Funerals and Memorials
By the Central Coast Celebrant
There is no easy way to say goodbye to a loved one.
But there is a way to create a farewell that reflects the life of your loved one and how they would like to be remembered.
I offer funeral and memorial services that are tailored, stress-free and respectful. You can choose me for your loved one’s funeral, even if you are going through a funeral home.
Funerals and memorials
Funerals
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The death of a loved one is not only grief and often shock, it’s also confusion about the entire funeral process. There are so many options that many people simply want someone else to take care of the process, and in doing so, fall into the hands of the nearest funeral home (often overseas-owned global businesses), and pay a premium for the privilege – often thousands of dollars.
There are options and I can help you tailor them. I am passionate about helping families avoid costly add-ons offered by funeral companies (plus their commissions) by working directly with you to create a special and personalised day. I will connect you with a funeral company who best suits your needs and liaise with them to make sure everything on the day aligns with your vision of a heart-felt farewell for your loved one.
If you have already decided to go through a funeral home, you are still able to choose your celebrant – you are not locked into their options.
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Dependent on the funeral home you are using. Contact me for more information.
Memorials
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One of the main reasons is the cost involved with a funeral, and another is that they would rather have a “celebration of life” than the more formal, rigid and often sombre service in a church or elsewhere. This is where my services come in.
There is a lot of confusion around funerals, and many families simply hand everything over to a funeral company because they don’t know they have other options. I will guide you through this difficult and often confusing time.
Every funeral company can offer you a “no service, no attendance” option. This is exactly what it reads. The funeral company takes care of your loved one from where they pass away. There is no family involvement, and the company arranges transport to the cremation or the burial, depending on your choice. This option is around $2000, rather than a regular funeral which is anywhere from around $6000 to $15000. With regards to a cremation, the ashes are returned to the family.
The family then have the opportunity of organising a wonderful celebration of life, without the time pressure of making important decisions when they are in shock or grieving. This way friends and relatives have time to get organised, travel and contribute. The memorial can be any time – a significant date or simply when you feel “ready”.I will meet with your family, and we will organise a meaningful and unique farewell from this life for your loved one. I will script the memorial service, assist with choosing a location and suggest ideas for memorialising your loved one’s life. I can contact suppliers for catering, flowers, or anything else you may need. The memorial celebration can be in a park, a hall, at a club, or anywhere you choose.
A memorial is truly a unique, genuine, caring and relaxed way to go through the process of grief, and give your loved one a wonderful farewell from this life.
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From $450. Price on application.
About Elise
I am a kind, compassionate and organised person. I have chosen a career as a funeral celebrant to help people through their grieving, by giving their loved one a personalised and memorable farewell from this life. As well as being a trained celebrant, I hold a master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy, so I will walk beside you at this difficult time. With your input, I will create a beautiful, appropriate, and meaningful service, in line with your wishes.
Elise your eulogy and service were just perfect. You really captured my father’s life in words. I’m sure he would have been so happy with his funeral. We feel blessed to have met you and couldn’t have wished for a better person for the service. Thank you so much.
Christine J, Baulkham Hills
Testimonials
Our experience with Elise officiating my husband's Dad's memorial was excellent. Right from the start she was kind, informative, knowledgeable, well-organised and efficient.
When we had to change the venue last minute due to Covid, she was helpful in recommending a location and flexible accommodating our request. She also showed remarkable resilience by refusing to cancel even when feeling ill on the day.
The eulogy and ceremony was thoughtful and well-delivered. Elise's bright character and care really shone. We couldn't recommend Elise more.
Deb H, Sydney
Elise was wonderful from start to finish. Throughout the sad task of organising Mum's celebration of life, she was warm, caring and endlessly supportive of me and my family. […] I can't thank her enough and would recommend Elise to anyone looking for a celebrant who truly cares.