Funeral Service – Celebration of Life

Funeral Planning

Jan Littlejohn has broadened her work as a Celebrant to encompass not only writing and conducting funeral ceremonies but arranging funerals as well.

Having recently trained in this new capacity, Jan is excited to bring her skills as a celebrant into a deeper assistance for families who have lost someone close. Creating a funeral service to honour the life of a loved-one requires empathy and the experience of a good listener who can interpret the thoughts and ideas of a grieving family with sensitivity and compassion.

Part of this desire to assist families at such a difficult time in their lives is the strong feelings that she has about choice regarding the ceremony and the importance of a funeral that accurately depicts and celebrates the person’s life, so it can assist in creating a healthy grieving process.

The more involvement members of the family have in the creation of the service, the deeper connection they feel to a ceremony that proudly does justice to and is an authentic depiction of the person who has died.

Funerals can be any shape or size, location is often pivotal, and giving families the time and space to make unrushed decisions is vital.

Jan feels it is important to let people know that a funeral is not something to be frightened of  and healthy discussion with family and friends about those elements that are important to their send-off, is a wonderful gift to leave those who are left behind.

It gives the family confidence to have command over all aspects of the funeral process including the creation of the ceremony, knowing that they are accurately representing their loved one.

To help her, Jan has the support and resources of Picaluna Funerals. Their ethos is to help families create a better way to say goodbye. Picaluna is a network of celebrants and professional planners offering creative choices with open and transparent pricing.

Jan and Picaluna Funerals team up with service providers such as florists, stationery providers, coffin suppliers, cemeteries and crematorium to tailor everything to suit the family’s needs.

And 10% of the profits are donated to a charity or cause nominated by the family.

Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please feel free to contact Jan and if in the future someone close to you loses a loved-one and if you are comfortable in doing-so, please feel free to pass on Jan’s contact details.

Contact Jan

Testimonial

You have been and are amazing.  I believe it takes a remarkable person to be part of a families most happiest moments as well as their saddest.

Thank you 

A Special Message from Jan

It is a difficult time saying goodbye to a loved one. Often the shock of the loss can feel overwhelming.

Details need to be worked out often with only a few days’ notice.

Shakespeare once wrote, “Tears water our growth.” It’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to not cry too. Grief is individual and comes in many forms.

To honour your loved one’s life with their personality in mind is an important aspect of the funeral, so too a sensitivity to their culture and background.

I am happy to talk with you in person or over the phone to help create a sincere and dignified tribute.

A Service that is Compassionate and Personal

Jan provides a funeral service that is individual and sensitive, and not part of a set program that is used over and over.  It is normal for the celebrant to officiate at the funeral home, the crematorium, or the cemetery.

Jan’s ceremonies are not of a traditional religious nature, yet they can reflect the degree of spirituality that is meaningful to the family, offering comfort, support and a sense of hope. The family is encouraged to help choose the wording, music and readings that are appropriate to pay tribute to the life of their beloved family member.

An Uplifting Farewell

Jan’s sensitive and compassionate ceremonies enable the family to say goodbye to their loved one by honouring them with a personal and meaningful celebration of their life.  Jan will gently guide you through the process, and help you choose the most appropriate style of service to make it an appropriate farewell.

Although the death of a loved one is always a sad occasion, Jan believes a funeral should not focus entirely on grief and loss.

It should celebrate the life of the deceased, and encourage mourners to contemplate not only what they have lost, but what they have gained from having had that special person touch their lives.

A Service that is Individual

Jan’s funeral ceremonies are always personal, and individually tailored to suit the particular philosophy of the deceased, with any element of religious content, or with particular spirituality that reflects the beliefs of your loved one.

I always like to help families identify “what might be an appropriate ritual to incorporate into the service” says Jan.

After obtaining factual information in a family meeting, Jan moves to a more open-ended approach and may ask someone, “Give me five words to describe your dad” or “What was your mom like on holidays?”

Jan’s funerals can include a time of reflection, the Lord’s Prayer or the 23rd Psalm, or any other special verse the family chooses.

It is a compassionate service that is tailored individually. It can allow for the possible inclusion of speakers, the playing of music, and the reading of verse, poems or other relevant material.

Jan Littlejohn is experienced at delivering eulogies and will plan with the family carefully to ensure it is delivered according to the wishes of the family.

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Memorials

A memorial is often conducted on the anniversary of the death of a loved one. It is very common in some societies.

The same care and attention is given by Jan to ensure a compassionate and meaningful celebration at these services.

Testimonial- I’ve had emails from some of the guests already, saying what a wonderful way to say goodbye to Mickie. here’s a quote from one…

I finally have a moment to reflect upon Mickie’s service today.  I found it so uplifting that I wanted to thank you for such a simple humble and warm moment in time that was true to who your mum was….it evoked memories of your mum and dad…I came away from today feeling very buoyant…the way you farewelled Mickie was soft, thoughtful and true….just like her.

Contact Jan
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