Funeral
ceremonies
Death is a certainty for us all,
but it remains a difficult subject for us to talk about.
Losing someone can be extremely difficult and create uncertainty. A good funeral gives thanks and celebrates the life lost, whether the time on earth was short or long.
I am a loving, supportive, experienced celebrant. I have been conducting funerals for over nine years.
I see my role as supporting you in creating the perfect ceremony that is right not only for you but also for your loved one and honours their beliefs and values.
You can contact me directly or through a funeral director.
We will have conversations in a way that suits you best, spending time talking about how you would like the funeral to be. I will walk you through the housekeeping, answering any questions you may have, and we will talk about your memories and stories of your loved one. I am here to support you and guide you with prompts if needed.
Each ceremony that I write is personal and unique, some aspects do have similar words used, for time of reflection and committal, where the coffin is lowered or covered in a crematorium (if this is your wish) or interred into the ground for a burial, but I can always suggest options for you.
I have collected many resources over the years that I can share with you: poems, readings, prayers, words for reflection and committal, as well as music suggestions.
There is no right or wrong with a funeral; it must be right for you and your loved one.
The ceremony can be a traditional format, or we can create a celebration of life in a venue of your choosing.
The words spoken in the ceremony are your own familiar sayings and terms of endearment. We can include your beliefs and values, familiar stories, and the essence of the person who has passed.
I am happy to include stories and humour if that is appropriate for you and share hopes and dreams, especially if it is the service for a young person.
The ceremony is all about the person and sharing their essence. I am more than happy to support individuals who wish to speak at the service. I can offer guidance with writing the eulogy or tribute.
Afterwards, you will receive a ribbon-bound scroll of the service for you to keep. I keep in touch; I’ll give you a ring a few weeks later and send a card on the first anniversary. I still meet some families and individuals for coffee and cake years after I first met them. As a homeopath and therapist, I can offer support with grief and loss.
I will write and officiate a funeral ceremony for families who would like a personal, genuine reflection and individually written ceremony for their loved one.
Every single one of us is different, and I write my ceremonies that way – I will always try to make their day as unique as possible using whatever aspects of a person’s life you feel are appropriate to include.
I usually write ceremonies around the person’s life and experiences, including all manner of subjects and circumstances, always following your wishes. This can include religion and faith, touching and emotional elements to the more humorous and ‘colourful’ in language if that’s what you’d prefer. Ultimately, I will always work with you co-creating a meaningful ceremony.
Sometimes, my work involves negotiating some tough and challenging circumstances that families have encountered. From the end of a natural life to difficult and tragic circumstances. A person’s choice to die by suicide can be difficult for those left behind. Everything is confidential, and with my background in personal therapy, you’re in caring and competent hands.
Get in touch
I’m here to help you and ensure everything is covered. You can choose to involve me as much or as little as you like in the process of saying goodbye.