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From memories to moments

August 1, 2020

As a celebrant, it's a privilege to be welcomed into a family's circle where they share memories of their loved one. If you decide that having a celebrant is the right choice for your loved one’s funeral, you will be contacted directly by your celebrant to arrange a convenient time & location to meet and chat. This can even be over zoom if you are trying to organise the funeral from afar.     

 
We understand that this is an emotionally trying period, with time-sensitive decisions, varying viewpoints, and heightened emotions.  
Therefore, as a celebrant, my goal is to make our interactions as gentle and comforting as possible. Sometimes, I operate quietly in the background while family members converse, occasionally clarifying details or asking thought-provoking questions. 

 
The most beautiful, healing moments are when people share memories and others chime in with revelations, creating a tapestry of anecdotes and emotions. The act of storytelling has long been a part of human tradition and aids in the grieving process. Drawing on insights from close friends and family greatly helps in crafting a personal, meaningful service and Eulogy. Once written, I will share the service with you for feedback and any amendments you may like. 

 

My objective is to encapsulate the essence of your loved one's personality in the service. I am completely flexible in my involvement. This could range from leading the entire service, including the eulogy, tributes, and readings, to assuming a more supportive role akin to an "MC", overseeing proceedings while family members deliver speeches and tributes, and concluding with words of farewell.  
While honouring tradition remains significant for many families, modern funerals are tailored to individual preferences, catering to the family's specific needs in commemorating their loved one and guiding them through the grieving process. 

 

by: Emma Jopson

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Should children be involved

By Office • September 18, 2024
We’re often asked whether children should be involved after a family member's death, and if so, how? While you know your children best, our general advice is to include them as much as possible. Children will take cues from the adults around them, so if you're open and honest, they will likely follow suit. Answer their questions directly but avoid unnecessary details unless they're asked. Their inquiries will be shaped by their age and previous experiences, such as the death of a pet. Children under 7 may not fully understand that death is permanent, universal, and involves the body stopping completely. They may ask more literal questions, like "Who will Nan play with in heaven?" or "Who will take me to the park?"

Viewing the deceased

By Office • September 18, 2024
In some cultures, being around the deceased is a natural part of life, but in Western culture, we’ve moved away from this. At Gillions, we believe in supporting families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one after they’ve passed. This may include helping to dress them, spending time with them, or bringing them home before the funeral. While it’s natural to feel unsure about this, we often hear from families that the experience was deeply meaningful. Dressing a loved one can feel like a final act of love, especially if you helped care for them before they passed. We encourage children to be part of this process too.

Grief

By Office • September 18, 2024
Grief is a deeply personal journey, influenced by past experiences and the circumstances of loss. When a death is sudden, for instance, grief can feel more complex and harder to navigate than when the death was expected. While many find their own path through grief, others may require additional support 

Navigating grief after a pet dies

By Office • September 14, 2024
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet.  Grief is a price we pay for love.

By Office • September 8, 2024
Lets get talking

2024 Pet Memorial

By Office • September 1, 2024
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service.  "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
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