Living Funerals.
A living funeral, sometimes called a living wake, is an opportunity to celebrate a person's life while they are still here to share in the occasion. Like a traditional funeral or memorial, it brings together family and friends to reflect on a life well lived—but with the priceless difference that the guest of honour is there to hear the stories, laughter, gratitude, and love.
People choose a living funeral for many different reasons. It may be because they are living with a terminal illness, facing the challenges of later life, or simply because they want to gather the people they love to celebrate life's journey together. Whatever the reason, these ceremonies create a space for meaningful conversations, treasured memories, and heartfelt connection.
A living funeral offers family and friends the chance to express their appreciation, share stories, and say the things that so often go unsaid. It can be a deeply moving and uplifting experience, bringing comfort, joy, and a sense of peace to everyone who takes part.
I will work closely with you to create a ceremony that reflects your life, your personality, and the relationships that matter most. Together, we can include music, readings, personal tributes, photographs, and meaningful rituals to create a celebration that is as unique as you are.
Too often, we find ourselves saying, "I wish I'd spent more time with them," or "I wish I'd told them how much they meant to me." A living funeral offers the opportunity to do exactly that—to celebrate a life, express gratitude, and create lasting memories together while those moments can still be shared.
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A living funeral can be held in any public or private space. It can be an intimate gathering of family and close friends, or a larger event to reflect the life and personality of the person being celebrated. With permission they can also take place in a Hospice, Hospital or Nursing Home setting.
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Yes of course. All ceremonies can be adapted to suit the health needs of the individual, including changing the date, ceremony style or venue, subject to availability.
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A living funeral can take many forms, depending on your wishes and preferences, including:
A gathering circle with a small group and a celebrant who invites people to share stories.
An open-house type gathering over a longer period of time, often with food and drink, and a dedicated room for quiet moments with you on a personal level.
A ritual, not unlike a funeral ritual with music, readings, tributes, and a closing blessing.
Other ideas can include gifting of possessions, or other legacy items (e.g. letters to loved ones).