Each person is unique and holds a life story that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. In the wake of a loved one's passing, it is through the sharing of memories, laughter, and tears that we gain wisdom and strength. Paying tribute to your loved one not only underscores their importance, but also establishes an enduring legacy for generations to come. As a Certified Funeral Celebrant, my aim is to forge genuine connections with families and friends, enabling me to create a personalized celebration of remembrance and love.

Life should not only be lived, it should be relived, remembered

and celebrated. ~SF

Working with Families

Each Celebration of Life is as unique as the individual. I specialize in heartfelt, non-religious ceremonies and will work together with you to create an authentic tribute to your loved one. Whether you envision a tranquil affair or a grand gesture, whether it takes place in a funeral home, a community space, or the comfort of a backyard, the choice is yours. We can incorporate rituals centered around significant mementos, attire, professions, or music, involving as many participants as you desire or keeping it intimate. Ultimately, it's all about expressing love precisely as you envision it.

As a dedicated wife and mother of three incredible twenty-somethings I’m well versed in the ever-changing landscape of life. Following surgery and a lengthy recovery from a serious neck injury, I underwent a profound shift in perspective, reassessing the true priorities in life.

During this challenging period, my beautiful mom found herself

facing cancer, prompting me to make the difficult decision to step away from a long and successful career as a teacher. This allowed

me to devote myself fully to her, offering unwavering support and care throughout her courageous journey. Following her passing two years ago, I grappled with a profound sense of loss unlike anything I had ever experienced. I spent days, weeks and months with death at the forefront of my mind. It was in the midst of this grief that I found solace in contemplating new, creative ways to honour and celebrate her memory.

Driven by a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of life, I embarked on a journey to find a new purpose where I could continue making an impact on the lives of others. This quest led me to a role as a Funeral Director’s Assistant, where I felt a deep inner calling to assist others during their most vulnerable moments. While my transition to the funeral services sector may seem unconventional, my background in special education has provided me with invaluable skills in navigating delicate situations with empathy and compassion.

As a lifelong learner, I eagerly pursued studies to become a Certified Funeral Celebrant with CCAOC (Certified Celebrants Association of Canada). In this significant role I am continuing to reimagine the rituals and importance of end-of-life care, ensuring that each individual is honoured and remembered in a manner that is uniquely meaningful to them and their loved ones.

Funerals are long rooted in ceremony, tradition and religious rites, typically held in the immediate aftermath of death. Mourners, often clad in sombre attire would gather in a funeral home for a viewing and visitation with the family before gathering once again for a formal funeral service led by an ordained minister or priest. These services traditionally included prayers and communal hymns, often culminating in a final graveside ceremony.

In recent years, many more people are opting for a less traditional Celebration of Life. These gatherings can occur anywhere, at anytime, usually several weeks or months after death and are very personal in nature. Music, readings, speakers, rituals and even food and drink are selected based on the individuals interests and life experience. With the passage of time, these ceremonies often take on a lighter tone, as the immediacy of grief fades, fostering an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude for the significance of the departed in our lives.

Funeral Directors are very well versed in supporting individuals through grief and the logistical arrangements surrounding death, often serving as the first point of contact in times of loss. They will coordinate transportation and preparation of the deceased, while also facilitating connections with chosen officiants. Additionally, they handle cemetery arrangements and can assist in orchestrating post-service gatherings, such as luncheons.

Alternatively, families may opt to manage these arrangements independently. If you are considering a Celebration of Life at a later date, I recommend enlisting the assistance of a Funeral Director for transportation and preparation of the deceased, while taking the time to consider how and when to proceed with a service. This allows families the freedom to plan and execute a personalized celebration, honouring their loved one in a manner that resonates deeply. Feel free to reach out directly to me, Your Life Celebrant, to collaborate on ideas and craft a meaningful, customized service.

Increasingly, individuals are recognizing the value of pre-planning to alleviate the burden on families after death. Again, a Funeral Director can be of great assistance here and will work to guide you in making decisions in advance of death, especially about preferences related to body preparation and final resting place.

To truly lighten the load for one’s family, outlining the specifics of the ceremony or gathering one wants is important too. As Your Life Celebrant, I can work with you to co-create your Celebration of Life to ensure that it is personalized to you. The emphasis lies in ensuring that your life story is showcased in a manner aligned with your wishes, incorporating elements such as music, readings, and rituals. Increasingly, individuals are choosing to include a personal message to be shared during the ceremony, as a gracious good-bye can bring comfort and healing to those left behind. I can be of assistance in helping you to gather your thoughts and write a personal message. These plans will be prepared jointly, providing you with the opportunity for final review and approval. Once your wishes are captured, you will receive a copy along with the designated individuals entrusted with your final wishes. Pre-planning indeed emerges as a profound gift for your loved ones.

CEREMONIES

(non-religious)

• Celebration of Life
• Funeral
• Memorial
• Natural Burial
• Graveside
• Ash Scattering
• Living Funeral/Wake
• MAID Ceremony
  

CONSULTATIONS

• Ceremony Pre-Planning
• Obituary & Eulogy Writing
• Design Services (Notices & Ceremony Booklets)
• Uniquely Personalized Ideas