Our Staff
Meet Our Caring Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

Jennifer Hale
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer/Managing Partner
Jennifer resides in Haverhill, MA and is a graduate of Whittier Vo-Tech, Class of 1994. She received a degree in mortuary science from New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in 1998.
Jennifer has worked in the Merrimac Valley for many years as a funeral director and embalmer. She is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Jennifer has been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business, especially Francis Berube when she joined Brookside Chapel in 2023.
She raised her three sons, Henry, Harrison, and Hayden in Haverhill and loves living close to the ocean. When not in the office, she’s spending time with family and friends, traveling or she’s at the beach, even in the winter.

Jennifer Hale
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer/Managing Partner
Jennifer resides in Haverhill, MA and is a graduate of Whittier Vo-Tech, Class of 1994. She received a degree in mortuary science from New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in 1998.
Jennifer has worked in the Merrimac Valley for many years as a funeral director and embalmer. She is licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Jennifer has been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business, especially Francis Berube when she joined Brookside Chapel in 2023.
She raised her three sons, Henry, Harrison, and Hayden in Haverhill and loves living close to the ocean. When not in the office, she’s spending time with family and friends, traveling or she’s at the beach, even in the winter.

Francis J. Berube, Jr.
Funeral Director
Francis Berube, Jr. started his career in 1974 in the family business, working alongside his father, the late Francis Berube Sr., at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, MA. He became licensed as a Funeral Director in Massachusetts in 1976 after studying mortuary sciences at the New England School of Applied Arts and Sciences. In 1994, Fran and his wife Charlene established Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home, extending his services from Haverhill, to the families of Plaistow and surrounding communities. Married to Charlene for over forty years, they proudly raised 4 children and are now the grandparents of five. Fran’s passion lies in tailoring each service to pay tribute in the most honorable way possible. Those who know Fran know his dedication is twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Fran was a former president of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the Plaistow Lions Club. Fran believes in making every experience meaningful, and strives to extend the feeling of comfort to all the families he serves.

Francis J. Berube, Jr.
Funeral Director
Francis Berube, Jr. started his career in 1974 in the family business, working alongside his father, the late Francis Berube Sr., at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home in Haverhill, MA. He became licensed as a Funeral Director in Massachusetts in 1976 after studying mortuary sciences at the New England School of Applied Arts and Sciences. In 1994, Fran and his wife Charlene established Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home, extending his services from Haverhill, to the families of Plaistow and surrounding communities. Married to Charlene for over forty years, they proudly raised 4 children and are now the grandparents of five. Fran’s passion lies in tailoring each service to pay tribute in the most honorable way possible. Those who know Fran know his dedication is twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Fran was a former president of the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association, and a member of the Plaistow Lions Club. Fran believes in making every experience meaningful, and strives to extend the feeling of comfort to all the families he serves.

Andrew O.D. Haynes
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Andrew “Drew” Haynes is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer serving families in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire for over twenty years. A graduate of the Funeral Institute of the North East Mortuary College, class of 2001, he completed his studies magna cum laude and has dedicated his career to helping grieving families navigate funeral arrangements with compassion, clarity, and care.
Originally from Northeast Massachusetts, Drew grew up with three siblings, and his parents in a loving family. After high school he attended college for a few semesters and explored various vocations attempting to discover his passion for a career. It wasn’t until receiving thoughtful encouragement from a family member who recognized his natural qualities for funeral service that directed him to his calling. That insight led him to a profession where he could combine empathy, professionalism, and a steady guiding presence for families during life’s most difficult moments. Being there, every step of the way for people who have just lost one of, if not, the most important person in their life. And then, at the end of it all hear those most fulfilling words of, “Thank you. You helped make this all so easy for us.”
When he’s not working, Drew enjoys spending time with his family and embracing the outdoor treasures of New England, especially golfing, hiking, and catching the Dave Matthews Band at Meadowbrook every summer- “Celebrate, celebrate we will. Because life is short but sweet for certain.”

Andrew O.D. Haynes
Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer
Andrew “Drew” Haynes is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer serving families in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire for over twenty years. A graduate of the Funeral Institute of the North East Mortuary College, class of 2001, he completed his studies magna cum laude and has dedicated his career to helping grieving families navigate funeral arrangements with compassion, clarity, and care.
Originally from Northeast Massachusetts, Drew grew up with three siblings, and his parents in a loving family. After high school he attended college for a few semesters and explored various vocations attempting to discover his passion for a career. It wasn’t until receiving thoughtful encouragement from a family member who recognized his natural qualities for funeral service that directed him to his calling. That insight led him to a profession where he could combine empathy, professionalism, and a steady guiding presence for families during life’s most difficult moments. Being there, every step of the way for people who have just lost one of, if not, the most important person in their life. And then, at the end of it all hear those most fulfilling words of, “Thank you. You helped make this all so easy for us.”
When he’s not working, Drew enjoys spending time with his family and embracing the outdoor treasures of New England, especially golfing, hiking, and catching the Dave Matthews Band at Meadowbrook every summer- “Celebrate, celebrate we will. Because life is short but sweet for certain.”

Kathleen Strangie
Office Manager
I have over ten years of experience in funeral home administration and management, a role that requires not only strong organizational skills but also deep compassion and care for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Working in this environment has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of guiding people through life’s most meaningful and emotional transitions. Each day brings unique responsibilities and challenges, and I take pride in handling them with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect.
Outside of my professional life, I am a passionate vegetable and flower gardener. I find great joy in nurturing plants from seed to harvest and creating vibrant outdoor spaces filled with color and life. Gardening offers both creativity and patience, although it often involves the ongoing challenge of protecting my plants from a determined horde of hungry bunnies.
I am also a devoted pet lover who believes animals bring an unmatched sense of companionship, humor, and unconditional love into our lives. Whether tending to my garden or spending time with animals, these simple joys provide balance, happiness, and inspiration in my everyday life.

