5 Essential Facts About Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home: A Legacy Of Women-Owned Compassion In Ballston Lake, NY

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Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, a cornerstone of compassionate care in the Ballston Lake and Burnt Hills communities, continues its long-standing tradition of service with a modern, personalized touch. As of today, December 21, 2025, this establishment is recognized not only for its historical roots dating back to 1949 but also for its current identity as a women-owned business dedicated to crafting heartfelt and truly unique tributes for every family. The funeral home has successfully blended decades of community trust with innovative service offerings, ensuring that every farewell is a meaningful celebration of a life lived.

The transition to women-led ownership has injected a fresh perspective into the facility, focusing on creating a warm, uplifting space that moves beyond the traditional somber atmosphere of a funeral home. This commitment to personal care and community involvement has cemented Townley & Wheeler’s reputation as a trusted steward of guidance and support for families navigating the difficult journey of loss in Saratoga County, NY.

The Legacy and Leadership Profile: A History of Townley & Wheeler

The story of Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home is one of deep community commitment, spanning over seven decades and multiple generations of dedicated service. It began in the heart of Ballston Lake, NY, and has evolved into a modern, women-owned operation.

Foundational History (1949–2013)

  • Founding Year: 1949.
  • Original Founders: Wendell Townley and his wife, Jane Townley. They purchased the home and established a long-standing commitment to the local community.
  • Second Generation: In 1971, Harold Townley and his brother, Frank Townley, continued the family tradition, further cementing the funeral home's role in the Burnt Hills and Ballston Lake areas.
  • Former Director: Harold Townley was a former owner and director until 2013, known for his hands-on involvement, including digging graves.
  • Location: The primary facility is located at 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019-9503.

Current Leadership and Women-Owned Era (Post-2013)

  • Owner & Licensed Funeral Director: Kathleen A. Lowes (sometimes cited as Kathleen Sanvidge or Lowes Sanvidge).
  • Acquisition: Ms. Lowes purchased the funeral home approximately four years ago, ushering in the women-owned era.
  • Experience: Kathleen A. Lowes has been a revered licensed funeral director serving the community for over thirty years, bringing a wealth of experience and personal care to the role.
  • Key Staff Member: Melissa, who joined the team around 2022, provides vital services that strengthen the bond between the funeral home and the community.
  • Mission: The current mission is to be a women-owned funeral home offering "heartfelt care in a warm, uplifting space," welcoming all as family.

The Five Pillars of Modern Service and Compassion

Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive suite of services that are both traditional and innovative, centered around the core principle of personalization. Their approach ensures that every ceremony is a reflection of the loved one’s unique life.

1. Masterful Personalized Printing and Media

A standout offering is their expertise in "masterful personalized printing." This specialized service moves beyond standard templates to create truly unique and tasteful memorial keepsakes. The attention to detail in these items helps families hold onto tangible memories of their loved one.

  • Prayer Cards: Custom-designed to reflect the deceased's faith or personal style.
  • Thank You Cards: Personalized stationery to express gratitude to guests.
  • Memory Books: Custom-bound books for guests to share condolences and memories.
  • Other Media: Any other printed materials necessary to memorialize the individual.

2. Comprehensive and Flexible Service Options

Recognizing that every family has different needs, beliefs, and financial considerations, Townley & Wheeler provides a full spectrum of end-of-life services. Their goal is to offer options that range from time-honored traditions to uniquely innovative approaches.

  • Traditional Funeral Services: Full-service funerals with viewing, ceremony, and burial.
  • Cremation Services: Complete cremation packages, including memorial services and disposition options.
  • Memorial Services: Flexible services that can be held with or without the deceased's body present, often focused on a personalized celebration-of-life.
  • Natural Choices: They offer natural burial and cremation options for those seeking environmentally conscious alternatives.

3. The Warm, Uplifting Space and Personal Care

The facility itself is designed to counteract the cold, clinical feel of many funeral homes. Under the current women-owned leadership, the focus is on a warm, uplifting environment where families feel immediately welcomed and supported. This environment is crucial for guests to begin their journey of grief and closure.

The staff, including licensed directors like Kathleen A. Lowes, are committed to providing the finest in personal care, ensuring everything flows seamlessly during a family's most difficult time. This commitment is frequently highlighted in positive reviews.

4. The Critical Role of Pre-Planning Services

Pre-planning a funeral or memorial service is one of the most thoughtful gifts a person can leave their family. Townley & Wheeler places a strong emphasis on pre-need arrangements, allowing individuals to make their wishes known and alleviate the financial and emotional burden on their loved ones.

The pre-planning process involves a licensed director guiding the individual through choices regarding burial, cremation, service style, music, readings, and even the personalized printing details. This proactive step ensures that the final ceremony is exactly as the individual desired and provides peace of mind to all involved.

5. Deep Community Roots and Local Involvement

Since Wendell and Jane Townley first established the home in 1949, a strong commitment to the surrounding communities—Ballston Lake, Burnt Hills, and Saratoga County—has been a hallmark of the business. The current staff continues this tradition by being actively involved in local charitable groups, service organizations, and professional associations.

This deep local connection means the funeral home understands the unique cultural and community needs of the families they serve. They are not just a business; they are long-standing neighbors and trusted stewards of faith and guidance, holding true to a time-honored tradition of sincerity and dedication.

Key Service Entities and Areas of Focus

  • Service Area: Ballston Lake, Burnt Hills, Saratoga County, NY.
  • Core Values: Heartfelt Care, Personalization, Uplifting Space.
  • Service Types: Funeral Services, Cremation Services, Memorial Services, Burial Services.
  • Planning Options: At-Need and Pre-Need Funeral Arrangements.
  • Keepsakes: Personalized Prayer Cards, Thank You Cards, Memory Books.
  • Affiliations: Local Charitable Groups, Service Organizations, Professional Associations.

The current leadership of Kathleen A. Lowes has successfully married the historical reputation of Townley & Wheeler with a modern, compassionate, and highly personalized approach. For families in the Capital Region facing loss, the funeral home at 21 Midline Road remains a beacon of supportive, women-led care, dedicated to making the final farewell a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to a life well-lived.

5 Essential Facts About Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home: A Legacy of Women-Owned Compassion in Ballston Lake, NY
townley and wheeler funeral home
townley and wheeler funeral home

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