Bristol                                      Celebrant 

Funerals and Memorials

 

When we lose someone we love and begin the difficult task of planning a funeral service, we want that ceremony to be as special and unique as they were. The death of a loved one, whether it is expected or not, is an emotional time and the funeral is our chance to celebrate their life, a chance to share our memories of them, to remember them, and to say goodbye. Family and friends come together to express their grief and to offer support. It is often an important stage in the grieving and healing process for those left behind, so it is vitally important that we get it right.

 

You may want to celebrate and remember someone without the intervention of the Church or reference to a specific religious doctrine as this may not be appropriate to the way your loved one chose to live their life. On many occasions I conduct funeral services which are non-religious, but on other occasions a family may request that an element of religion  or spirituality is to be included, in which case I can help and guide you in choosing suitable content if required.

 

As an independent, professional celebrant I will work with you create a service that reflects your memories and has meaning to you, your family and friends. A bespoke, personal and meaningful ceremony that captures the essence of your loved one, their personality, their beliefs and their relationships.

 

How it works

You can contact me directly or ask your funeral director to contact me on your behalf. I will meet with you to guide and support you. Together we will construct a funeral service befitting your loved one.  You may want to choose some words or readings, I can help and guide you in this process. The end result is a bespoke, personal and unique ceremony that is meaningful to you, your family and friends and genuinely reflects the life of your loved one.

 

 

Testimonials:

"Helen presented herself in a very professional way. Showing compassion and respect to us all on the day of my son's funeral. Her reading of the eulogy will always be clear in my mind. She put across the sadness but also the joy of his life in such a lovely way. I feel that Helen made a very sad day very beautiful and I can truly recommend her to anyone who is considering a humanist or non-religious ceremony" (Janet W., 2015).

​

"My family used the services of Helen Churchill for the funeral of our beloved aunt who passed away after a long illness in 2016. Helen was meticulous in her planning for the funeral service and, very importantly, took the time to speak with family members to really gain a sense of who our aunt was. From those discussions, Helen made suggestions and shaped a beautiful service which completely captured the ‘essence’ of our aunt. Our family were really happy with Helen’s service and the empathy she brought to the occasion" (Alison, 2016).

​

"Helen’s compassion and professionalism in conducting my dear Mother’s funeral ceremony made it an occasion which was a wonderful celebration of her life. Helen’s empathy and understanding was such a comfort to us and the thoughtful and skilled manner in which she led the service made it so personal and fitting a tribute" (Janet M., 2016).

​

​