Celebrations of Life and Memorial Services

Celebrations of Life and Memorials are for those who want their loved one’s life to be captured and celebrated in a joyful, inspiring and thoughtful way. Emphasis during the service is placed on living an authentic life. Life is a challenge we have to figure out from our experience and our interactions with others. We are all part of this world. We all need each other. We all need to learn from each other. Compassion, empathy and reason are our natural guide to deciding how to live. It’s tragic to lose a loved one but it can be beautiful and uplifting to honour the connections they made and they ones they left behind.

Since there is no legal requirement, Celebrations of Life can be held in a variety of places including a funeral home, a hall and even your own home or any other place where you feel at ease. Funeral directors deal with the practical arrangements but the type of service and what it includes is entirely up to you.

Part of the process includes meeting with the family to gain insight into the person who has passed and their life. This is an opportunity to sit with you in your grief and gently dig into memories and emotions to ensure the service captures the wishes and reflections of those we are celebrating. It’s important to focus sincerely and affectionately on the unique stories, moments and experiences that defined your loved one. While this is a moment to express sadness at the loss, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the life lived.

The service will include guidance through the practical process and arrangement of a fitting service that can include family and friends where appropriate. Perhaps readings, stories or music can create an authentic moment to honour your loved one and the impact they had on this world. The ceremony is lead with a professional calm presence to convey warmth and dignity. It’s essential to have sensitivity and respect for your loved one's beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds, whatever they may be. Thorough planning is provided for your loved ones celebration so that you can focus on what’s important - remembering and healing.

I am empathetic to grief, having gone through it myself and I appreciate the opportunity to help others. I’m happy to meet to discuss details and to hear your loved one's unique story. Celebrations of Life provide an inspiring way to say farewell and I look forward to helping you create the service you desire.