Leading Innovative Grief Support at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel

Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel, a trusted provider of compassionate funeral services in the Pittsburgh community, is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering grief support program designed to offer solace and companionship to families navigating the challenging journey of loss. The initiative, lead by Judy Ryave McGuire who is a certified grief companion, represents a groundbreaking approach to holistic bereavement care.

Judy Ryave McGuire brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting individuals and families through their grief journey. Her commitment to providing personalized guidance and unwavering assistance is central to the mission of bereavement care. Part of the services offered is a therapy dog named Laney, a Goldendoodle who is trained to provide comfort and emotional support. Laney is available upon request and can be in attendance for the funeral planning meeting, visitation, services, and grief support sessions. Her gentle demeanor and natural intuition make her a cherished figure at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel. 

“What an honor it has been to mentor Judy as she continues to grow her expertise as a grief companion,” said Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition. “Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel is fortunate to have her there to support the families they serve who are mourning and dealing with loss.”

Judy, as well as the entire staff at Ralph Schugar understand the profound impact of loss. Their commitment to compassionate care extends beyond traditional funeral services. Judy and Laney reflect a dedication to innovative, holistic bereavement support. Ralph Schugar’s bereavement care offers a unique combination of expertise and comfort, creating a safe space for healing and reflection.

Commenting on the initiative, Sharon Ryave Brody, Owner, President, and Licensed Funeral Director at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel expressed her commitment to emotional healing by fusing the healing power of human connection with the soothing presence of an animal companion. Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel strives to provide unmatched support and comfort to those experiencing loss. Judy serves as a knowledgeable guide to point families in the right direction for further assistance, referrals, paperwork, resources, connections, and support when people need it most.

The addition of Judy Ryave McGuire, as a Certified Grief Companion, and Laney, a therapy dog, emphasizes Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel’s commitment to setting a new benchmark for grief support in the funeral industry. 

For more information about Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel’s grief support program or to schedule a consultation with Judy and Laney, please contact Holly Vaughn or Erica Stophel by phone or by email.

Judy handles the duties of Director of Aftercare Services and Community Outreach programming at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel. Her professional career began at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital as a Registered Dietitian, providing nutrition counseling to patients.  After taking time to raise her three wonderful children, she returned to the workforce as a fitness professional at the JCC of South Hills. Her extensive training in health and wellness coupled with her certification and work as a grief companion allows her to offer a wide range of holistic support via listening, dialog, diet, and physical activity. Her motto is movement is great medicine.  

As the Director of Aftercare Services at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel, she can continue her passion for helping others. She is available after the funeral of a loved one to offer support, answer questions, and assist in securing any services needed. In addition to her duties as the Director of Aftercare she serves as a board member of The Branch, formally Jewish Residential Services. 

Meet Laney

A six-year-old Goldendoodle who started training at age one, Laney is Certified by Therapy Dogs International in 2019. As a certified therapy dog, she participates in the Upper Saint Clair Library Paws for Reading program where she hears stories read to her by the elementary school children’s reading group. Laney offers comfort for those who choose emotional support at Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel and can be booked to attend pre-planning, funeral arrangements, funerals, and aftercare.     

About Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel

Marked from the beginning by extraordinary compassion, service, and a deep understanding of the needs of grieving families, Ralph Schugar Funeral Chapel has operated since 1919 and has been run by three generations of the Ryave family. They serve the entire Western Pennsylvania Jewish community and will accommodate all denominations — Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and unaffiliated families — in English and Russian. Whether you’re interested in traditional funeral services, cremation, green burial, or alternative options, the staff can help you understand what’s available and assist in determining what’s right for you.

Founded in 1984 by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, the Center for Loss and Life Transition is dedicated to “companioning” grieving people as they mourn significant transitions and losses that transform their lives. They help mourners, by walking with them in their unique life journeys, and both professional and lay caregivers, by serving as an educational resource and professional forum.

Located in the Rocky Mountain foothills on the western edge of Fort Collins, Colorado, the Center for Loss serves its mission through a combination of workshops and publications.