Funerals and Memorials

Grief, by its very nature, is confusing and exhausting. As your celebrant, I offer a calm, reassuring presence.

People tend to spend more money on flowers than they do on a celebrant, and yet, the words and sentiments of a ceremony will last long after the blossoms have perished. A skilled, intuitive celebrant is like the heartbeat of the ceremony.

The time immediately following the loss of someone we love can be confusing, overwhelming, busy and exhausting. Death generally arrives in our lives unannounced, leaving us little time to prepare a ceremony which has meaning and depth.

Many people dread the day of a funeral or memorial, and just want it to be over with. As your celebrant, I hope to help you see it as a vital part of your grieving process. When you entrust me with your ceremony, I will share the stories of your loved one’s life in a meaningful and beautiful way.

£160 (for funerals within 25 miles of Penrith, Cumbria)
£200 for ceremonies 25 miles or more from Penrith.

Payable by cash on the day of the funeral/memorial or by BACS beforehand.

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

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

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