Kathleen Strangie
Office Manager
I have over ten years of experience in funeral home administration and management, a role that requires not only strong organizational skills but also deep compassion and care for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Working in this environment has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of guiding people through life’s most meaningful and emotional transitions. Each day brings unique responsibilities and challenges, and I take pride in handling them with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect.
Outside of my professional life, I am a passionate vegetable and flower gardener. I find great joy in nurturing plants from seed to harvest and creating vibrant outdoor spaces filled with color and life. Gardening offers both creativity and patience, although it often involves the ongoing challenge of protecting my plants from a determined horde of hungry bunnies.
I am also a devoted pet lover who believes animals bring an unmatched sense of companionship, humor, and unconditional love into our lives. Whether tending to my garden or spending time with animals, these simple joys provide balance, happiness, and inspiration in my everyday life.

Ashley Sundstrom
Office Assistant
Ashley Sundstrom is an administrative assistant who has proudly served families at the funeral home for over a year. She assists with preparing important documentation and created personalized tribute videos that thoughtfully honor and celebrate the unique lives of loved ones. While completing her apprenticeship, Ashley works closely with funeral directors, gaining meaningful experience and dedicating herself to supporting families with compassion, empathy, and care during some of life’s most tender moments.
Ashley feels deeply grateful to be part of such an amazingly compassionate and committed team and considers it a true privilege to help families find comfort, support, and peace when they need it most. Outside of work, she is a devoted wife and mother to two beautiful daughters and is grateful for the constant support of her husband. In her free time, Ashley loves watching and attending New England sporting events, making lasting memories with her family, and celebrating the strong sense of community that means so much to her.

Ashley Sundstrom
Office Assistant
Ashley Sundstrom is an administrative assistant who has proudly served families at the funeral home for over a year. She assists with preparing important documentation and created personalized tribute videos that thoughtfully honor and celebrate the unique lives of loved ones. While completing her apprenticeship, Ashley works closely with funeral directors, gaining meaningful experience and dedicating herself to supporting families with compassion, empathy, and care during some of life’s most tender moments.
Ashley feels deeply grateful to be part of such an amazingly compassionate and committed team and considers it a true privilege to help families find comfort, support, and peace when they need it most. Outside of work, she is a devoted wife and mother to two beautiful daughters and is grateful for the constant support of her husband. In her free time, Ashley loves watching and attending New England sporting events, making lasting memories with her family, and celebrating the strong sense of community that means so much to her.

Rosemary Thuotte
Office Assistant
Rosemary has been at Brookside Chapel as Life Celebration Coordinator since 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a degree in Dance Education. She was also a faculty member with the Hartford Ballet.
She is a lifelong parishioner of All Saints Parish in Haverhill, where she was a Funeral Altar Server and Eucharistic Minister.
Rosemary and her husband Michael are the parents of 5 grown children and grandparents to 4.
She handles all printed materials as well as personalized items for services and families.

Rosemary Thuotte
Office Assistant
Rosemary has been at Brookside Chapel as Life Celebration Coordinator since 2017. She is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a degree in Dance Education. She was also a faculty member with the Hartford Ballet.
She is a lifelong parishioner of All Saints Parish in Haverhill, where she was a Funeral Altar Server and Eucharistic Minister.
Rosemary and her husband Michael are the parents of 5 grown children and grandparents to 4.
She handles all printed materials as well as personalized items for services and families.

Suzanne Ouellette
Administrative Assistant
Sue was born and raised in Haverhill, MA, the fifth child in a family of seven. In 1998, she began working in the funeral industry under Francis Berube, Jr. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home and Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home as an Administrative Assistant and later as Office Manager. Prior to her employment, she attended Andover Junior College where she earned an associate’s degree in secretarial sciences, graduating in 1977. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Franklin, NH and held various secretarial positions in Franklin, Tilton, Derry and Windham. After moving back to her hometown, Haverhill, Sue worked as a Secretary at St. Joseph Parish. Five years later, Fran offered Sue a Secretarial position, where she, twenty-eight years later, is still offering comfort and support to our families. Now residing in Plaistow, NH, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Erin, son-in-law, Steve, and “the little light in her life”, her granddaughter, Madeleine Claire, aka "Maddy". In her spare time, she enjoys watching old black and white movies, reading Danielle Steele novels, and is passionate about everything Red Sox!

Suzanne Ouellette
Administrative Assistant
Sue was born and raised in Haverhill, MA, the fifth child in a family of seven. In 1998, she began working in the funeral industry under Francis Berube, Jr. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home and Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home as an Administrative Assistant and later as Office Manager. Prior to her employment, she attended Andover Junior College where she earned an associate’s degree in secretarial sciences, graduating in 1977. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Franklin, NH and held various secretarial positions in Franklin, Tilton, Derry and Windham. After moving back to her hometown, Haverhill, Sue worked as a Secretary at St. Joseph Parish. Five years later, Fran offered Sue a Secretarial position, where she, twenty-eight years later, is still offering comfort and support to our families. Now residing in Plaistow, NH, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Erin, son-in-law, Steve, and “the little light in her life”, her granddaughter, Madeleine Claire, aka "Maddy". In her spare time, she enjoys watching old black and white movies, reading Danielle Steele novels, and is passionate about everything Red Sox!

