Living Legacy
Weddings
Milestone Celebrations
Why did you become a Celebrant?
My first college degree was in Human Services, and I chose that field because I have a deep desire to connect with people and be of assistance when they are in need.  My second degree involved Journalism, and I have written over 2,000 stories for publication over the past 25 years. I really love telling a person’s story, and one of my most cherished sayings is “Every Life Story Deserves To Be Told, And Told Well.” Becoming a Funeral Celebrant was a natural and compelling pathway to combining these skills and values.
Your promotional material states that you put forth an effort “to turn spectators into participants.” Does this mean everyone has to stand up and speak?
No, it does not.  I make sure everyone who co-creates the ceremony has an opportunity to contribute some story, or poem, or memory, and I can read any of these offerings if the person chooses not to do so.  If the person wants to share publicly, but needs some guidance to do so, I am trained to help.  Sometimes, people change their mind at the last minute, and I can adjust to any such developments.  The main theme is, “The more personal a ceremony is, the more powerful it is,” and the ultimate goal is to assure that the loved one’s story is told, and told well.
What do you do as a Funeral Celebrant?
I work with families and friends to co-create ceremonies that make their loved one’s life story the centerpiece of the ceremony.   I put forth my best effort to “Honor a Life Like No Other With a Ceremony Like No Other.”
Where are the services held?
That decision is made by the loved ones doing the planning.  I have led ceremonies in funeral homes, private residences, State Parks, banquet halls and many other venues.
If a family chooses a Funeral Celebrant to celebrate their loved one’s life, does that mean there cannot be a “religious” component?
No, the basis of my mission is to make sure the ceremony is exactly what a family wants.  It is common for a clergy member to read some Scripture, and the Celebrant to work with the family and friends to tell the person’s life story.  However, many families do choose a Celebrant because they do not have a significant connection with a church, but want to have a meaningful ceremony/celebration.
Is a Celebrant funeral more expensive?
I can provide two levels of service:

Level One is essentially a consultation, and involves me helping a family decide exactly what they want in a ceremony (which readings, songs, poems will be shared, who will speak, etc.) and structure that ceremony to “make it flow.” This is a 2 hour undertaking (costing $100), and is designed for families that wish to officiate the ceremony themselves (or have someone else do so).

Level Two is an “A to Z” endeavor.  When my services are engaged, I spend an hour or two meeting with the family, several hours composing the ceremony, and an hour or two officiating the ceremony and graveside committal ceremony if requested.  At $40.00 per hour ($20/hr. for travel), the fee is around $300 – $350.

My favorite quote is, “We spent twice that amount on flowers, and we forgot about them the next day.  We will never forget the beautiful ceremony you helped us create for our loved one.”

What are your fees?

Typical Invoice for Services

1 -Meetings/Information  Gathering/Preparation 3 hrs. $100.00

2-Ceremony Composition 3 hrs. $100.00

3-Ceremony Officiating / Travel (2 trips) 3 hrs. $100.00

Total: $300.00 (Adjustments and arrangements can be worked out as needed.)

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A family member once said, “We spent twice as much on flowers, and we forgot about them the next day. We will never forget this beautiful celebration of our loved one’s life.”

contact me at (607) 564-7149.