“Thank you so much for doing the service; you helped to make the whole thing very personal”.

A humanist ceremony – be it a cremation, a burial, a memorial, an internment or a scattering of ashes – gives you the chance to say goodbye to your loved one, to express your sadness and love in a meaningful way.  It is also the opportunity to celebrate someone’s life, in line with their values and beliefs, and to create a event which can be both personal and inclusive for all present.

Throughout my career in the NHS, I had the privilege of helping others at difficult times in their lives, and now, as a celebrant, I can use some of my skills in working with you and your family.

“This funeral was not straightforward as my brother died in troubling circumstances. Lucia was extremely sensitive to the trickiness of the situation and she struck exactly the right note throughout the proceedings. I was really impressed by the thought and preparation she put into the funeral and by the support she gave to me and other mourners”.

We will draw up a ceremony together, reflecting the personality and wishes of your loved one, with readings, poems and music and, most importantly, a eulogy which I can write and deliver after listening to significant memories and stories.  Many people find it comforting to write down their memories of their loved ones, and to research appropriate readings/poems, but if you don’t feel able to do this, I will be happy to make suggestions after getting to know you.

“Lucia was a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. She took time to get to know us and, by the time she conducted Mum’s ceremony it felt like she knew her in life. Lucia was extremely helpful whilst putting the ceremony together by guiding us through and advising when needed. Thank you, Lucia for creating and presenting a very personal and fitting tribute to our dear Mum and, for making a difficult time, easier”.

 

 

Pre-Planned Funeral Ceremonies

More people now are making advance plans, either because they are at the end of their life or because they are thinking about the future, and want to leave clear instructions to their family and friends.  As an accredited celebrant in pre-planned funeral work, I can help you with planning your humanist funeral, identify what is important to you in a ceremony and what memories and values you would like to leave behind, give advice on how to put a ceremony together, record the things you want to be included (for example stories and/or poems) and draft your ceremony script, if you wish.  In addition, I can help you to have conversations with your family and friends about your wishes and plans; however, I will not be able to arrange your whole funeral, this will be the responsibility of your family and/or friends, with or without the assistance of a Funeral Director.

If, following pre-planned work together, I am not able to conduct your ceremony, especially if it is not imminent, having documenting your wishes means that whoever does eventually conduct your ceremony will have this information about your choices to work from.  Humanists UK has a repository in which scripts can be stored (with your agreement), so they can be made available when needed, even if I am no longer around.

I live near Matlock, Derbyshire, and am generally happy to travel up to fifty miles.

You can contact me by email: lucia.whitney@humanistceremonies.org.uk

or by phone: 07926372508.