A farewell that tells their story

Before I write a word, I want to get to know the person you're saying goodbye to. Ideally, we'll meet face-to-face at your home, the funeral home, a café, my home or somewhere you're comfortable. We can also talk by video or phone.

I generally allow around two hours for our first conversation. I'll ask questions and, most importantly, listen and find out more about their family, relationships, work, friendships, passions, achievements, quirks, the things they were known for and what made them happy.

I'll ask what they will be remembered for, what their legacy will be and what you will miss most.

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Don't forget the little stories

The funny story, the quirky habit, the favourite saying or the thing they always did that drove everyone slightly crazy can be the best stories.

Those seemingly small details are often the things you'll remember now, and always. So please tell me those stories.

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Writing their story

I can write the eulogy or tribute, help a family member write their own, or edit something already prepared. If you want to write it but don't know where to start, I'll guide you from the beginning. And if you'd rather not deliver it yourself, I can do that for you too.

You don't have to know how to write a eulogy. You just need to tell me about them.

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Your farewell. Your way.

A funeral or celebration of life can be traditional, contemporary, formal, relaxed, quiet, colourful, funny, deeply personal or a mix of any of the above. Depending on the venue and time available, you might include family and friends sharing stories, readings, music, photo or video tributes, cultural or religious elements, moments of silence, personal rituals, humour, laughter or an opportunity for others to share memories.

If you'd prefer something traditional, I'll guide you through that too. There really isn't a rulebook.

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Yes, laughter is okay

Grief doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes there are tears. Sometimes there is laughter. Sometimes there are both in the same sentence.

If your loved one was funny, cheeky or loved a good laugh, there's room for that too. There can be smiles, stories and applause. A farewell doesn't have to be solemn every minute to be meaningful.

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Working with your funeral director

I see myself as part of the team supporting your family. I'll work hand-in-hand with your funeral director, keeping them updated as we develop the ceremony, sharing the order of service and taking on board feedback. Open communication between the family, funeral director and celebrant is important.

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On the day

I'll arrive early, check the music and AV, room and speakers, meet with funeral staff, reassure family and speakers, introduce speakers, keep the service flowing and manage unexpected moments if they arise.

My aim is to give you one less thing to think about, so you can focus on your family, friends and saying goodbye.

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What I hope you take away

When the service is over, I hope your family feels: We did them proud.

That their story was genuinely told. That the service reflected who they were and, wherever possible, what they would have wanted. That there was space for grief and laughter, that you were listened to and supported, and that you could say goodbye in your own way.

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Making a difficult time a little easier

You don't need to know exactly what you want or have everything worked out before we meet. I'll guide you through the choices, listen to what matters and help create a farewell that feels right for your family.

While saying goodbye will always be difficult, the process of creating the farewell shouldn't have to be.

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Let's talk

If you've recently lost someone you love, or you're beginning to think about how you'd like to honour their life, I'm here to listen.

We can start with a conversation, no pressure and no need to have everything worked out. Just a chance to talk about them, what they meant to you and what you'd like their farewell to be.

I'd be honoured to hear their story.

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