Tips for Planning a Memorial, Celebration of Life, or other Ceremony of Remembrance

In addition to Celebrations of Life and other larger more public remembrance ceremonies, Funeral Celebrants like myself also perform more intimate services for the Scattering of Ashes and Graveside Ceremonies. Most families feel these are very important, but they haven’t a clue how to make it so. 

These words are from a lovely (and very stylish) woman in her 60′s about the internment of ashes ceremony I created for her husband. “You guided us with caring through his internment. The touches of earth from home and the flower petals added such poignancy to the moment.  When I think of his laying to rest, I feel a sense of peace that it happened the way it did, and I know that I owe much to you.” 

Following are some of the ways I can support YOU and your family: Read More >

Part III: Tips for Planning a Memorial, Celebration of Life, or other Ceremony of Remembrance

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I am a professional Celebrant who serves our community in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Like many others who support individuals, families, and communities in times of sorrow, I am called to do this work. I was a hospice and palliative care volunteer for many years. The experiences there helped me learn to be fully present with grieving clients. Many Funeral Celebrants have a similar background. Go with your gut sense of who will hold your confidences in the highest regard. Someone to whom you feel you can say anything and won’t be judged, and with whom you can be however you need to be, without pretending.

But also investigate to ensure the Funeral Celebrant has a well-developed ceremonial practice. Otherwise you might get another version of the ‘Uncle Bob’ style of ceremony I described in Part II.  The Celebrant should have experience helping families of diverse backgrounds and incomes plan ceremonies to mourn and grieve their loved ones. Read More >

A Widow says thanks. Her words may inspire others.

Hello Michele:

I am sorry it has taken  me so long to write to you.  I am slowly trying to get some degree of normalcy in my life. I want to thank you for your wonderful contribution and guidance through my husband’s internment and Celebration of Life, and for the great permanent memento you sent me.

When he was sick, all my energies went into caring for him, and little preparation was made for the final  outcome of that sickness.  I had found your site online during that time, and filed it away, and I am very glad I did.  You guided us with caring through his internment and the touches of earth from home and the flower petals added such poignancy to the moment.  When I think of his laying to rest, I feel a sense of peace that it happened the way it did, and I know that I owe much to you. You also led us in a brighter moment, in the celebration of his life.  I am left with a feeling that my husband was celebrated by those who cared. Many thanks again Michele.”

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