There is no more trying time in someone’s life than dealing with grief and pain following the loss of loved one.

During such a turbulent time, it can be difficult to concentrate on planning for funeral services and visitation that accompany the death of a family member. It is in the midst of this anguish where the staff at Dowagiac’s Clark Chapel tries their best to comfort families and help guide them through the process of putting their deceased loved one to rest.

A trio of new faces has recently joined the local funeral home, owned by Starks Family Homes & Cremation Services, to support families of the Dowagiac area. Joining the staff is veteran Funeral Director Maryann McConnell, and sisters Olivia and Laura Starks, who will be serving as funeral director and crematorium director, respectfully.

McConnell comes to the community from the east side of the state, serving for years at old Victorian-style funeral home located in Fenton. She decided to come to Clark Chapel after sensing the time was right for a change, she said.

“She is what we were looking for, someone who can take care of the people of this community in the right way,” said Tom Starks, owner of the funeral home.

The Starks sisters, on the other hand, are returning to the family business after completing years away for schooling. Olivia, a graduate of Worsham College Of Mortuary Science, is coming back to the business to serve as a funeral director; Laura, on the other hand, is currently serving her necessary apprenticeship to become a director herself.

All three women’s drive to support families in their time of greatest need stem from losses they experienced when they were younger: McConnell from the passing of her grandmother, and Olivia and Laura from the death of their mother.

“You don’t have an understanding of what families are going through unless you go through it yourself,” Olivia said.

One of the principles that Starks has built the business on is serving customers on personal level, Tom said. With the new additions to the team, on top of their new aftercare program, which supports the family’s grieving process even after burial, this commitment to the people of the communities is stronger than ever.

“We’re like a family here,” McConnell said. “It’s like our family is taking care of your family.”

Clark Chapel is located at 405 Center St. in Dowagiac, and can be reached at (269) 782-2135.