Our Experienced Staff

 Each of the staff members at Cottage Country Cremation Inc is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.  A funeral professional is a available 24 hours a day.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind. 

Please take a few minutes to get to know our staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.  Our mission at Cottage Country Cremation is to help people of all faiths and beliefs acknowledge and celebrate the life of a person who has died.  We will do this in a caring, confidential yet sensitive manner that respects the dignity and worth of the deceased.
 

Stephen Torrance

Funeral Director class 1 /Establishment Owner

For Steve Torrance, being a funeral director means helping families celebrate a life, not just mourn a death.

Having the opportunity for a high school co-op placement in a funeral home, Steve’s interest in helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives was sparked. Upon completing high school, Steve attended the Funeral Service Education program at Humber College in Toronto, ON and graduated as a Licensed Funeral Director in 1997; following which, he had the opportunity to work in funeral homes in the Toronto, Milton and Cambridge areas.

 In 2014,  Steve established Cottage Country Cremation Inc.. He designed it to meet the needs of those families looking for an alternative to the funeral home experience & looking to arrange nothing more than the cremation process. This has been a useful option for families who are concerned about cost, and for families who plan to make future memorial plans without assistance

Since then, Steve has become an active member of the community. Having served on the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation Board, Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, HANDS: thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca Board member, and a retired member of the local Muskoka OPP auxiliary. When not at the funeral home, Steve enjoys spending time with Nicki and thier childern enjoying all that beautiful Muskoka, Parry Sound and Georgian Bay have to offer.

Nicole "Nicki" Kuta

 Funeral Director, Class 1

Nicole comes from a background in healthcare and office management and has been part of Cottage Country Cremation since the company first opened. From the beginning, she played a critical role in the design and inspiration behind the company, helping shape the caring and community-focused approach that defines the organization today.

Nicole has a genuine passion for supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. She deeply cares about the company, the community it serves, and the families she guides through their grief journey. Always striving to grow both personally and professionally,

Nicole is committed to continually expanding her knowledge within the funeral service industry.  She graduated with Honours from the Funeral Preplanner program in 2019 and the Transfer Service Sales Representative course in 2022. Most recently, Nicole graduated with Honours from the Funeral Director Class 1 Program at Humber College and is now licensed with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO).

Nicole’s upbeat and positive personality brings a special warmth to Cottage Country Cremation, helping families feel supported and cared for every step of the way.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Nicole later moved to Northern Ontario with her daughter to enjoy the relaxed pace of small-town life. In her spare time, she enjoys walking in the beautiful outdoors, working out, and boating on Georgian Bay. Above all, spending time with Steve and their blended family is what she treasures most.

“When you work doing what you love, you never work a day in your life.”