IN AN era when traditional funerals and mourning practices are evolving, one dedicated celebrant has taken up the mission to redefine how the lives of loved ones are commemorated and how their nearest and dearest cope with grief.
As a qualified member of the well-established Fellowship of Professional Celebrants, Anne-Marie Harley is on a mission to break the taboos surrounding end-of-life ceremonies and hopes to help others across Worcestershire to celebrate their loved ones in a way which – even if not the norm – is right for them.
Anne-Marie firmly believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to celebrating a life well-lived, and that it is essential to create personal, meaningful ceremonies to honour the individuality of the person who has passed and their family – a vital part of the grieving process.
Among the innovative ideas are ‘living funerals’, alternative celebration venues and post-loss gatherings that bring family and friends together to commemorate their loved one in a non-traditional way.
Anne-Marie said: “As a former journalist, I’ve spent many years covering and sharing the stories of other people.
“Good times, bad times, happy times and sad times make life what it is and every one of these is worth celebrating.
“Unfortunately, I, like many in recent years, have experienced my fair share of loss which has allowed me to understand what a valuable service celebrants provide.”
Anne-Marie can perform living funerals, non-traditional celebrations, funerals at alternative locations and grief circles.
She added: “After losing my best friend to a long-term illness a few years ago, I decided this was something I had to do.
“After being part of her wonderful service, seeing it full to the rafters with people who cherished her, I know she would have loved to have been part of it if she’d had the chance.”
Anne-Marie’s services are not just limited to adult funerals and celebrations, but she is also dedicated to helping families who have experienced the heart-wrenching loss of babies or children.
Email [email protected] or follow ‘Celebrant Anne-Marie’ on Facebook or Instagram for more.
