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Jack and Dottie Vodrazka, Funeral Director
I grew up living above my parents’ funeral home. I was inspired by their willingness to give of themselves and help others in their time of difficulty.
We have been told by many of the families we have served, that it is a comfort to them to know that when they call upon us in their time of need, that they will meet with a professional staff, who will provide them with a variety of options when making funeral arrangements, and that carrying out the arrangements with attention to detail is our prime concern. -
April Harrigal, General Manager
April B. Harrigal, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Pre-Need Counselor
A native of Ohio, April was born and raised in the South-Eastern part of the state in rural Cadiz, Ohio. She studied Psychology at the University of Akron, and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. After graduation, April relocated to the Cleveland area to begin her career in funeral service. Thirty years later, April continues to humbly minister to the families of our community.
Widowed at a young age, April’s husband George, was also a funeral director for 30 years. Together, they have 3 children, whom are now young adults; David, Samantha and Brian.
April is a 30-year member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, The National Funeral Directors Association, the Embalmers Association of Cleveland, where she currently sits on the board as 1st Vice President, and is also an active member of The Independence Kiwanis. She has been a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church for over 25 years, and enjoys being a Eucharistic Minister and visiting with, and taking Communion to the residents in the area nursing homes and the home-bound.
April is very passionate about our military veterans. Her father was an Army Veteran, serving in WWII. He participated in the Allied Invasion of Europe, swarming Utah Beach, with the men of the 4th Division, on D Day, Tuesday, 6 June 1944. Among many decorations, he received a Purple Heart for the 'wound' he received that day, feeling fortunate to only have lost his left arm in battle.
April is also an avid blood donor with The American Red Cross, and in her free time, enjoys reading, especially WWII History, cooking, traveling, and spending quality time with her children. -
Crystal Jardine
My name is Crystal Jardine and I am a licensed funeral director as of April 2012. I have lived in Strongsville since I was 5 and am a graduate of Strongsville High School. I obtained my bachelors degree in Business from Baldwin Wallace College and earned my MBA in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management.
Being a funeral home owner, I am dedicated to serving our community in the best ways possible. We strive to make sure families are as comfortable as they can be and receive the care they need though the difficult time they are experiencing.
I am very involved in the community and enjoy working with other business organizations in town to better our community.
Jason and I are the proud parents of 3 children - Jake, Julia and Jesse and 3 fur babies. Jake graduated from Ohio University in 2020 , Julia graduated from Strongsville High School in December 2019 and Jesse is a senior at Strongsville High School.
At Jardine's, we honor Veterans every chance we can. My grandfather, Michael Phillips, was in the US Army during World War II. He was awarded a Silver Star for his heroic effort while under heavy German counterattacks in Mt. Rutundo, Italy on November 10th, 1943. Also, my dad served in the US Navy and I have an uncle who served in Vietnam.
It's an honor to help families through such a difficult time. -
Jason Jardine, Funeral Director
My name is Jason Jardine. I have lived in Strongsville my whole life except for some of my college years. I have been licensed and dedicated to our family business for 26 years now.
My Grandfather was a WWII veteran and I truly enjoy honoring the Veterans in our area.
I understand Independence as a unique and great place to be ! I'm proud of our presence in this community as everyone seems to be as well.