END OF LIFE SERVICES
End of Life Celebrations, Funerals & Committal Services, Memorial Ceremonies, Living Celebrations of Life
“As they participate, they remember. As they remember, they grieve. As they grieve, they love.”
Sarah York, Remembering Well
End of Life Celebrations & Funerals
Celebrant officiated End of Life Ceremonies are growing with so many families wanting direction for a more personalized service, based on the deceased person and their life; and to create flexibility in choosing a venue. My role as your Celebrant is to be your ceremony guide by crafting an authentic, beautiful and personal ceremony that celebrates love and life. The life narrative and stories of the deceased will be listened to, as such creating a unique ceremony for you; reflecting your beliefs, rituals, wishes, traditions and values. When you’ve experienced a loss, it is essential that you experience this ceremony, not manage it. On the day, I will co-ordinate the service for you; deliver the agreed eulogy if you require; introduce speakers, and manage other aspects of the ceremony, as needed. It’s important for you to know that should you be working with one of our area’s Funeral Homes, we will be working as a team to support you. I would be honoured to be of service to your family, guide you & provide a calming presence during this emotional time.
Virtual On-line Ceremonies are available, in collaboration with your chosen Virtual Platform Expert.
Memorial Ceremonies
A Memorial Ceremony is when the body is not present. They may have already been buried, cremated or the body cannot be there for a certain reason. You can hold a Memorial Ceremony for the scattering of the ashes, “No Service, Please.” rituals, or the unveiling of the headstone. A Memorial ceremony can be held when it makes the most sense for the family. Perhaps you would like to remember your loved one on a landmark date, a birthday, an anniversary or perhaps a year later. Memorial Ceremonies may be small or large, public or private, and may be planned to achieve many goals. I am uniquely qualified to assist you with creating a ceremony for any venue for letting go in a sacred space; your home, a chapel, outside woodland or by the water. My role as your Celebrant will be to craft a custom Memorial ceremony which offers healing and a sense of community; whether that involves a traditional farewell or a send-off that is distinctive & authentic.
“Give sorrow words.”
W. Shakespeare
“As death approaches we do not need to turn away in fear. Instead we can choose to celebrate life & join hands with those we love.”
Ted Menten, Gentle Closings
Living Celebrations of Life
A Living Celebration of Life or Living Funeral is usually done by a person who knows that they do not have much time left to live. Whether the reason is that the person is terminally ill, requesting Medical Assistance in Dying or is at an old age, the person knows death is near and could use this ceremony as transitional closure. These gatherings are set up exactly like a Wake or End of Life Ceremony; except the person in question is alive and present. All those wonderful heartfelt perspectives that are shared in a traditional setting are personally heard by the guest of honour. Chosen rituals will give the family an opportunity to remember well, to grieve, and to create a community of sharing with others. As a Celebrant, I am skilled in developing and facilitating a ceremony to guide this type of celebration. We can sit down together and compose your ceremony with personal rituals & music that is special to you; with poems or readings that give language to the soul. Should you wish, I would be honoured to share your beautiful story with your beloved guests with warmth, lightheartedness, & a calming presence that will bring comfort, peace and even some joy in that moment.