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 As a Certified Funeral Celebrant, I work with you — the family of the person who died, or the person who is facing death — to create the ceremony you want.

 The Family Meeting
The days after someone's death can be full of decisions and other requirements. The Family Meeting is a calm island of compassion, where you can sit back and focus on the life of your loved one.

Together, we gather memories, choose music, and consider readings that will accurately reflect the life we are honoring. This is when the creativity begins. Anything is possible, as I guide you through ideas for a truly personalized ceremony.

After we meet, I design the structure of the ceremony and write a personalized Tribute with memories woven throughout it. (If you request, I will contact others for their memories, too.) And I coordinate with your Funeral Director and the venue.

 The Ceremony
Almost any location and time of day is appropriate for the ceremony. I arrive early for sound-check and to check details with your Funeral Director. I also meet with musicians, military honor guard, and any other participants. I am there to greet you and answer any last-minute questions.

I lead the entire ceremony, from the welcome to the closing. (Your Funeral Director can introduce me and/or close with announcements if you/she/he wish.) If family, friends, or others will be speaking or singing, I cue them when it's their turn. I deliver the Tribute. And if we've decided to include audience memories, I facilitate that process.

(If you would like more information about my behind-the-scenes work on Remembrance Ceremonies, please see the FAQ.)

Both the Family Meeting and the Remembrance Ceremony seem to strengthen people's memories. In addition, soon after the ceremony, you will receive a bound copy of my ceremony text — a transcript of this important moment in your family's history.

 This is a non-traditional ceremony we are creating, so there's plenty of room for creativity. I act as your guide as we create the ceremony you want.

Please let me know if you have any questions or want to talk over your ideas.