Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-143005, 333-02374, 333-34766 and 333-104551) of Stewart Enterprises, Inc. of our report dated December 17, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP New Orleans, Louisiana December 18, 2008 144