suzanneschofieldcelebrant@gmail.com | 07917 684642
Respectful Funerals and Memorials
I am truly sorry that you are facing this difficult time, and I am grateful that you have found your way here. It is always a privilege to conduct a funeral, and I never take for granted the trust that families place in me during such an important moment in their lives.
Funerals
Family Meeting
My aim is to make things as easy and stress-free as possible for you, during what can be an overwhelming time. Firstly, I will meet with you and anyone else you would like involved. You will have the opportunity to talk freely about the person you have lost, discussing their life story, passions, achievements, character, and the special memories that made them who they were.
Writing the Service
From our conversation, I will write a personalised service that captures your loved one’s personality and what they meant to you.
We can include anything that feels important – favourite songs, special memories, family traditions, poems, readings and even religion.
Before the ceremony, I will share their tribute with you, giving you the opportunity to suggest amendments. I am always happy to make changes so that the final service truly reflects your wishes.
Religion
As an independent celebrant, unlike a humanist celebrant, I am free to include religion in your service. This might be through a light reference, maybe through a prayer or a favourite hymn, a reading from a religious text, reference to God or angels; or the whole service can have a religious theme – whatever best reflects the wishes of the person who has died and brings comfort their loved ones.
Delivering the Service
Losing a loved one is always a sad and difficult time. However, a funeral or memorial service does not have to be solely about sorrow. I endeavour to deliver services from the perspective celebrating a life well lived. I will fill the service with warmth, love, humour, treasured memories and gratitude for the time you shared together.
I will always liaise closely with your funeral director, both during the planning of the service and on the day, to ensure everything runs smoothly. I will arrive at the venue in good time to check the music and other special arrangements are in place, greet family and guests, and I will conduct the ceremony with professionalism, warmth and compassion.
Direct Cremations
Since time immemorial, people have gathered to say goodbye to those they love.
However, in recent years, more families have chosen direct cremation as a simpler and often more affordable option. While direct cremation can meet practical needs, many people find that a gathering to remember and honour a loved one remains an important part of the grieving process.
To help families navigate their loss, I can write and deliver a memorial service, or a meaningful ashes-scattering ceremony after a direct cremation. These occasions offer family and friends the opportunity to come together, reflect and say their farewell.