For you, with you
Say farewell to your loved ones with a ceremony
that perfectly reflects their life’s journey.
Honouring life's journeys
I am a firm believer that every person makes an impact and therefore everyone deserves to be remembered in a way that is honourable and dignified.
As an Independent Funeral Celebrant serving the Portsmouth area, I will see to it that your preferences, choices and beliefs are integrally woven into the occasion. From funeral services to celebration of life ceremonies, through personal and honest storytelling, I endeavour to encapsulate the unique character of your loved one for everyone to recognise.
You may have a clear idea of the kind of event you are hoping for, or you may be finding everything overwhelming at this time, in either case, allow me to support and guide you in every aspect, from poetry and music to tributes and eulogy. Together we can create the perfect goodbye.
A little insight
To me, music is essential. Songs and melodies have the ability to conjure up memories and evoke strong emotions; to take you back to a moment in time or shine a light on the future. From rock and pop to jazz and classical, my appreciation is broad.
In what seems like another life, I worked in musical theatre for 10 years, it was a glorious, carefree time when I lived out my childhood dream of being a performer and I was never happier than with a pair of tap shoes on my feet.
Before I had my two amazing daughters, I lived for a while in Singapore, a fabulous experience and an opportunity to travel within South East Asia, where I learned a great deal about the mixing pot of different cultures.
Most recently, I taught dance and cookery and wore many other hats, at a local primary school in Portsmouth, but my favourite part of the job was encouraging the children and watching their confidence grow.
But what do I know of grief? I lost dear friends in the 1990's during the Aids epidemic, I have personal experience of losing someone to suicide and I have watched loved ones fade in the shadow of dementia.
Now, with a collection of life-experiences, I have chosen to become a funeral celebrant because I consider it a true privilege to be able to offer countenance in times of grief.
If you need me, I will be there for you, with you.
How Can I Help?
As an Independent Celebrant, I am able to conduct funerals in a wide variety of locations with few restrictions, so you are free to decide whether a crematorium or graveside is the best venue for the service or perhaps a forest or beach is the perfect back drop for a send-off.
My commitment includes:
An initial discovery and
planning meeting
Collaboration over music
and readings
Creating a eulogy or support with your writing.
Being available for guidance and advice
Conducting the service
Ash scattering and celebration of life
Side by side
Life's most important moments are shaped by the people around us.
Beginning
to end
I will provide sensitive and compassionate guidance when planning each stage of the service, assisting with music selections, visual tributes and readings that reflect the very nature of your loved one.
Nothing left
to chance
Feel safe in the knowledge that every aspect of the service is brought together in a personalised script that is written with your wishes and considerations at the very forefront.
Insightful storytelling
Using your words and memories, I will capture the essence of your loved one with a bespoke narrative. A eulogy you may wish to read yourself or that I can share on your behalf.
Navigating grief together
Grief is ever-changing, moving, flowing and is a wholly personal and individual experience.
It is a passage to be negotiated, a difficult journey that must be explored and no two people will travel the same path of grief.
Please remember, be kind to yourself.
Take your time.
There is no rush.
Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go
Christina Rossetti