07958289337
When a family have lost someone and are feeling sad, fragile and overwhelmed, I hope that I can help to make a difficult time more bearable
I will gently help you to navigate this sad time and to prepare for the funeral/memorial event of your loved one. It will be unique and special - just like they were.
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I have a calm approach and am easy to talk to which is helpful when it feels like the world has turned upside down.
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I like words. I like finding the right words for the right situation. Together we will find the right words to pay tribute to your loved one and create a fitting farewell.
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Of course, sometimes relationships can be complex and challenging, giving rise to difficult feelings and emotions. We can talk this through and find a way forward.
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It starts with a conversation
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Your Funeral Director will have guided you on the practical steps to arrange the funeral: when, where, burial or cremation, coffin choice, cars, flowers, reception/wake and numerous other elements.
With those decisions made, it is now time to turn to the content of the service.
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I will meet with you face-to-face at your home or an agreed place. We can meet online if this is not possible, or have key family members join the discussion online if they do not live locally.
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I will ask you to tell me about your loved one to help me understand what they were like, their personality, their interests, key milestones in their life - information that would be nice to highlight in the funeral service.
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We will talk about music, poems and readings that will resonate with family and friends. And tributes that family members and friends may wish to write to read out or be read on their behalf.
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I will send you a draft programme for the funeral in advance and a draft of the eulogy/overview of life to ensure it is accurate and captures the essence of your loved one. I can then incorporate your comments so that there are no surprises and you know exactly how things will proceed on the day.
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I can also help to create the order of service for you, your funeral arranger can do this or you can arrange this yourself.
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About Me
I am a Londoner with a big Irish family in the background. ​ I cycle whenever I can. Weekends usually involve our bikes and a visit to a pub. I love maps - real paper maps! Holidays and weekends usually revolve around cycling, cricket or football!
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I enjoy catching up with family and friends, reading, cinema, gigs and visiting new places. We have a cat who thinks she is the queen of the house and that we are her subjects!
I qualified as a nurse in 1984 and was a district nurse for 13 years. During this time, I supported many families which included providing end-of-life care. In 2000, I squeezed in a career change and moved into NHS communications. This involved writing for print and online platforms, and organising events.
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Alongside this, I was a Samaritans volunteer for five years and I am currently a volunteer with the Bookmark reading charity hearing children read online.
I am based in East London and happy to offer my celebrant services in London, Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire.
I undertook Celebrant training with the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. My fellow celebrants are pictured here.
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I feel my background and experience have led me to celebrancy. Every family is different and deals with things in different ways. You need to find a celebrant that fits you. So please give me a call on 07958289337 if you think I could be the right celebrant for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Independent Celebrant the same as a Humanist Celebrant?
An Independent Celebrant does not come from a religious tradition but will be happy to reflect the individual's or family's beliefs and preferences in the service. A Humanist celebrant does not make spiritual or religious references in their service.
Can family members or friends speak or do a reading during the service?
Personal tributes and readings are always lovely to have at a service. Ideally, these will need to be prepared in advance and shared with me. I will then know how much time will be needed and avoid repetition. Also, it means if on the day, someone is just not able to do it (or loses their voice!), I can read their words out.
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Can we choose the music to be played?
Music or songs that have meaning to the deceased person and to those who knew them are very touching to have. We can consider specific pieces when we meet and request them to be downloaded at the Crematorium. Or if at a different venue, discuss how the music will be managed. The same goes for poetry, book extracts or philosophical texts. If you know of specific words that have meaning to the person, it would be nice to include these. If you're not sure, I can suggest some ideas for you to consider.
What if I didn't have a good relationship with the deceased?
Family relationships can be complex and complicated. We can work together and find a way forward.
Can we have a montage of photographs on display?
Some crematoriums now have visual displays that can show images of the person taken over their lifetime. These will usually be selected and uploaded by the family. We can discuss this in our planning meeting. If the venue does not have this facility, we can look at other options. A laptop with a screen, or creating a display board. You can also opt to have this available at the after-event so that people have time to look at these in a relaxed setting.
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How can we go about organising an Order of Service?
The order of service provides an outline of the service as a guide and can include the wording to hymns or songs that may be played. It usually includes at least one photograph of the deceased person. The booklets can be put together by a family member or friend, sometimes by the funeral director, or by me. You need to think how many you will need so that we can get a print quote before we proceed.
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What if we have an unusual request that we would like to include in the service?
Anything that makes the service seem more personal and brings comfort to family and friends should be considered, so just say what's on your mind.
Will you help someone who is terminally ill to plan their funeral service?
I know that having a hand in your own send-off can bring comfort at the end of life. It can also help family and friends immeasurably because they know the service is just as you would want it. With my background as a community nurse, I am not a stranger to such conversations. I would be more than comfortable to help with scoping and planning a service with someone at the end of their life.
If you have any other questions that are not mentioned here, just email me: janetclarkcelebrant@gmail.com or call me on 07958289337
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Pricing
Meeting with family, drafting the running order and leading the funeral service
£240
Part two of funeral to scatter ashes - to be confirmed when details known
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Leading, planning and facilitating a tribute/celebration/memorial event
£200
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Travel costs will be added if the location of the funeral exceeds 5 miles from East London
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Printed Order of Service - To be confirmed depending on number of print copies
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Independent Funeral Celebrant
