Honouring the Life of a Loved One
“Those that touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.”
- Author Unknown
When someone dies, we want the chance to say goodbye, to honour their memory, and to look for meaning in their death. When it comes to modern-day funerals and memorial services, many individuals now choose ceremonies that honour their loved ones’ life in a meaningful way, in a meaningful setting. With a focus on celebrating a loved ones’ personality, culture, values and wishes, traditional funerals and graveside services are being replaced with memorial services and Celebration of Life ceremonies. These gatherings are often held in the chapel of a funeral home but they can just as easily be held in restaurants, banquet halls, parks or backyards.
About Me
My name is Shirley Kennedy and I am a certified funeral officiant with the training, knowledge and skill to help you create a truly unique, personalized ceremony in the location of your choice. My role as a funeral officiant is to work with families to design a customized celebration that honours your loved ones’ life and their final wishes.
MY SERVICES
It starts with a phone call or an on-line meeting. We will talk about the differences between a funeral, a memorial service and a celebration of life so that you can choose the best way to honour your loved one. We will explore your ideas for the service, and I will walk you through the components of a service. I will gather as much information as I can, so that I understand your loved ones’ story, from beginning to end including their early childhood, education and employment history, family, community involvement, hobbies and accomplishments. Anecdotal memories that are shared, especially stories that bring smiles, will be important as will any music or special readings that you would like to have incorporated into the service. Understanding each person's story, the impact they’ve had on the people in their life and what other elements will help to make their final farewell, both fitting and special is very important. What you so openly share with me during our meeting, allows me to create a ceremony that truly celebrates the life of your loved one.
BOOKING STEPS
Before the Consultation – determine your ceremony location, date and time then call or email me to set up our first meeting and book my services.
At the Consultation – we go over all the possible components for your ceremony and discuss what you would like to incorporate in the ceremony.
After the Consultation – Throughout the process, I will readily make myself available to you. Religious or not, serious or light-hearted; your preferences will guide me in creating a ceremony that best reflects your loved ones’ life. You will be provided with a copy of the ceremony ahead of time, to ensure that it is exactly as you want. No surprises the day of, you will know word for word, what will be said. Finally, I will arrive early for the service, collaborate with all others involved and conduct the service in the most professional manner.
FEES
Funeral/ Memorial Service/Celebration of Life - $300
Funeral, Memorial Service or Celebration of Life with Committal Service - $400
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Cheque, cash or e-transfer
Contact Me
Phone: 905-658-5927
Email: shirleykennedyofficiant@gmail.com