Funerals, Memorials & End of Life Tributes
As a Funeral Celebrant, I hope to assist your family in honoring the love that speaks to you during this time of loss.
The death of a loved one is always a difficult time in our lives, and we need support and understanding from those around us. It is a time to truly honor loss and separation by sharing memories and recognizing all that your loved one has meant to you.
Many families are now choosing to create personalize funeral and memorial services where they can authentically acknowledge their loss, honor the life, values and contributions of the deceased, and meet the needs of family and friends in a meaningful and moving way. I will design a smooth-flowing funeral or memorial service that includes individually chosen readings (traditional or non-religious) music and solemn rituals. You will be able to pay tribute to your departed family member and begin the internal process of healing for yourself.Creating a funeral, memorial or end-of-life tribute ceremony that honors and respect your loved one during your time of grief and loss can be an overwhelming task. Some families arrive at this life transition prepared with ideas and actions that affirm the essence of life. Commonly, families may be too confused or overwhelmed by grief to know what path to take and they turn over all aspects of the end-of-life preparations, including the service and eulogy, to a funeral director or parish priest.
I officiate wherever you need me. End-of-life tributes can take place in a funeral home, hall or home. Or, you may wish me to preside at the graveside, mausoleum, or crematorium. I also perform beautiful ash scattering committals in the place of your choosing.
Stillbirth & Infant Death
I am deeply privileged to work with families who have experienced the traumatic loss associated with stillbirth and infant deaths. These kinds of deaths are incredibly difficult for the parents for obvious reasons, but also because the community usually doesn’t know how best to help or what to say.
I offer my ceremonial services (whether public or private) at a deep discount to parents who have experienced a fetal or infant death. I welcome your call and hope to be able to help you memorialize your child.
Pet Memorials
Losing a pet leaves a big hole in our lives. When our animal companion dies, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. When a person you love dies, it’s natural to expect support and comfort from friends and family. Often, however, when the one who died was your beloved pet, you may not have a circle of support.
I would be honored to create a special service and unique tribute for your pet that offers comfort, helps you embrace the grieving process and acknowledges your relationship with your pet. It is a chance to celebrate the life of your pet and to remember all the wonderful times together. It’s an opportunity to share stories, create a memorial space or simply treasure your memories.When my two cats passed away, I thought my heart would break open from the grief that I felt. For me, creating a special tribute and ceremony for Liza and Daisy helped me acknowledge my feelings of loss and provided a proper farewell for my furry friends. This experience drew me to service as a Life-Cycle CelebrantTM.
Each fall, I officiate a public memorial service in Chicago for animal companions who have lost a pet during the year. All family members are welcome! If you would like to receive an announcement notice for the next annual community memorial ceremony for animal companions, please call me or e-mail me.