101 Years Living and Loving
Opening Song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
“Today we gather to remember and farewell Grace Dorothy May Fletcher, a woman who showed her love not through fuss or flourish, but through showing up, getting on with things, and being there.”
“On behalf of Grace’s family, I would like to welcome you here today to this celebration of her life, her nearly 101 years on this earth.
Even when someone has lived a long life, a full century, and their death comes in its own right time, love doesn’t measure itself by years, and neither does absence. Love is formed through connection, care, and friendship.
You can know, in your minds, that it was time for Grace to go, and yet for those close to her, still feel the ache of missing her. Both can be true. Today we make space for that, for gratitude and for sadness. Grief can touch us in many ways, and for different reasons, for each person here.
Grace didn’t sugar-coat life. She met it head-on, with practicality, affection, resilience, and a deep loyalty to her family. She lived fully, grieved her losses and celebrated precious moments. She worked hard, stayed connected, and kept moving for most of her long life.”
Eulogy and Tributes
As we turn now to a collection of family photographs, we’re invited to remember Grace as she lived: steadily, practically, and always connected to family. The first song the family have chosen, Mama, reflects the quiet constancy of a mother, of a nan, who was simply always there. The second, Immortality, speaks to the way a life continues, not in the body, but in memory, influence, and love that does not end. As the photos play, may you notice the ordinary moments, the work, the smiles, the routines, because that is where Grace’s life was truly lived.
Photo Reflection: Mama—BJ Thomas and Immortality—Celine Dion
Words of Remembrance:
Grace loved her family. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, nan, and great nan. For Grace, it was family first, always. You will miss that smile that lit up her face when you walked into the room, the little wave hello or goodbye, the way she made you feel seen. She was always there. Grace was practical, dependable, and generous with her time. You will remember her keeping everything: every serviette, every bit of paper, tissue… just in case. And she had her phrases, her way of agreeing: “Fine!” May you smile when you recall her quirky way of knowing everything: ‘I know that. I thought that. I was going to say that.’ She was clever and observant. Grace chose how she lived: simply, honestly, and fully. Grace loved you all. And now, as much as you are grateful she is at peace, you will miss her; her smile, her wave, her presence, and the steady reassurance of knowing she was just there.
Words of Committal:
This ceremony marks the close of Grace’s life. As her body is returned to the elements, you will carry forward the impact of her life in your memories and in your care for one another.
May she rest in peace.
(Curtain left open)
Close of Ceremony:
As we come to the end of this farewell, we acknowledge that this is a moment of parting, not rushed, not dramatic, simply real. There is a time to hold on, and there is a time to let go. The closing song the family have chosen, Time Now to Say Goodbye, which is familiar to many of us, speaks of standing at a threshold, of leaving what is familiar, and trusting what lies beyond. It reminds us that goodbye is not a denial of love, but a recognition that something meaningful has been completed. It is a powerful song that often provokes tears for its beauty and poignancy. As Time to Say Goodbye is played, let it carry the gratitude for a life lived fully, the sadness of parting, and the quiet knowing that Grace’s presence continues in the lives she shaped. Grace’s kindness, warmth and smile has touched each one of you.
Thank you for your presence here today. May peace be with you all.
Closing Song: Time to Say Goodbye—Andrea Bocelli
