Sympathy Store

Who We Are

History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.

Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

Our Mission

Bringing traditions from the past, embracing them with values from the present, leading the way into the future to bring our families the best in complete funeral service.

Our Philosophy

No two funerals are the same. Each family we serve has unique and important needs that we strive to satisfy. By working closely with your family we can arrange a funeral ceremony that will express the special, one-of-a-kind relationship that you shared with your loved one and help enrich the memories that you will cherish forever.

We do our best to deliver service beyond expectation. Whether you come to us when your loved one has died, or when you want to make your arrangements in advance, we provide you with services tailored to your needs and desires. The staff members in our eight locations are your caring friends and neighbors, and ready to serve you and your family.

Maintaining a tradition of quality service is our top priority. It is our privilege to uphold that tradition while helping you in your time of need.

Our Valued Staff

Tom Helfenbein, CEO/Funeral Director

Gary B. Fellows, Funeral Director / Owner

John R. Merceron, Funeral Director / Owner

Kirk Helfenbein, Funeral Director

Chad Helfenbein, Funeral Director

Jason Fellows, Funeral Director

B. Keith Phippin, Funeral Director

Susan Burleson, Funeral Director

Ruth Ann Smith, Office Manager

Stacey Barrow, Financial Administrator

Kerry Legg, Funeral Concierge

Kerry Legg was raised in Queenstown, MD by her parents Tom and Penny Quimby. She is a 1999 graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School where she played soccer, ran track and wrote for the high school newspaper. After High School she attended Towson University where she received her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. In 2005 she married Josh Legg, son of Skip and Debbie Legg, of Chester, MD. In 2007 they welcomed their daughter Hayden into the world.

Kerry joined the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam team in November of 2007. She was looking for an opportunity to be in Centreville, MD and be able to help people on a daily basis in her position as Planning Administrator.

When she’s not assisting families Kerry enjoys spending time with Josh, Hayden and their Miniature Dachshund Rebel and Labrador Retriever Avery, at their home in Henderson, MD. She also takes pleasure in assisting our local Hospice and Queen Anne’s County High Athletic Boosters with their fundraising events.

You can reach Kerry at 410-758-3987

Valerie Von Don Bosch, Office Manager

Lauren Tyler, Office Manager

Tammy Haddaway, Funeral Assistant

Jim Lewis, Funeral Assistant

Gary Connolly, Funeral Assistant

Leslie Leadbeater, Funeral Concierge

Leslie Leadbeater and her family moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1983. She has been helping families in the financial industry for over 14 years in both the Eastern Shore and Annapolis.
Leslie joined the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam team in August 2011. She serves as our Funeral Concierge and Planning Counselor. Leslie will walk you through the post service checklist found in your Funeral Organizer© and assist you in settling the affairs of your loved one. She is there to provide assistance with any concerns you may have, no matter how large or small. Leslie can also offer protection from financial hardships that often occur with the loss of a loved one through funeral trusts, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities and much more.
When she’s not helping our families, she spends her time with family and friends. Leslie volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, The Waterfowl Festival in Easton and is a member of Easton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
You can reach Leslie at 410-758-3987