I live in East Sussex with my husband and our dog, have a background in the arts, and love knitting, gardening and swimming. Using my creativity and understanding, I’ll work with you to craft a distinctive non-religious ceremony which is all about you and those you love, one that celebrates the diversity of life. There will be humour, there will be great storytelling, and yes, sometimes there’ll be tears. From quirky to traditional to something in between, my ceremonies are completely designed around you. I care deeply about diversity, the environment, and about creating something meaningful to mark life’s transitional moments.
Why have a funeral or memorial?
A funeral should help family and friends express and share their sadness. It should focus their thoughts on the person who has died. And usually, it celebrates their life too. The ceremony deserves to be remembered as an occasion that uniquely and affectionately honours that person’s life and captures the essence of their personality. Increasingly, people are choosing an unattended cremation, followed by a memorial, meaning that the ceremony can happen somewhere meaningful to the person or the family, and be longer and more inclusive.
How do I work?
When planning a funeral I will speak to the family and ideally, meet them and others affected by the death. It is helpful to learn as much as possible about the person who has died. Then the funeral tribute really captures their life and personality. This tribute is the centrepiece of most humanist funerals. In addition, I use music, poetry and prose readings as appropriate. I also do pre-planned funerals with people who want to prepare what will happen when they have died.
What happens during a Humanist funeral or memorial ceremony?
There will usually be some introductory words, and thoughts on life and death. There will be a tribute either from the celebrant or from a member of the family or a friend. There may be a reading or some poetry, and a time for reflection or quiet thought. The farewell (the committal) will follow and the service will end with some closing words. The kind of funeral ceremony chosen must be right and appropriate for the person who has died and their close family. Nothing in a humanist ceremony would offend people who may be uneasy about a non-religious funeral. The idea is not to be hostile to religious beliefs, but to focus on the reality of the life that has ended
