Matters of the Heart

SECULAR FUNERALS AND MEMORIALS

Not everyone is affiliated with a church or religious institution, and some may have a particular wish for a secular ceremony.

As a Secular Celebrant, I can conduct secular funerals or memorials with sensitivity and without bias, regardless of your faith, worldview, or sexual orientation. Whether or not we share similar beliefs, my goal is to create a space that honors the wishes and beliefs of the deceased while allowing for personal philosophical reflection in facing loss.

With the deepest respect for you and your loved ones, I will work closely with you to design a tailor-made ceremony. Together, we can include meaningful elements such as readings, music, simple rituals, a eulogy, and tributes by family and friends.

A non-religious funeral is an opportunity to celebrate the life of the deceased while providing a space for mourners to express their emotions openly. It allows people to share their grief, support one another, and find meaning and solace by coming together as a community.

TESTIMONIALS

A SINGLE CUT FLOWER...

"Deep gratitude for being our voice when we could not speak"

At my dear friend, Peter’s funeral, he instructed us (through his memoir) to each bring a single cut flower and after the ceremony to swap flowers with each other … as a symbol of his warmth and generosity.

A SINGLE CUT FLOWER...

"Jaqueline, your warmth and compassion helped us navigate one of the hardest days of our lives.

You listened to our stories and created a beautiful ceremony that truly honored my father’s life. Your ability to blend sincerity with moments of lightness brought comfort to everyone present."

A SINGLE CUT FLOWER...

“ A Big, big, big thank you for your beautiful energy and for keeping it all together so beautifully and smoothly. Everyone was so happy with the memorial service.”

"Thanks for making Saturday so special. I'm feeling much more at peace and calm now that we have held the memorial."

"Jaqueline’s guidance and heartfelt words were a source of strength during our family’s loss.

The ceremony felt deeply personal and respectful, offering a space for both grief and celebration of our brother's memory. We’ll are grateful for her kindness."

"Hi Jaqueline, thank you again for Tuesday - it went very well and it was a beautiful memorial."