A Mission of the Heart
Ottawa Valley Stonekeepers was born from profound love — and profound loss.
In 2020, Angela said goodbye to her grandfather. Just two years later, on April 5, 2022, she lost her mother, Bonnie, to breast cancer. The grief was overwhelming. The steady ground beneath her feet felt as though it had shifted, leaving her searching for peace and a renewed sense of belonging.
For years, her mother had lovingly cared for the headstones of their parents and grandparents, resting just across the road from the family home. It was a quiet act of devotion — one rooted in respect, remembrance, and love. After her mother’s passing, that responsibility gently fell to Angela, one of the last surviving members of her immediate family.
When she carefully cleaned her grandparents’ stone for the first time, something unexpected happened. In the stillness of the cemetery, amidst the grief, she felt peace. The simple act of restoration — of washing away time, revealing names, honoring legacy — became deeply healing.
That single moment sparked something greater.
One stone became another. Curiosity turned into dedicated research. Angela connected with preservation professionals around the world, learning proper techniques, safe materials, and the ethics of conservation. What began as personal grief evolved into a calling rooted in care and reverence.
Today, while Ottawa Valley Stonekeepers does provide professional preservation cleanings, Angela’s heart lives within The Legacy Project. Through this initiative, she has lovingly cleaned and restored over 300 stones — including the historic Arnprior Cenotaph War Memorial — ensuring that stories are not lost to time.
Each stone is more than granite or marble. It represents a life lived, a family forever changed, and a legacy that deserves to be seen.
What began as heartbreak became healing.
And what began as one daughter honoring her family has grown into a mission to help others preserve theirs.
Our Sacred Trust
Preserving History. Honoring Legacy
At Ottawa Valley Stonekeepers, our philosophy is rooted in the deep respect we hold for those who came before us. We believe that a headstone is more than just stone—it is a physical vessel for history and a bridge to the legacies of our loved ones. Our mission is to restore dignity to these monuments through gentle, non-invasive techniques that preserve their beauty for generations to come, ensuring every memory is honored with the care it deserves.
Meet the Stonekeeper
When you trust me with the care of your family’s headstone, you are trusting me with something sacred. I never take that lightly.
Every stone I clean represents a life lived, a story carried forward, and a family who still loves deeply. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of that love and remembrance. It is an honour that humbles me every single day.
When I begin restoring a monument, I do more than carefully preserve the stone. I research the family history. I look into the lives behind the names — who they were, where they came from, the community they helped build. I want to understand the legacy I am caring for.
And as I work, I speak to them.
I tell them what I’m doing and why. I explain the process. I thank them for the life they lived. It may sound unusual to some, but to me it feels natural — almost like carrying on a quiet conversation across time. In those peaceful moments, the work becomes something far deeper than restoration. It becomes connection.
One of the greatest honors of my journey so far has been the restoration of the Arnprior Cenotaph. To preserve a monument that represents so many who gave so much was an experience I will carry with me forever.
Yet my heart holds a special place for the Caruso monument at Malloch Road Cemetery. Restored through the Legacy Project, it represents everything this work means to me — remembrance, respect, and restoring dignity where time has taken its toll.
When I complete a monument, I leave behind a small painted cement bird. It is my quiet signature — a symbol of peace, love, and watchful care. As you walk through the cemetery to honour your loved ones, look for them. They are my way of saying, this stone was tended with heart.
When I am not in the cemetery, I am with the love of my life, my husband Rob, our children, and my sweet grandson Jaxson. They are my foundation and my constant reminder of why legacy matters so much. Family is everything.
I am always open to new projects, new stories, and teaching others who feel called to this work. If you are considering restoration, preservation, or simply want to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for trusting me.
It is truly the honour of my life.
Angela Yach
Our Core Values
Preservation First
We prioritize the longevity of every monument by using only the safest, biological-driven cleaning methods available.
Dignified Care
Honoring the memories of those who have passed is our greatest mission, treating every site with quiet reverence.
Legacy Honored
We research and respect the original stone craftsmanship, ensuring that the natural character is never compromised.
Local Roots
Serving the Ottawa & The Valley community with pride, we help families preserve their history for generations to come.
“When Angela cleaned my parents headstone through her Legacy Project, I was in tears. I am 98 years old and have not seen my family headstone clean in over 2 decades. Since then she maintains it yearly for us, has removed shrubs that were over taking it and honors my fathers military contributions. I cannot thank her enough.”
— A Grateful Family, Ottawa Valley