Our Heritage

Born in Little Anse, Isle Madame, on beautiful Cape Breton Island, Herman Boudreau found his way into the funeral service during a summer vacation from Massachusetts, with his wife Norma in July, 1971. They have two sons, Charles Norman and Kevin Michael.

Herman's brother Gordon, purchased the former C.A. Boucher Funeral Home and Ambulance Service in Arichat, in September 1971 and asked Herman if he would be interested in re-locating to Isle Madame to work for him. After discussing the idea with Norma, the family packed and moved to Arichat.

Gordon, Herman, and Norma all worked together and although times were tough, they all pulled through. Herman received his Funeral Director's license in 1971, followed by his Embalming license in 1993.

In July of 1975, Herman and Norma acquired the Funeral Home and Ambulance Service from his brother Gordon, the former Chez Gordon Funeral Home Ltd., renaming it to the C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home Limited. Norma became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1980, working side by side with her husband Herman as company President and Norma as Vice President and Manager.

Their two sons have grown up with the business. Although Charles (Chuck) became a teacher and school administrator, Kevin became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1993, and is now a retired Paramedic. Kevin's wife, Noreen, is also a licensed Funeral Director, obtaining her license in 2002, and  as well as being a former Paramedic.

A special day for the Boudreau family was on May 1, 1987 when they opened the doors to their newly-renovated, modern funeral home overlooking the beautiful historic Arichat Harbour. Arichat is one of the oldest communities in Nova Scotia. It was a roaring Atlantic seaport in the early 1800's.

In September, 1997 EMC (Emergency Medical Care) purchased the ambulance portion of the Boudreau business.

Herman and Norma have seen many changes in the Funeral Profession since 1975 and feel more changes are on the horizon.


C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home is located on beautiful Isle Madame overlooking the Arichat Harbour. Isle Madame is a seventeen square-mile island that is rich in Acadian heritage and also one of the oldest communities in Nova Scotia. Being bilinqual, the staff at C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home is dedicated to serving all non-denominational families that have lost a loved one. From "pre-planning" to "at need" services and "post need" follow-up, our Funeral Directors are professional, with a specialized ability and expertise to assist you during one of life's most difficult times.

Our web site was created to assist those who are anticipating or have experienced the death of a loved one. We hope the information and links provided will help you learn more about the importance of "The Funeral" and how it is the best foundation from which "closure" can successfully be achieved.

Choices made at the time of death are forever unchangeable and may have a positive or negative impact on the rest of your life. It is of paramount importance that you make well-informed decisions and realize that we are here to assist you in making those important choices.

Thank you for visiting our web site, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.