*Update as of May 27, 2022: I am not booking memorial, funeral or celebration of life ceremonies at this time due to personal circumstances. You can approach one of my colleagues at www.celebrantceremonies.ca to see if they can help you out.*
Honour, remember and celebrate your loved one in ways that reflect and express their unique character and how they touched the lives of others.
As a Life-Cycle Celebrant and experienced ceremony writer and officiant, I will work with you to custom-create and officiate a memorial ceremony, celebration of life, ash scattering, interment or an informal remembrance that will reflect the unique story and character of your loved one in ways that are meaningful and heartfelt. The ceremony will allow you, and all those who take part, to acknowledge the grief and loss alongside the warmth of special memories and the gratitude you feel for having had this special person in your life.
“The work you did on the celebration of life for my older sister was one of the most uplifting, comforting, instructional moments about this lovely woman that I could have ever expected. In its aftermath, many people have praised not just your calm demeanor and therapeutic manner, but they have shaken their heads at how you wove together words so deftly into a tapestry of Linda’s life, not glossing over the hard times or making excuses but showing the world what a jewel of a human my sister was. Your words and the entire presentation of the evening still encourage, and share with us my sister’s lasting love, a love that I will never let die within me. You have helped bring her closer to me and for that, I will always be forever grateful.
Love and RESPECT,
Jim”
At a time when you may be overwhelmed by a mixture of emotions, it helps to have someone guide you through the process of planning the ceremony. I will spend several hours, as needed, with you and your family learning about the honouree through your stories, memories, photos and your knowledge of their life events. I also take time to understand what your wishes are for the ceremony: what you want included and expressed as well as what you want to avoid.
Ceremonies may be purely secular, spiritual, incorporate religious touches, or be inter-faith. When physical distancing restrictions are not in place, they can take place in a funeral home, at the graveside, at the crematorium, or at an alternative venue such as a family home or property, a community centre, a golf club or winery or a location significant to the honouree. Ceremonies can be open to all family and friends or be very private and intimate.
Based on our conversations we will create a ceremony that incorporates elements of the honouree’s passions, pursuits, culture and personality into the structure, the words, and into symbolic actions. I can provide suggestions, if needed, for readings, rituals, music and the participation of family and friends. If desired, I can write and read a eulogy or life narrative on the family’s behalf.
You will have the opportunity, whenever time allows, to read the ceremony script in advance, and make any desired edits and changes to the script so that you can be assured that it is accurate and fitting. You will have the peace of mind of knowing exactly how the ceremony will unfold. I will provide assistance to eulogists and other participants, if needed, and liaise with any funeral home staff or clergy that will be involved.
What would the honouree have truly wanted for their ceremony? What, in the ceremony, will be most meaningful for you and the honouree’s other family and friends? It is my goal to provide you with a warm, personalized ceremony that holds the honouree and their loved ones in a space of compassion and gratitude, with hope for healing.