"Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers in the heart and bids it break."
MACBETH, ACT IV, SCENE 3 - Shakespeare
End of Life Ceremonies
Every life has meaning and deserves to be celebrated and celebrated well.
Whether your family is secular, religious, spiritual or interfaith, or if you simply wish to express the life of your loved one in a manner of your own choosing, I can create a meaningful and memorable end-of-life tribute.
If you have suffered a recent loss of a family member or friend, please accept my sincere condolences. I understand you may be working on a tight schedule. Please feel free to contact me directly via email or phone (978) 879-6826 to discuss your ceremony needs.
“How do you begin to think about planning for a ritual if you have no religious tradition or perhaps even distaste for ritual in general?”
– from Remembering Well by Sarah York
Authentic, Meaningful, Compassionate, Memorable
Many of us have attended funerals that were less than satisfactory. My goal is to do all that is necessary to create a fitting service, with compassion and care. I am inclusive and sensitive to the diverse needs of modern families.
Your service may include music, readings, special rituals – anything that reflects the honoree’s life story and wishes. The ceremony can take various forms and be held in whatever setting is most meaningful to the participants.
The Unique Life’s Story
We begin with a family meeting. Please plan on two to three hours for this gathering. During our unhurried conversation, I will ask about your loved one’s personality and interests, how they touched the lives of others, how they would want to be remembered. We will discuss special elements such as music and readings and begin to shape a ceremony outline. You will decide the ceremony location, style and timing. I will arrange telephone interviews with any significant people unable to attend the meeting.
From what I learn, I will write a Memorial Portrait of your loved one. I will provide details to the initial ceremony outline. It will be presented to you in advance to confirm its accuracy in every detail and assure that it reflects the essence of your loved one’s life. You have final approval over every aspect of the ceremony. Nothing is imposed on you.
End of life ceremonies can be scheduled immediately after the passing of a loved one, or at a later date of your choosing. A ceremony can even take place before death – a living wake or farewell ceremony allows an individual nearing the end of life to say good-by.
Contact me to discuss your needs.
- Wakes
- Funerals
- Memorials
- Eulogies
- Farewell Ceremonies/Living Wakes
- Interments
- Ash Scatterings
- Anniversary Memorials
- Stillbirth or miscarriage
- Difficult circumstances
