Funerals, Celebration of Life, Eco-Burials, Memorials, Interment or Scattering of Ashes

Whether you choose me for a cremation, burial, eco-burial, memorial or interment of ashes, I can assure you of my services as a sensitive, empathetic and caring celebrant. Having myself walked the journey through sorrow, I know that my experience of loss adds to my sensitivity and awareness of other people’s pain. My intention is to create a personalised ceremony that allows you to experience your emotional response to loss, and to make adjustments to the new terrain upon which you find yourself.

I am a great supporter of family-organised funerals, and have a particular affinity for those that are low cost, low carbon and based on simplicity and beauty. Although it is common to use a funeral director, I am happy to work with you whether or not you have one.

Did you know that it’s not a legal requirement to use a coffin at a funeral? If your funeral director hasn’t already done so, I can advise you on other options, such as a shroud or eco-friendly container/cocoon such as cardboard, bamboo, felt, wool or willow.

I am here to support you whether you choose a service in a chapel, crematorium, woodland burial site or DIY funeral in your back garden.

A natural burial is for those who care for the environment and want their death to honour their love of the countryside. With such a burial, the body is given back to the earth and can be recycled into new life as it decomposes naturally. Many people find that a natural burial reflects their values, and is spiritually uplifting.

£200-£225

There is a travel fee of 45p a mile after the first 30 miles from Penrith.

If you’re using a funeral director, I will invoice them directly. Otherwise, the fee is payable by BACS before the ceremony.

Dear Veronika

You orchestrated the most wonderful memorial service for dear Pam today. It could not have been more special.

You clearly put enormous thought into every single aspect of what was an extremely moving and loving account – and also an honest reflection of Pam’s life. Just perfect.

Thank you so very much for that. It was hugely appreciated by all who were there – and both Emma and I were extremely touched to be able to witness it.

She was a dear friend. She will be much missed by so many but not forgotten.

Richard

Dalton Woodland Burial

Oh Veronika, it’s just perfect. I love it; you’ve really managed to capture the essence of Howard.

Caroline

Funeral Ceremony at Lancaster Crematorium

Dear Veronika, how do I begin? How can I put into words the feelings inside my heart as I write my THANK YOU to you? Here goes!

Always a listener, never judgmental, the calmness of your voice filled with such love and compassion upon taking the stand and leading us into the ceremony. The comforting way you delivered the eulogy — it touched so many people who joined with us to celebrate my dear Colin’s life. So many friends have telephoned to ask who you were, and how we found you, as they expressed how meaningfully you spoke to them, and how much it meant to them in their loss of a special friend.

It was a day to remember, by us all, of a man who lived honestly with such love for his wife, family and friends. You, in your unique style, paid homage to this with such emotion and truth, and I will treasure your tenderness for the rest of my life. I do hope you will be around when it’s my time to pass.

The  Farewell, My Friends poem was a bonus of a find. As soon as I heard those words, when you first sent us a draft of your service, I knew it was Colin’s poem, epitomising his life so perfectly.

Thank you again, Veronika. Like I said words fail me!

Sylvia France, Bolton on Sands

Memorial Service at Armathwaite Village Hall

I was deeply moved by Pam’s memorial service, and find myself still reflecting on it days afterwards.

Thank you for creating such a wonderful space, where people could feel and share their love for her. There was such a beautiful spirit in the hall, so many heartfelt expressions of appreciation of Pam’s life and the ways she had touched so many people. As someone who had only met Pam a few times, the service brought her alive to me as a real person, and I felt sad and uplifted and strangely humbled by the whole experience.

Thank you again for making the marking of her death so incredibly special.

Best wishes, Emma 

Hi Veronika,

What a lovely service yesterday, very emotional but very uplifting too. RIP Pam Mahoney, many people will miss you.

Best regards, Paul

Dear Ms. Robinson

I wanted to thank you for conducting such a moving service on Saturday. I realise now that I hardly knew Pam, but I wish I had known her better. I think the service was fitting. I will plant the bluebell bulbs with care, and will always remember that they are Pam’s.

Best wishes,
Joan