“At the end of life,
our questions are very simple:
Did I live fully?
Did I love well?"

Jack Kornfield

Funerals and Memorials

Marking Life Transitions

The death of a loved one is always a difficult time in our lives, and we need support and understanding from those around us.  It is a time to truly honour loss and separation by sharing memories and recognising all that the deceased has meant to us.

By creating a funeral or memorial service which reflects the essence of the deceased, you can acknowledge your loss and meet the needs of family and friends left behind in a very sacred and moving way.  Preparation of a funeral or memorial service requires a supportive and caring minister. Interfaith Ministers are trained to listen deeply and respond lovingly to the needs of the family and friends.  

Together we can create a service to truly honour the life of your loved one. 

The ceremony is an occasion which allows friends and family to express their grief and reflect upon their relationship with the one who has died. It can be very healing to remember together their ideas, values, strengths and their unique contribution to the world. 

You may choose to include readings and music which were favourites of the deceased, or that may help those present to express their feelings. Where possible and appropriate, I encourage family members and friends to write and read the eulogy and to be involved in other aspects of the funeral, to make it truly personal  and a real reflection and celebration of their loved one’s life.

“It is said that when someone dies, God sends down two angels, one to carry the soul up to heaven.  The other remains with the mourners”. (Traditional saying)

I have found the following resources to be very helpful.

BOOKS