In Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, some families are facing uncertainty as they discover that the ashes they buried may not belong to their loved ones. DNA testing expert Dean Hildebrand explains that while there is a slim chance of positively identifying the remains, it is a challenging process.
After the former Serenity Funeral Home’s new owners informed several families that ashes of their deceased relatives were found in storage, Michelle Carey shared her skepticism. Having used Serenity for her father’s funeral in 2018, Carey expressed doubts about ever confirming the identity of the remains they buried.
Hildebrand, who oversees a forensic DNA laboratory, highlights the difficulty of obtaining sufficient DNA from ashes for identification purposes. While some trace amounts of DNA may be present, the intense conditions of a crematorium can lead to the breakdown of organic material.
Despite the challenges, Hildebrand mentions that efforts can still be made to test the remains for possible identification, especially if a fragment of bone contains usable DNA. Investigations by the province and Nova Scotia’s funeral directors regulatory body are ongoing to address the situation.
Carey remains hopeful that a small metal disc with an ID number found in the ashes may offer a clue to identifying the remains. However, uncertainties persist regarding the actual individuals whose ashes were laid to rest in 2018.
While the odds of success are low, Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of trying, albeit with managed expectations. The quest for certainty in identifying the remains continues amidst the complex circumstances surrounding the ashes discovered at Serenity Funeral Home.