Hi, I'm Avril

Image of Avril Hawthorne

Avril Hawthorne is an experienced and empathetic humanist funeral celebrant based in Newtownabbey, serving families across Northern Ireland. With a deep understanding of the importance of honoring the lives of loved ones, Avril is dedicated to creating meaningful and personalised ceremonies that reflect the values, beliefs, and stories of those being remembered.

Avril's journey as a humanist celebrant began with her passion for connecting with people and her belief in the power of storytelling to bring comfort during difficult times. She understands that every life is unique, and so too should be the ceremony that celebrates it. Whether the deceased was someone with a rich history in the community, a quiet individual who lived a life of simple pleasures, or anyone in between, Avril takes the time to listen and learn about their life, ensuring that the service truly honors their memory.

Known for her warmth and compassion, Avril approaches each ceremony with a deep sense of empathy. Her ceremonies are crafted with care, often incorporating personal anecdotes, favorite poems or readings, and music that held special meaning to the person who has passed away. Avril works closely with families to ensure that every detail resonates with the life that has been lived and the legacy left behind.

As a humanist celebrant, Avril respects the diverse range of beliefs that people hold. Her services are secular but deeply personal, focusing on the individual rather than religious or spiritual elements. For those who prefer a non-religious approach to a funeral, Avril offers a space where the focus is on the life lived, the connections made, and the impact on the world around them.

Working across Northern Ireland, Avril has earned a reputation for her professionalism, sensitivity, and dedication. Her clients often express gratitude for her ability to guide them through the planning process with kindness and understanding, ensuring that the final farewell is both comforting and meaningful.

Whether you are looking to celebrate a life with a traditional service or something more unique, Avril Hawthorne brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to helping families through one of the most challenging times in their lives. Her approach ensures that each ceremony is a true reflection of the person being remembered, leaving a lasting and heartfelt tribute.

Avril I just wanted to take a moment to thank you properly for yesterday's service. To be honest I think it was the nicest funeral I've ever been to. This was a sentiment expressed by many people who attended. From the moment you entered my home on Sunday I knew we were in good hands. A simple thank you doesn't seem enough but the family wanted you to know how much they appreciated how you brought all the stories together to honour Alan.

— Linda

Avril,

I just wanted to drop you a quick, and very inadequate, line to thank you for all your help over the last couple of weeks and yesterday in particular.

We are delighted that Clarke’s put us in touch with you and your praises were being sung by more than one person I spoke to at the lunch at Bryansburn yesterday.

All the best, and keep up the good work!

— Richard

Image of Avril Hawthorne

Avril Hawthorne

Where I work

Across Northern Ireland, from her Newtownabbey base

Fees from...

185

How to contact me
Email

avril.hawthorne@outlook.com

Phone

07854 436914

Website

www.avrilhawthorne.com

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.