Our Staff
Meet the caring professionals who walk beside Calgary families.
Our team
Pierson's Funeral Service is family owned and professionally operated. Our licensed directors, embalmers, family care specialists, and attendants are here to guide you with honesty, integrity, and compassion — from first call through follow-up care.
Michael J. Pierson
President
Born and raised in Calgary, Michael studied Music and Business at Brigham Young University before graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science at Xavier University (1987). He returned to Calgary in 1988 to join the family firm. Michael has served as President of the International Avenue BRZ and on the Alberta Funeral Service Association executive, including as president.
David Root
General Manager
A grandson of founders Ches & Joan Pierson, David continues the family tradition into another generation. After studying at Mount Royal University, he graduated with Funeral Director and Embalmer credentials and has served Calgary families with Pierson's since 2005. He volunteers with the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee and remains active in his faith community.
Rose Lynn Root (nee Pierson)
General Manager, Flower Gallery
Second of the seven Pierson children, Rose Lynn has contributed since the business was incorporated in 1983 — from furnishing the funeral home to managing Pierson's Flower Gallery. She serves as Secretary Treasurer of the Pierson Family Board and takes pride that her children continue the family legacy.
David M. Ostopowich
Licensed Funeral Director
David began funeral service in 1982 in Edmonton and earned director and embalmer credentials across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. After management designations through the University of Alberta and Canadian Institute of Management, he joined Pierson's in Calgary in 2002 and continues to serve families with deep prairie experience.
Teresa Ensminger
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Teresa joined Pierson's in 2016 while attending Mount Royal University's Funeral Director/Embalmer program. She graduated in 2017 and earned both licenses the following year. With a B.Sc. in Psychology and a background in social services, she brings calm, competent care to every family.
Sarafina Manley
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Sarafina is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Pierson's Funeral Service, supporting Calgary families with professional, compassionate care throughout arrangements and ceremony.
Bridget Halfyard
Licensed Funeral Director
Bridget joined funeral service in 2016 and Pierson's in 2020. She holds a BA in English Literature and Religious Studies, a Master of Divinity, and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry. A Certified Funeral Celebrant, she connects with families across many faiths and cultures.
Daryl Urness
Family Care Director
Daryl leads family care at Pierson's, helping families feel supported before, during, and after the service with practical guidance and a listening presence.
Hazel Wilsher
Family Care Specialist
Hazel supports families through Pierson's Family Care Program, offering follow-up care and resources in the days and months after a loss.
Samantha Wilsher
Office Administrator
Samantha keeps day-to-day operations running smoothly so families experience organized, responsive care from first call through follow-up.
Katie Richardson
Licensed Funeral Director
Katie is a licensed funeral director who guides Calgary families through arrangements with clarity, dignity, and attention to personal wishes.
Kerry Smith
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Kerry serves as a licensed funeral director and embalmer, combining technical skill with a respectful, family-centred approach.
Angela St Gelais
Funeral Attendant
Angela supports services and visitations as a funeral attendant, ensuring families and guests are welcomed with warmth and care.
Anne MacNeil
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Anne is a licensed funeral director and embalmer dedicated to honouring each life with professionalism and compassion.
Lorne Graham-Currie
Licensed Funeral Director / Embalmer
Supports families with licensed funeral directing and embalming care.
Donna Heitman
Funeral Attendant
Welcomes families and assists with visitations and services.
Tammy Ellison
Licensed Funeral Director
Guides families through arrangements with professional care.
Madeline Collingridge
Funeral Attendant
Supports the team during services and family gatherings.
Marcy Wasylenka
Funeral Attendant
Assists with visitation and ceremony support for guests and families.
Killian Cunnah
Funeral Attendant
Provides attentive support during services and arrivals.
Summer Bustos
Funeral Attendant
Helps ensure every gathering runs smoothly for visiting families.