Our Licensed Staff

Our dedicated licensed staff are always available to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met.

ADAM C. TIPERT, CFSP; President

​Funeral Director & Embalmer, Pre-Need Specialist, Commissioner of Oaths, Monument Consultant

Adam is a native of New Germany. Growing up in the village, he began working at the local funeral home during his high school years. Graduating from NGRHS, he attended NSCC - Kingstec Campus, Kentville, where he was a graduate of the first class of 1991 of Funeral Services Education Program. Returning to his home community he began his career in funeral services; later  joining the staff of Sweeny's Funeral Home.  Adam earned his designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner in 2011 and became owner of C.F. Sweeny's Funeral Homes, Bridgewater and New Germany in 2015.  Adam enjoys music, where he shares the role as organist at his local church and is a lay minister.  He enjoys singing, music, theatre and travel.  Adam is a member and Past Master of Hillcrest Masonic Lodge #93, New Germany.  Adam served as President of the Funeral Service Association of Nova Scotia from 2012-2014; He is a Government Appointed Director to the Nova Scotia Board of Registration; he served on the Board from 2015-2020 and again in 2023 to present day. He currently sits on the Exam and Education Committee of the board and is the current Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for the Funeral and Allied Health Services Program - NSCC. Adam served as provincial representative for the Funeral Service Association of Canada from 2017-2020, where he was Chair of the Governance and HR Committees. Adam joined the faculty of the Nova Scotia Community College in 2022 where he teaches Law & Ethics, Funeral Services Business Practices and Legislation / PreNeed Regulations. 

TRACY JONAH -  Funeral Director, Pre-Need Specialist, Commissioner of Oaths

Born in Halifax and grew up in Dartmouth, Tracy completed high school and continued her education at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, completing her Bachelor of English and Sociology in 2004; she went on to pursue her Masters in Women’s Studies in 2007 through the inter-school partnership with Saint Mary’s and Mount Saint Vincent Universities. Recently, along with her husband and children, they moved to the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Tracy successfully completed her Funeral Director's Certificate program with the NSCC and earned her Funeral Director's license in June 2019. Tracy is learning to play the cello and has a passion for costume designing and photography.

RYAN GRAVES - Funeral Director & Embalmer, Pre-Need Specialist, Commissioner of Oaths

Born in Lunenburg and growing up in Bridgewater, Ryan graduated from Parkview Education Center in 2006. He began his post-secondary education in 2007 at NSCC studying Music Business. After completing his Music Business certificate, Ryan moved to Vancouver to pursue his music career. Ryan lived in the lower Mainland of BC and worked at various construction trade jobs while continuing to play in the band that had much success performing in Vancouver while also producing an EP album. After 10 years in Vancouver, Ryan returned to Nova Scotia to be closer to family and begin his education in the Funeral & Allied Health Services program at NSCC.  Ryan is passionate about his new career and is enthusiastic to have joined the team of professional colleagues at Sweeny's Funeral Home. Ryan successfully obtained his Funeral Directors license in December 2021.

 DAKOTA KEDDY -  Pre-Need Consultant, Funeral Staff Support & Assistant 

Dakota grew up in the New Germany area, attending New Germany Rural High School. She then furthered her education by attending Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, having graduated in 2021, where she completed a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Forensic Sciences.  After some time spent living and working in Halifax, Dakota is happy to be living back on the South Shore where she has joined the Sweeny’s Funeral Home Team. When not working, Dakota can most often be found enjoying the outdoors.

Administration & Support Staff

Our administration and support staff are always working diligently to help our families in the many facets which take place in our offices and behind the scenes.

Yvonne was born and raised in Toronto. She moved to Bridgewater in 1990 to raise her daughter Nevada close to her family at home and Mahone Bay. She has worked for a variety of companies in Bridgewater including 15 years at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She currently lives in Mill Village with her husband Kenny and many furry and feathered animals on their small farm. She enjoys hiking, boating and taking “Frenchy's” bus trips along with spending time with her 3 grandsons, Austin, Jaxson and Cashel.​

JANET TIPERT - Office Assistant & Memorial Secretary, New Germany Office

Janet has been employed at the New Germany branch office, since 1994; assisting with visitation, greeting families and answering questions at the 'receiving desk' with a familiar face from the community of New Germany, from which she has been a resident for many years. Janet is active within her community, serving on many and various groups and organizations, especially her church as a lay-minister and secretary of Parish Council. Janet is the wife of Gary and together, they have two children and two grandchildren.

TERESA LOCKWOOD - Pre-Need Specialist (Licensed Insurance Representative)

Teresa is an independent insurance agent for Assurant Life of Canada / Purple Shield and is our representative for insurance/annuity funded prepaid funerals.  Teresa works with our staff to ensure that your needs and requirements are met when it comes to the financial aspects of your pre-arranged insurance funded requests. Teresa also assists with After-Care for the families which we serve, helping to finalize CPP/OAS, Revenue Canada and other matters concerning the estate. Teresa and her husband originally hail from England, U K.

IVAN NORTON - Funeral Assistant

An ordained minister of The United Church of Canada, he served as minister of Bridgewater United Church from 1997 - 2012. He had thoughts of becoming a funeral director before he went to university. Having worked in close association with the funeral profession all of his professional career, he is pleased to work with the Sweeny's staff. Ivan is now pursuing a lifelong interest in retirement.