Celebrating life – Funerals and Memorials with Julie Weston

It's sad but true - we live, we love, we work, we play and then we come to the end of our journey. Death is the one guarantee in life and we all deserve a memorable and meaningful celebration of the time we spent here on mother earth.

It's a privilege for me to honour those who have died with a beautiful and uplifting ceremony.

Over the years I have prepared funeral and memorial ceremonies for people from all walks of life. From a child just arrived and only 10 weeks old to those who have reached over 90 years of age and all of the in-betweens.

For me, end of life celebrations are a collaboration and I work closely with each family to create a special send off. Finding the thread, the narrative of someone’s journey and weaving it into ceremony is heart-warming work.

Why I'm a celebrant: Personally, many years before I became a celebrant, I spoke at the funerals of my mother, my father and my best friend. I found an inner strength within me that I didn't know I had until then and was able to farewell them with dignity and grace…and a few chuckles as well! It was these experiences that helped to shape the way I create each and every unique life celebration that I prepare.

Treasured memories: I had a phone call from a young woman whose mother was dying. Mum was planning her memorial and she found my listing on the web. I met her a few days before she died and she was able to share her life, her thoughts, her ideas for her memorial.

The memorial was held at a winery, she loved good food and great wine. Her family and friends gathered in celebration and there was music, delicious food and wonderful wines.
It was a celebration I’ll never forget!

Tips : • Don’t be shy – tell your celebrant all about your loved one, their likes, dislikes, hobbies, music, books, food …. Everything you can think of.
• Choose readings, poems and music that reflect your person. Your celebrant will have lots of ideas if you have trouble.
• Think outside of the square – you can have a great celebration, just right for your person.
• Make sure your celebrant sends you the ceremony, then you can check that they’ve got it right.

and I'd like to say: I am truly humbled by the beautiful letters, emails and cards I have received over the years from families I’ve worked with. Here are a few:

“Thanks for capturing the essence of mum and all your work to make this a memorable day.”

“Thank you so much for being a part of my mum’s life and making such a difference to her and to all of us. Never doubt the joy, comfort and ease you give to others.”

“I would just like to sincerely thank you for the service on Monday. The tribute to dad was very special.”

“Just a note to thank you for all your help in preparing dad’s funeral. I feel he would have liked it very much.”

“I can’t thank you enough for all your help with our celebration of Dad’s life. Having you there made it somehow easier and more personal- what a relief that was.”

“Thank you so much for your services in conducting mum’s memorial. I'm so pleased with how the day turned out. It was just as I had planned and imagined with mum. Your speech was such a great thing for me, as I would not have had the strength to talk myself yet was able to communicate my feelings and memories through you.”