Planning a funeral is never easy – let me help. A Humanist funeral acknowledges our grief while celebrating the life of the person who has died. It is, in essence, an extended eulogy: personal, moving and deeply meaningful. My role is to create a calm, warm and dignified service that feels authentic to your family and honours your loved one’s story.
A Humanist funeral is centred on the person who has died — a celebration of their life shaped by family and friends. Sometimes I deliver the entire service; more often, relatives and friends speak if they feel able. We can include music (usually at least three pieces), live or recorded, both work beautifully. I can offer thoughtful suggestions for music as well as poetry and readings to suit the tone you want.
I will meet with you to discuss the details, listen to your stories and memories, and ensure we create a fitting, personal ceremony. Families can be complicated; I understand this and approach every situation with sensitivity and discretion. As a highly experienced celebrant, I know that every funeral is different because every person is different, and I am open to non-traditional approaches where appropriate.
Music frames the service and helps everyone gather their thoughts. Whether you choose classical pieces, favourite songs or instrumental music, I’ll help you curate a sequence that feels right. I also provide suggestions for poetry and prose, ranging from reflective to uplifting, and will guide anyone who wishes to deliver a reading or tribute to feel comfortable on the day.
Memorials are much like funerals; they simply take place at a later date or when the deceased is not present. Families may choose a memorial if a body has been donated to medical science, after a private cremation or burial, or to gather loved ones travelling from overseas. Memorials are also meaningful when someone dies abroad and a service in their home country is desired.
To better support families, I trained in England with Living Well Dying Well. As an End-of-Life Doula, I provide practical and emotional support to people with a terminal diagnosis and those important to them, usually in the person’s home. This is a non-medical role that keeps the dying person at the centre of their care and works alongside any medical support, simply as an additional layer of help when it’s most needed. Please feel free to contact me to discuss in more detail.
The Swedish art of Döstädning is the gentle practice of clearing our homes of unnecessary possessions so loved ones aren’t burdened later. It recognises that we can’t take our things with us, and invites us to spend our years surrounded by what is truly precious. As an expert in de-cluttering I can help you, at whatever pace suits you, to begin this valuable and deeply satisfying process.
