At Pettigrew Family Funerals we are proud to be able to guide, support and care for families during an important and difficult time in their lives.
Our aim is to help with every aspect of a funeral, relieving some of the burden from our families. We strive to make the organisation of the funeral as smooth as possible therefore giving our families a chance, not just to say goodbye, but to celebrate and honour their loved ones life in the most fitting way possible.
Throughout our lives, we are sent precious souls meant to share our journey however brief or lasting their stay, they remind us why we are here.
Our facilities
We have 3 locations, each have a beautiful modern chapel with state-of-the-art equipment where you can share cherished photos, play meaningful music and facilities to record the service. All with a spacious foyer for overflow along with purpose-built catering facilities where your family and friends can stay and share memories over a cuppa following the service. For those who would prefer a more intimate service for just close family we have our private chapels.
Our team
"Our family caring for yours for 50 years"
As the business has grown we have been privileged to be able to employ a team of professionals to take care of every aspect of the service:
- A team of dedicated and supportive Funeral Arrangers
- Compassionate and caring Celebrants
- Skilled and respectful Mortuary Technicians
- A talented team of Graphic Designers and IT specialists
- An in-house talented and passionate Florist
- Our caring Administration and Finance Teams
- Our hard working “behind the scenes” Funeral Assistants
- And a large Catering Team, including a Full Time Chef
May love be what you remember most
Our history
Pettigrew Family Funerals have been caring for families for more than 50 years, commencing business in Wallsend in 1969 by brothers Allan, David and Neil Pettigrew.
When Neil and David retired in 1996, Allan's son, Ian took over the role of managing the funeral business enabling Allan to retire in 2001 knowing the business was in good hands.
Ian was a visionary in the funeral industry. He always put the needs of the families who required the services of Pettigrew Family Funerals first in all his decision making. Under his leadership and guidance the company grew to be the largest funeral provider in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region with facilities unrivalled in the state.
Over the ensuing years Ian’s vision for Pettigrew Family Funerals became reality. His vision was to set the standards in both service and facilities ensuring Pettigrew Family Funerals would deliver the very best to the families in their time of need. Ian’s vision included Hunter Crematorium located at Tomago (2002), Memories Function Centre (2005), Newcastle West Chapel (2009), The Private Chapel and state of the art mortuary facility (2012) and the stunning Belmont Chapel (2015).
In May 2014 Ian and his wife, Leanne purchased the family business. Sadly, Ian passed away on Saturday, 19 December 2015, aged 56.
Leanne was dedicated in keeping Ian's vision alive and her focus is the same as his, to ensure the needs of each family requiring the services of Pettigrew Family Funerals were at the forefront and priority of the business. From her role as receptionist at Mayfield West Leanne is on hand to ensure families are indeed looked after and cared for - a reassuring presence. She leads her team of four receptionists by example, and in doing so, she knows each family is cared for at all three locations.
Entrusting the third generation of Pettigrew’s with the task of caring for what had been built by their father and grandfather.
After Ian’s passing Leanne appointed their youngest son Joel to the role of Managing Director. His natural business skills, combined with a desire to safeguard the heritage passed onto him from the first two generations, ensure Pettigrew Family Funerals will continue to care for the families who turn to us in their time of need.
Daughter, Amy, manages the marketing and design requirements of the business, and our community engagement, embodying her father’s passion for giving back to the community. She is actively involved in Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Gen Collective, and Lifeline (Hunter and Central Coast). A talented interior designer, Amy designed and managed the building of our stunning Mayfield West facility, as well as the recent refurbishing of the Belmont Chapel. She is presently turning her attention to updating our Wallsend chapel.
Tori, (Joel’s wife) is dedicated to curating and overseeing our special community events. Helping our families and the community come together to honour and celebrate loved ones at times that can be the hardest for them.