Hi, im a Humanist funeral celebrant based in Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland.
If you are here because someone you love has died, I am truly sorry. Whether you're remembering a life that spanned many decades or trying to come to terms with a life taken too soon, I know there can be so much to process, and so many decisions to make, at a time when you may be struggling to find the words.
I believe that every life deserves to be remembered, and every person deserves a farewell that reflects who they really were.
For me, a funeral is about the person, not simply the fact that they have died, its about the live they lived, the people they loved and the memories that they made and mark they left on the world, whether they realised it or not.
It is about telling their story. The story that makes you laugh or brings a lump to your throat . The things they were known for, the things that they were passionate about, all those little details that may seem insignificant to anyone else buy mean everything to the people they knew.
I understand that when someone dies, especially when their death is unexpected or their life has been cut tragically short, it can be difficult to know where to begin. You might feel that there is so much to say and no way of fitting it all into words. You might simply not know what to say at all.
That's where I come in.
I'll listen to your stories, help you gather your memories and work with you to create a personal, non-religious ceremony that honours the life of the person you're missing. A ceremony that feels genuine, that captures their personality and that gives family and friends the opportunity to remember them together.
There will always be room for sadness, because losing someone hurts. But I believe there should be room for smiles and laughter, too. Sometimes, remembering a favourite story or hearing a familiar phrase can bring a little comfort in the middle of the hardest day.
A celebration of life doesn't mean pretending that death isn't painful. It means recognising that a life was lived, that a person mattered, and that the love and memories they leave behind are worth celebrating.
I'll guide you through the ceremony, help you choose music, readings and personal touches, and keep you involved as everything comes together. I'll take the time to understand what matters to you and your family, so that you can feel reassured that your loved one is being remembered with the care and attention they deserve.
My role is to help you tell their story, while making the process a little easier for you.
You don't need to have everything figured out before we speak. You just need to be able to tell me a little about the person who you love. We can take it from there.
Whether you're arranging a funeral now or would like to talk about planning ahead, I'm always happy to have an initial conversation.
If you'd like to talk, I'd be honoured to listen.
