Funerals

‘That was amazing – the best [funeral service] I have ever been to! You got her spot on’

My role as your Celebrant is to help you make a ceremony that is unique. It will reflect the character and values of the loved one who has passed away and also of those who mourn their passing. Together, we aim to celebrate their life, share grief together, and to take comfort as we continue to cherish their memory.

I work with the family and Funeral Directors to talk through the options concerning what you wish to include – readings, music, personal contributions – and about how the ceremony is conducted. I will meet with family members for around an hour to talk through the service and to gather material for the eulogy – the tribute about the loved one’s life. I expect to write and deliver the eulogy but will send it to you along with a draft of the whole service so that you can make sure it is accurate, authentic and affirming. Of course, you may want to do it yourself or for someone else to deliver the eulogy and I would be there to make sure the service goes smoothly. 

As an Independent Celebrant, my duty is to truly represent the life, personality and beliefs of the deceased along with what they meant to their family and friends. Thus, the ceremony may include elements of a particular faith or a mix of religious and secular ingredients or of human values. I can suggest readings, music, poems and prayers, but you may well have your own. Many people like to have some photographs on the order of service and/or on a screen. ‘What will survive of us is Love’ (Philip Larkin) and Love is always at the centre of our remembrance and thanksgiving.

Funerals are usually in a crematorium but can be in a Natural Burial Ground.

I can also take pet funerals at home or in a dedicated pet cemetery.

Testimonials (Selected)

‘Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for all but it’s a comfort to know you will be the Celebrant. Again, thank you.’ (Family)

‘Thank you very much for the Order of Service and Eulogy.  You have written a wonderful and extremely moving piece.’ (Family)

‘Again, thank you very much for the wonderful choice of words for XXXX.  It is very much appreciated’. (Family)

 ‘It was lovely to meet you yesterday.  X (husband), Y (daughter) and I (sister) would like to thank you for your reassuring way in which you are dealing with the arrangements for the funeral.’ (Family)

‘That [the service] was amazing’ (Husband of deceased)

 ‘Thank you again for the service for my Mum. People have commented to me since the funeral that it was done very well with the right tone and messages. (Son)

‘That was amazing – the best [funeral service] I have ever been to! You got her spot on’ (Niece)

I just wanted to say from the whole family (all 5 of us!!) Thank you so much for the lovely service you performed for dad yesterday. It made a difficult day in these trying times a little better and helped us to feel that despite the unusual circumstances, we gave him the best send off that we could. (April 2020)

I would just like to say THANK YOU so much. You did a wonderful service and I am so grateful to you,  Thank you very much. (May 2020)

‘I want to thank you for what you did yesterday and for all you have done for us. You have looked after us so well. Thank you ever so much.’ (Interment, August 2020)

Thank you for a lovely service. Absolutely perfect’ (July 2020)

‘Thank you very much for leading the celebration for mum’s life. You delivered a poignant tribute expertly.’ (July 2020)

I cannot thank you enough for conducting mum’s [burial] service today . … Everything was perfect and mum would have enjoyed it.  (January 2021)

It was an honour to have you give Dads service and eulogy. Your professionalism and compassion made what was undoubtably an incredibly sad experience bearable. (June 2021)

The service yesterday was tough but it was what I wanted it to be so it was worth it and the feedback from everyone was lovely. 

I so much appreciated the feeling that you were there as a support and to lead the service with experience and  a great deal of compassion.
I did not know anything  about a celebrant’s role before this and I now realize how really invaluable and meaningful  it is. So I want to thank you for your skill in connecting with people and for your sensitivity. (November 2021)

Thank you on behalf of [us all] for making X’s service special – such a heartwarming experience (January 2022)