And for those seeking information for educational purposes or with an imminent need in mind, here's a primer: There are basically three choices for after-death care:
Professional mortuary services
Family and community-assisted care
An integration of both
The integrative model will often make the most sense. Enlisting the help of a mortuary service will be a great comfort to those who want natural burial but are not prepared to carry out home land burials without assistance. For those who are prepared to go that DIY route, as a trained home funeral and natural burial guide, I can support you through the journey.
memorials & life celebrations
Respectful, comforting memorials are performed according to your religious, spiritual, or secular tradition. Your preferences will be honored, without exception, for the appropriate farewell of your loved one.
It is a deep passion and privilege for me to craft and celebrate memorials that speak to the loss of our cherished deceased. A eulogy and remembrance that pays worthy tribute to their life essence, their legacy, and their contributions to human existence. It is absolutely necessary for healing to unfold for the bereaved, and seemingly sorely missing in our current culture. I am truly passionate about this as an important life passage and closure for both the deceased and the bereaved.
While scripture and readings hold much value for many, and I include them as requested and desired, I have heard time and again that people are often left longing for their loved ones to be personally honored, and that will be my highest intent.
We begin with a telephone conversation, where I'll ask initial questions and request further information that will help me to get to know the deceased in a very real way. Photographs, videos, stories, mementoes, personal biographies are all a big help, and I find myself stepping into the lives and essence of the deceased; it is an honor to get to know them in this way. From this, I craft the service, which I will personally deliver on the day of the memorial. Most generally these are in-person, however I am also available for pre-recorded and live virtual celebrations for those who live elsewhere in the world!
Please visit the services and fees page for my range of fees. I look forward to hearing from you!
