Debbie Donnelly
Funeral Celebrant
I work with families to create and lead personal, bespoke and respectful funeral and celebration of life ceremonies
debdon38@aol.com Tel: 07799 178384
I am a qualified, independent funeral celebrant based on the Hants/Dorset border. I will work with you to create ceremonies that reflect your loved one's personal beliefs and values. Every life is unique and I will meet with you to learn about their journey and help you create a service that truly reflects their life and personality.
I will always listen to your wishes and check that I have truly captured the essence of the person.
I live in Christchurch with my partner Mark and our dog,
I enjoy travelling, am naturally curious and interested in people's stories.
I believe that every funeral should be 'the best it can be'.
Recent Testimonials
Many thanks for the full script and conducting a wonderful service for Bryan. It all went according to plan seamlessly. You successfully conveyed the essence of Bryan, thank you so much. March 2023
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday March 2023
Thank you so much for reading at the service. You did it so well. Everyone has commented on how beautiful the service was.
April 2023
It was a lovely service and a great location. The funeral was just perfect. Thank you for helping us celebrate our Mom.
July 2023
Thank you so much for yesterday, it was just lovely and absolutely perfect. We will cherish the presentation script forever.
August 2023
It was lovely to have you present Jane’s life, it was amazing how it all came across and the comments that came back were so appreciative, thank you so much for making the day.
Oct 2o23
The role of a celebrant
I trained with the Institute of Civil Funerals and share the beliefs and standards of the Celebrant Accord
A civil funeral ceremony is appropriate for cremations and burials and often held in a crematorium or chapel, although it can be held at a variety of locations to ensure the setting itself is as personal as the ceremony.
The ceremony can include music, readings, poetry and symbolic gestures such as candles and photographs. The ceremony can be entirely non-religious or can include religious or spiritual elements such as prayers and hymns .
Everything is put together with the support of a funeral celebrant to create a ceremony that is respectful, personal and memorable.
Working with you and helping you create bespoke and meaningful ceremonies
Funeral Ceremonies
Memorial services
A memorial service is typically held some time after a private, family funeral or direct cremation and is a time to reflect on a life and legacy.
There are no rules about how formal or relaxed it is; the ceremony is guided by the story of the person who has died.
It can include several tributes and readings, a slideshow of photos, mementoes or favourite music. I will work with you to get it right and I’m always happy to create something new or different in a venue that is meaningful to you.
Scattering Ashes
Many people now prefer to scatter the ashes of their loved one in a favourite place or location that meant something to them. While there are no national laws restricting the scattering of ashes you do need to check before going ahead.
I can help you create a ceremony that reflects and celebrates your loved one and creates positive lasting memories in a favourite place.
I will work with you to create meaningful ceremonies: a celebration of life, cremation, burial or themed funeral.
These can be completely secular or with religious or spiritual content.
I will meet with you and spend the time you need so I can capture the essence of the person and create a narrative that is both accurate and apt.
If needed I can provide guidance and ideas on readings, poetry and music.
A printed presentation script is supplied after the ceremony.
Qualifications
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy
