistant

Scott was born and raised in Windsor where he graduated from Walkerville Collegiate Institute and attended St. Clair College to study in International Business. Scott is proud of his community and currently resides in his family home with his wife Melissa (nee Robinson) and their sons Peyton and Preston. Active in the community, Scott is the current Vice-President for Windsor/Essex County Crime Stoppers and a Block Captain for the Neighborhood Watch program. He is also a Constable with the Windsor Police Auxiliary Unit where he also serves on the Honor Guard. In his spare time, Scott enjoys spending time with his family and playing saxophone throughout Windsor/Essex County. Scott has 10 years experience in the funeral industry and looks forward to serving you and yours alongside the rest of the Windsor Chapel family.

John W.D. Cherwak
Funeral Director Assistant

John was born and raised in Windsor. He attended high school at Kennedy Collegiate and has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Business Administration. He retired from Hiram Walker after 30 years of employment. John works at Windsor Chapel part time which affords him time to pursue his ad agency and management company business ventures. An avid golfer, John is a member of Essex Golf & Country Club where he also sits on the Board of Directors of the Club. John is also a member of the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association restoring the Lancaster Bomber, the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, Animal Rescue Transport and Windsor Lodge No. 403 A.F. & A.M. Being a part of a great caring and professional team helping families during their time of need is what drew him to Windsor Chapel. John and his wife, Joyce, reside in Windsor.

Mike Barry
Funeral Director Assistant

Michael was born and raised in Windsor where he graduated from Holy Names High School and St. Clair College. He's been involved in the funeral industry for 11 years, and the information technology field for 13 years. His passion for helping people has drawn him to the Windsor Chapel family, and he doesn't plan on turning back. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his two children, Christian and Kylee. Mike is a Crime Stoppers volunteer, and a Neighbourhood Watch Block Captain.

André Raymond
Funeral Director Assistant

André grew up in Windsor, Ontario and in 1998, graduated from École Secondaire L’Essor. He is fluent in both French and English. André worked in the manufacturing industry for several years before attending St. Clair College in 2007 where he graduated in 2009. André met his future wife, Lindsay (nee Shwery), in 1999 and married her in 2004. Together, in October of 2010, they welcomed Evan, their first-born, into the world. André is a member of the Knights of Columbus and attends Paroisse St. Jerome. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, participating outdoor activities and working out at the gym. André is honoured to be part of the Windsor Chapel team and is looking forward to serving the community.

Paul Rivait
Funeral Director Assistant

Paul was born and raised in Riverside Ontario. Paul was owner of Paul’s Auto Wrecker’s Inc. and Paul’s Used Cars in Leamington. He sold the business on January 1, 2003, and is now working part time at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home. Paul is a chartered member and honorary member of the Riverside K. of C. Also an usher at St. Gregory‘s Church in St. Clair Beach. Paul is an avid golfer. Also likes hunting and fishing and works out in his gym at home. Married to Elizabeth, they have three married boys and seven grandchildren.

Dale F. Ramsay
Funeral Director Assistant

Presently retired and working part time at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home. Dale attends St. Angela Merici, and is also a member of Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight – 3rd Degree and Past Faithful Navigator – 4th Degree). Dale was a Big Brother to 8 boys over 26 years of service and resides in Windsor with his wife, Erla, of 38 years.

Frank F. Forstner
Funeral Director Assistant

Frank was born and raised in Greenan, Saskatchewan of Austrian/Hungarian parents. He attended St. Jules school and W.D. Lowe Vocational Technical School. In 1954, Frank met Dora Dragomir and they married in 1956. They have a son, a daughter and 3 grandchildren. Frank and Dora are longtime residents of Riverside and are parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Frank is President of the Ushers Club. Frank joined the Riverside Knights of Columbus and was elected Grand Knight from 1980 to 1982, and then appointed District Deputy. Frank is an avid golfer. As a new member of Windsor Chapel, Frank believes his involvement with people and the community as well as his compassion and understanding of others especially in their time of need, is of utmost importance in his desire to be of assistance. Frank, being of a European background, believes families are first and foremost.

Jack Dressler
Funeral Director Assistant

Jack was born in Langenburg, Saskatchewan on May 1, 1947. He was the 4th child born to Freida and Jack Dressler. He spent his first 5 years on the family farm before moving with his parents and 5 siblings to London, Ontario. He attended school in London and went on to Concordia Jr. College in Ann Arbor, Michigan to obtain his associate degree in Arts. Then, on to Concordia Sr. College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana for his Bachelors degree in Social Psychology. He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and transferred to Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Waterloo, Ontario where he received his Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church in November of 1978. While in Ft. Wayne, he met his wife, Eileen, at a nursing school dance. They were married in 1974. They had two sons, Jacob, who was born in 1978 and son, Jeremy, who was born in 1982. His ministry took him to parishes in Zurich, Waterloo, Kitchener, and Windsor, Ontario. He retired from active ministry in September, 2006. Since retiring, Jack enjoys his passion for golf. He also enjoys gardening, travelling, skiing, curling and other sports. Jack is very much enjoying being a Funeral Assistant, and loves being part of the Windsor Chapel family, who are so dedicated to the task of taking care of all the needs of their bereaved families.

Paul Finlay
Funeral Director Assistant

Paul was born and raised in Sarnia Ontario where he attended Northern CI & VS. Paul came to Windsor graduating from the University of the Windsor Business School in 1976. Now retired, Paul had a very successful business career across North America, working in Finance, Sales, and Business Development with over 33 years of wide experience, including over 22 years with Motorola Inc. Paul is an active Member of Emmanuel United Church where is has served as the Chair of Trustees, Finance and on the Church Executive. Paul brings along a strong work ethic to his new role at Windsor Chapel and a sense of compassion to helping others. Paul currently resides in South Walkerville with his children Dean and Kara. In his free time he enjoys cooking, ballroom dancing, and he believes in living each day to the fullest.

Bob Mijovcic
Funeral Director Assistant

Bob was born and raised in Windsor. He attended Gordon McGregor Elementary School, and Walkerville Collegiate Institute. Bob is a long-standing and active member of St. Dimitrije Serbian Orthodox Church. He has also been employed as a Firefighter with the Windsor Fire and Rescue Service for the past 20 years. Bob currently resides in the Tecumseh area with his wife, Anna, and their two daughters.