Hi, I'm Terri

Image of Terri Gilleece

What I do

Most often as a funeral celebrant I tell the story of a person's life through the memories that family and friends share with me. I invite others to remember how their own life was touched by that person. Occasionally I have the privilege of helping a person prepare and create their own memorial ceremony - these are very special and moving encounters for me. But regardless of whether I learn about the person personally or through their extended circle, I create bespoke ceremonies that are an authentic reflection of the person's life and values.

My aim is to provide a space where family and friends can come together to honour and remember that person, but also celebrate the unique life that person led.

Ceremonies most often take the form of a cremation or burial. But I also deliver ceremonies for interment of ashes, memorial ceremonies for those who haven't had a traditional funeral or who have passed away at a distance from family/friends/home, or commemorative ceremonies for what would have been a special birthday or other significant occasion.

Why am I a celebrant?

I have lost many close family members and friends over the years - so I understand the importance of paying tribute to those we love in a way that allows us to both mourn their loss and celebrate their life simultaneously. I also appreciate the stress, shock, and even in some instances, the relief associated with death. For 40 years I have been privilaged to work in the field of Radiotherapy & Oncology and that has allowed me to develop the compassion and empathy that is needed for the wider family circle at a time of loss.

Contact me

Please do contact me if you are looking for a professional celebrant to lead a non-religious funeral ceremony or memorial for your loved one. I’m here to support you during this challenging time and help you create the most fitting funeral for them. I’m happy to have an initial conversation to better explain what I do and how I work.

Wow! I didn't even know there was such a thing as a vow renewal. But what a day, even though it was just in our garden it Terri made it so meaningful. It really marked the start of our new chapter now that the kids have left us to our own devices. Terri captured our love for our family and our renewed commitment to each other. A thousand thank you's x

— Christine B

Thank you Terri for today. It was a beautiful service, some might say different. But I found myself feeling stronger than ever, because it was a much more positive service compared to the traditional xx

— Ellie (had never been to Humanist ceremony before)

Thank you for listening to us talk about Dad. The service you prepared was perfect. You have a gift that has helped and comforted us so much.

— P & L

Just to say thank you for delivering a beautiful ceremony yesterday. The past few days have been so fleeting we barely got a chance to speak to you, but please know we are extremely grateful to you.

— LG

Image of Terri Gilleece

Terri Gilleece

Where I work

I work throughout Northern Ireland l

Fees from...

£180

How to contact me
Email

terri.gilleece@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07801 418492

Website

humanists.uk/celebrants/terri-gilleece/funerals

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.