Shoonagh Hubble – Funeral Celebrant

“I really cannot think of a better celebrant than Shoonagh to be with my family in our time of loss. Having someone there who is needed but who is not part of the family is such a delicate role. Far from being intrusive, Shoonagh perfectly balanced being mindful of so many sensitivities and fragilities at a time when people were dealing with huge pain whilst  bringing her inimitable warmth, humour and sense of fun. Providing a wonderful container in which to grieve together, the overall experience felt uplifting, generous and full of love – what a wonderful way to say goodbye to a precious loved one”.  Shan R

“We set Shoonagh Hubble a tall order. Our son had taken his own life after years of disappointments and a broken marriage, leaving two teenage children and two grieving parents. We were looking for an officiant to lead a gathering of those who knew him closely, to remember that while there had been a tragedy there had been good times with him. So it was an emotional event that Shoonagh had to lead.She guided us sensitively through the process of evolving a ceremony that would be meaningful to his family, close friends and colleagues, and  would reflect our son’s character and interests.  She encouraged those attending to make personal contributions to the event.At the ceremony she led in a purposeful manner, presenting contributors’ memories where they felt unable to do so, and constructively managing those who felt able to speak. She brought some gentle humour and encouraged others to do so. There were tears, some smiles and a few laughs, but we ended feeling closer to one another through our relationship with him, and a step further on the road to coming to terms with his sad loss.” Peter and Chris P

“I attended the most beautiful and meaningful funeral organised by Shoonagh. Every element of the ceremony radiated with the essence of my friend. From the moment you walked into the room, your senses were aware of the love the attendees had for her. The decor, the pictures on display, the food, the music and the readings  – all perfectly collated to celebrate my friend’s life. Shoonagh has a unique gift: her ability to ensure that every detail of the occasion was purposeful, and appropriate and specific to the person we had lost. I sat there with the awareness that my friend could not have wished for a better send off, and that I would be a very lucky person if one day I had someone like Shoonagh to share my life with my loved ones”. Zara H

“Earlier this year I attended a funeral hosted by Shoonagh.  We were celebrating the life of someone who I knew well but wasn’t really close to and who I hadn’t seen for several years. I arrived feeling gloomy and keen to get the whole thing over with.  One hour later I left feeling uplifted, energised and, amazingly, as close to the lady we were mourning as I had ever been. The whole event felt crammed with meaning and genuine emotion.  Sometimes sad, sometimes happy, often funny – but always, somehow, what was called for. Everyone, from her closest relatives to random, distant connections seems to be involved and engaged”. Steven H