14 Apr 2026 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

Dad’s Fallen Off the Perch

My dad, David, died peacefully at home here in Emerald Beach on Easter Sunday. As his 90-year-old body finally caught up with him, he was ready, in his words, to “drop off the perch.” There were so many people who helped him stay safe, connected, and able to enjoy this…

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13 Mar 2026 | Celebrants

Ceremony for a Stillborn Baby

Earlier this week a celebrant reached out to me after being asked to conduct a short funeral ceremony for a family whose baby was stillborn, while the twin survived. She shared that she had never conducted a ceremony for a stillborn or infant before and felt deeply aware of how…

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09 Mar 2026 | Celebrants

Questions for Writing a Memoir or Eulogy

A friend was wanting to help his mum record some of her life stories and asked me what questions I asked when helping people write a memoir or write their own eulogy. Over these last few years I have been helping an elderly friend write her memoir. I found the…

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19 Nov 2025 | Ceremonies

Releasing Doves for Joyce Spillett

I met with Joyce’s family on a wild and stormy Sunday afternoon. Our original venue fell through at the last minute, there simply weren’t enough tables for everyone, so we shifted to the local tavern. By some small miracle, we managed to gather around two long tables tucked away in…

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17 Oct 2025 | Funerals, Death and Dying, End of Life Planning

An Intimate Ceremony for Sharon Ford

Aaron and Brock wanted to keep the ceremony for their mum, Sharon, informal and relaxed, especially with only around 15 people attending. I suggested we gather in a semi-circle in front of Sharon’s casket and begin with an opening song to help everyone settle into the space together. “Your coming…

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30 Apr 2024 | Ceremonies

One Awesome Nanna!

Norma Jean… what a fun Mum and Nanna! After a wonderful visit with Norma’s family I started to write the ceremony. It was clear she was greatly loved… I received emails from six of her adult grandchildren. I was privileged to read them. There were tears everywhere. “Grandchildren can hold…

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15 Dec 2023 | Ceremonies

As You Were… as you were…

Honouring Bruce Today, as we come to honour Bruce’s way of being in the world, there will be stories, songs, prayer and, as Bruce was a keen jokester, a few Bruce jokes that will be shared. In this gathering you will grieve as a family, as close friends and as…

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15 Dec 2023 | Ceremonies

Goodbye Bec

Three weeks before Christmas, Rebecca ‘Bec’ Ferencz died at home unexpectedly. When talking with her family, the main impetus and reason for being,  in Bec’s life, was her family and also her work. Bec was passionate and highly motivated; she was a big feeling person and opinionated and caring. She…

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09 Dec 2023 | Ceremonies

Mourning and Celebration Circle for Nancy

Goodbye Nancy I met with Nancy’s family a few months ago when her daughter, Michelle rang and asked for support to prepare for her mum’s death which was imminent. Michelle wrote to me, “How fortunate I feel to have your support during the dying, death and celebration of my dear Mum!…

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02 Dec 2023 | Ceremonies

Caring for Dad

Dad moved in next door earlier this year. He is 87 years old and a larger than life character. He is cheeky, funny and charismatic. He drives me nuts at times. It’s wonderful to have him living so close as his dementia creeps in. After a stroke three weeks ago…

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