Clare’s artistry reminds us of how meaningful it is to make space for memory and love. A funeral can take many shapes. It doesn’t need to follow the same format every time. It can be soft or bold, traditional or creative, held inside, outside, by candlelight, or under the sun. What matters most is that it feels true to the person being remembered.  

When you attend a funeral, you see a celebrant at the front, speaking with warmth, guiding the ceremony, and honouring the person who has died. But much like an iceberg, what you see on the surface is only a small part of the role.

In this blog, I want to share what really goes into being a funeral celebrant – both the visible and the unseen.

In this episode, we have a wonderful chat about the practicalities and logistics of making it happen, but more importantly, we hear about the deep respect shown to honour one person's final wish to be laid to rest at sea.  It was a true community effort - a coming together of family, funeral professionals and authorities to ensure everything unfolded with care and dignity. 

When we think of a memorial, we often picture a chapel or a funeral home.
But more and more families are choosing to say goodbye in ways that reflect who their person truly was — their passions, their loves, and the things that lit them up.

A meaningful farewell doesn’t need to be lavish or expensive—it just needs to reflect the unique life of the person you're saying goodbye to.

Whether you're organising something traditional or completely unique, this guide will help you plan a funeral or memorial service that feels personal, thoughtful, and genuinely heartfelt.

A Legacy Contact is someone you choose to manage your digital accounts after you die.
Think of them as your digital next-of-kin — someone you trust to download your photos, close down your accounts etc.
Whether it’s your iPhone, your Facebook,  Gmail, or other online accounts, you can nominate someone in just a few clicks.

Someone asked me recently – “what is your why?”

My why is helping families create moments of beauty, truth, and comfort — even on the hardest days.

I think one of the kindest things you can do for someone who is grieving is to remember.

Remember their loved one’s anniversary.

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, especially amidst the emotional challenges of losing a loved one. Having a checklist can help streamline the process and ensure that nothing important is overlooked during this sensitive time.

Many people assume the Irish wake is just an excuse for a drinking session, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. The traditions surrounding death in Ireland run deep, woven into the fabric of the culture and community.   The dead are honoured with great reverence, and the grieving are embraced, supported, and given the space to mourn in a way that is both personal and communal. 

Every life is a collection of stories—big and small, joyful and heartbreaking, ordinary and extraordinary. These stories shape who we are and how we’re remembered.

Eastern Palliative Care runs an award-winning biography programme where their volunteers work one one-on-one with clients to allow them to record and tell their life story. 

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had a loved one die overseas?  Or, perhaps it is their wish for their body to be transported back  to their home country?  Today I am chatting to Ghislaine from a family-run business based in Melbourne called Repatriation Solutions to discuss the implications of moving someone’s body to another country after they die.

One of the most important choices you have is selecting the right celebrant to lead the ceremony. And here’s something many people don’t realise—you don’t have to go with the only option presented to you by a funeral director. You have the right to choose your own celebrant.

Funerals are deeply collaborative, and I am just one link in a chain of incredible people who make it all happen. Behind every funeral, there’s a network of compassionate, skilled, and often unseen professionals working tirelessly to support grieving families. Some of these incredible professions include:


- Hearse drivers who handle their role with quiet dignity, ensuring every journey is taken with care.
- Morticians who gently prepare loved ones, treating them with utmost respect.
- Funeral directors who guide families through some of the hardest days of their lives, attending to every detail.

- Florists who carefully craft beautiful arrangements and flowers

- Chapel attendants who ensure venues are set up with care and respect and all the audio visuals work perfectly and seamlessly. 
Musicians, caterers, livestreamers and countless others bring their talents to create meaningful ceremonies.

Whether you’re planning to farewell a loved one or attending to show your support, a bit of preparation can go a long way in helping you navigate the day. Here are some tips to help you stay grounded and focused when it matters most.

Two of the key professionals who may support you are the funeral celebrant and the funeral director. While their responsibilities can overlap, each has a unique role in creating a meaningful farewell for a loved one. Understanding these differences can help families make informed choices and ensure their needs are met during this significant time.

Miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies.   
 Six babies are stillborn in Australia every day, with one in 120 births being a stillborn baby or a newborn death.These statistics are a reality that often leaves people unsure how to respond, creating an uncomfortable silence.Today, I am honoured to speak with Nicole Hasseldine. 

Welcome to another episode of Deadly Serious Conversations, where today we are joined by Dr. Susan Palmer from Gather My Crew, an incredible organisation dedicated to helping people rally around loved ones during times of crisis.