Cherished Memories 

Independent Funeral Celebrant​

“Helping you to cherish and honour the memories of a loved one”

Welcome, my name is Amanda Wood, and I am an Independent Funeral Celebrant.

I started out in the funeral industry back in 2009 working for a local independent Funeral Director as an arranger, as time progressed, I began to conduct funerals but wanted to do so much more for a family. With the knowledge and experience behind me I decided to become a celebrant.

At a traditional funeral, our emotions are somewhat predictable. A sense of sadness is to be expected that is often associated with an underlying mix of apprehension, anxiety and tension.

There’s a sense of doing the right thing by attending, but you really would prefer to be elsewhere. A quick signing of the memory book, a sip of lukewarm coffee, an offer of condolences and you’re on your way.

Afterwards, there’s a sense of having done your duty, and although the person you honoured may live on in your thoughts, the funeral experience will likely fade from memory.

If you’re attending a service handcrafted by a funeral celebrant, it will be different.

The music that greets you is likely a selection of favourites of the deceased. As the service begins, you start to relax. As the service unfolds, it helps to guide your emotions with a heartfelt experience that is comforting.

You will find that you really listen to what is being said and you may think to yourself: “I didn’t know that was important to him or her.” The tone of the service rings true to the person being honoured.

Maybe you will smile and share a chuckle or two, along with a sentimental tear as stories are shared about his or her life journey. You have a sense that you are participating in the service, not just being an observer. For a moment, the essence of your friend or loved one seems to come alive within the room.

The service has set the tone that will cascade into a reception that is filled with warmth and lively conversation. The stories that were shared during the service will bring many more to mind that you will want to discuss with other guests.

You will stay to chat with the people you have heard of by name, yet have never had a chance to meet–you both shared a part of the honouree’s life and it is wonderful to exchange how you knew them.

You will leave being pleased that you participated and sad that it had to come to an end. Your memories of the service that honoured their life will live on, for the right reasons.

Let's remember

“Grief never ends but it changes, it’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness but the price we pay for love. “