Celebrating a life?
Making funerals and celebrations of life personal and meaningful using empathy and words of comfort.
What is a Funeral Celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is a person who is trained, certified and dedicated to meeting the needs of families during their time of loss.
A funeral celebrant serves by creating a meaningful celebration of life; from the first consultation with the family until the end of the service. This can include a memorial, funeral or graveside service that is personalized to reflect the character and lifestyle of the deceased. In addition, it is my job to incorporate elements requested by the family or write suitable content based on the memories shared.
A celebrant offers an alternative to a service provided by a clergy person for those families who may not be affiliated with a church or who do not wish to have a traditional religious service.
Packages
Funeral Service local to Kitchener
Includes a family meeting; writing and officiating services day of, including a graveside if required.
Will coordinate music with the venue or provide a speaker upon request.
$400
*If graveside takes place another day, a fee will be added.
Graveside Service local to Kitchener
Includes phone call or zoom meeting, writing of a service using the personal information you share and officiating on the day of.
Upon Request, music can be provided.
$250
"You made the process so easy for us. In talking with you for a couple of hours you had my Dad to a T! We will be forever thankful for how beautiful you made his service."
— T. Campbell-Holborn
What to expect
I will contact the family in a brief call to set up a time to go over the details of the ceremony.
For a full memorial, I like to meet with the closest family members in person; I am open to a virtual meeting or phone call if that is preferred. I ask for at least an hour of time.
For a graveside service I will set up a phone call or virtual meeting asking for 30-45 minutes of your time.
During our meeting, we will discuss your vision, thoughts and ideas. This could include poems, prayers, tributes, music, rituals, a ceremonial element or anything that is important to you and your family. I will then take everything we discuss and weave it together into a ceremony that I hope will honour your loved ones’ life and legacy.
I will arrive 30 minutes prior to service (15 minutes for a graveside) to connect with the funeral or venue staff; family and speakers to verify everything is in order.
I will lead your family and friends through the ceremony.
Upon request, I am happy to share a copy of the service afterwards.
FAQ
Why do we need a family meeting?
A family meeting is essential in developing a tribute that reflects the uniqueness of your loved one. It can also be a much-needed healing experience. I will listen as you share your stories, I will ask questions to encourage conversation and I will take notes.
Not everything shared in the meeting will be written into the service, but the more you can tell me about your loved one the better the service will be. Getting to know your loved one through your eyes will help me to choose the right words when creating the service.
In Loving Memory
“When the options of who we could choose to officiate the service for our daughter were presented, we had no idea how wonderful our choice would turn out to be. The time and care you took in all you did to prepare for & execute the service was as unique & special as she was to us. We will never forget the gift you gave us. K & M and family.”
““Thank you for being such a wonderful presence in a very difficult time. Your heartfelt words and incredible service truly honoured our son perfectly.””
The funeral
Helps confirm the reality and finality of death.
Provides a climate for mourning and the expression of grief.
Allows the sorrows of one to become the sorrows of many.
Is one of the few times love is given and not expected in return.
Is a vehicle for the community to pay its respects.
Encouraged the affirmation of religious faith or spiritual beliefs.
Is a celebration of a life that has been lived as well as a sociological statement that a death has occurred.