Sue Sowerby - Independent Funeral Celebrant

A beautiful funeral service this afternoon in an equally beautiful setting 💙❤️

My heart is singing today....

"We wanted to send you a note to convey our huge thanks for the wonderful service that you gave as our celebrant at Mum’s funeral and also for the caring and guiding support that you gave us during those difficult weeks.

From the very first time that we spoke to you and when we met, we knew that you were the one to perform this service as you brought calmness, kindness and a great sense of trust and comfort for us. You spent so much time during that initial meeting, not only getting a lot of information about Mum, but also listening to stories about all of us. You really wanted to build a good picture incorporating our love for Mum and our wishes for the service and we came away from that first chat feeling very confident that you would do a great job.

And at the service, your calmness, gentle but clear delivery, respect, love and kindness was wonderful and so helpful to get us through what was a very emotional moment. Your personal words to Mum at the end were very moving.

Everybody who came said it was one of the most beautiful services that they had attended and all said that you were a fantastic celebrant.

Thank you so much - we really don’t think we could have ever given Mum a better send off and you were central to that."

Credits:
Counties Crematorium
Daniel Robinson & Sons - Braintree office

"Hello Sue

I am sure I speak on behalf of us all when I say thank you for everything. I can only imagine the weight of responsibility your Celebrant role must involve: to meet people for the first time and only a handful of days later to speak about their dearly deceased as if you too have known them all your life.

I'm very happy to report that you did: I hope that is taken by you as the highest compliment with which I say it.

You absolutely 'got' H**** and us and made the event a wonderful celebration of all of her 103 years and her accomplishments.

That was her day and you made it one we will treasure.

Thank you so very much.

Very warm wishes and lots of love
P, I, L, A and of course, The Great One
X # # #"

Credits:
GreenAcres Epping Forest
Woodford Green Funeral Directors

This role is my calling and I have the privilege to work with the most amazing, brave and beautiful families.

"Sue was so lovely and compassionate throughout our time with her. She took time to learn about our dad and was very sensitive with the circumstances. She ensured the eulogy was perfect and we couldn’t have been happier with how she conducted the service. As I said in my speech, Sue you are an absolute angel. Thank you so much. Sophie and family x"

Adam and Greenwood Funeral Home
, Chelmsford

“We cannot thank Sue enough for doing our dad’s funeral service. She was absolutely amazing. Sue made us feel like she really did know our dad. I would 1000% recommend her to everyone.
Thank you Sue you made John’s last journey so much easier for us.
Andy & Lisa”

Lisa Hayward
Dale and sons funeral directors
Enfield Crematorium

A busy week supporting some very special families. From

I could not perform this wonderful role without the collaboration of those incredible professionals I work with ❤️

Barringtons Funeral Directors
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral
Woodford Green Funeral Directors
GreenAcres Epping Forest
City of London Cemetery and Crematorium
Chelmsford Crematorium
Parndon Wood Cemetery
Woollensbrook Cemetery & Crematorium

This last week has been busier than usual. Three funerals where I officiated (including covering for my fabulous friend Victoria the Celebrant) and one where we said goodbye to a wonderful family friend. I will be thinking of the families who have lost a loved one recently as well as those I have supported throughout the year, and I am even more focused on completing my End of Life qualification in the next few weeks.

A huge thank you to those Funeral Directors and families who have put their trust in me to undertake the Celebration of Life ceremonies with the utmost respect, dignity and honour.

Particular thanks this week go to the following:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Barringtons Funeral Directors
GreenAcres Epping Forest
Cam Valley Crematorium
Victoria the Celebrant

You are all amazing.

Sue x

When I receive a message like this, it's just one more reason why I do what I do. To the family and the Funeral Directors, thank you for choosing me to be the Funeral Celebrant.

"Sue, we cannot thank you enough. There are not enough words to express how wonderful you were at mum's funeral. You made a very sad day bearable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Forest Park Hainault Crematorium

A few words said to me today, that actually say so much.

"Carry on spreading sunshine, lovely lady." 🫶

When liaising with a family living abroad, those little extra touches can make all the difference so that they feel included and involved right up until the day of the funeral.

Sue - "I would like to say a big thank you from both David and myself. You were very professional throughout the funeral service and showed a great deal of empathy towards my uncle and those that attended the service...down to the picture of the cars on the screen behind you!

Your suggestion of the Rose & Crown Writtle was also entirely appropriate for the occasion. Thanks again for helping us deal with a difficult situation."

Credits:
Adam and Greenwood Funeral Home
Chelmsford Crematorium
Rose & Crown Writtle

We performed an early morning Interment of Ashes today for a lovely lady whose true passion was for horses. So during the service, I read this poem. For horse lovers in this group, when you know, you know 🫶🐴

‘Horses are Everything’
They are the glow in your heart
They are the wind in your hair
They are the shoulder or mane you comfort on
They are the room that you cleaned
They are the good grades you had to get
They are the money that you used to have
They are the street you didn’t hang out on
They are the dreams that you have
They are the harmony that grows in your soul
They are the empathy that you learned
They are the strength that you gain
They are the compassion that you develop and love unconditionally.
After all...'Horses are Everything'.
Author unknown

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Rippleside Cemetery

Today, I officiated at the funeral service of a much loved mum and nan. Her family did her proud and with 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, her legacy lives on.

This is the second funeral service I have conducted for this beautiful family. Thank you so much for believing in me. And to the Funeral Director who I haven't worked with before, I was pleased to hear I have passed the test!!

Credits:
Woollensbrook Cemetery & Crematorium
Broxbourne Funeralcare

🫶🤗🫶

An outstanding funeral service and private burial this week working with a new funeral director.

Thank you to you and the family for appointing me as your Celebrant.

Credits:
Alfred English and Sons Funeral Directors
GreenAcres Epping Forest

I'll always remember how I felt when I lost my own dad. Taken far too soon. And this is why I trained to be a Celebrant to help with my own grief and recovery. Moving forward each time, healing in the process as I officiate at another funeral.

Today I felt every single feeling of emotion for this beautiful family whose partner and dad was taken far too soon. Why can life be so cruel?

But together we gave him the perfect send off. Through the tears there was a glimmer of laughter. A cocktail of feelings that will last a lifetime for that family - and a wonderful daddy that will never see what his kids will accomplish as they follow in his musical footsteps.

Credit:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
GreenAcres Epping Forest

An appropriate funeral/burial service for a 97 year old gentleman this week. A life full of history, war, civil service, social justice, world travel, family and stories; many stories in fact that the Eulogy was a 12 page document - every word spoken by the family too was reminiscent of a wonderful dad, grandad, friend....and lifelong Everton Football Club supporter!

Credit:
Adam and Greenwood Funeral Home
GreenAcres Epping Forest

A beautiful service today for a dearly loved wife, mum and nan to 15 grandchildren. RIP sweet lady. Gorgeous memories were made at your service today and I was so proud to be the family’s Celebrant.

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Chelmsford Crematorium

Beautiful comments from a lovely family. My ❤️ is bursting with pride

"Dear Sue I just wanted to say thank you once again for the magnificent job that you did for us yesterday for dad’s funeral. Your unique style really works and there’s some lovely touches to what you do. We’ve had so many messages from people saying what a wonderful service it was and we couldn’t be more pleased with how it all went. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services to our friends and family because unfortunately we’re now at that age where these kind of occasions will probably become more frequent.
It was a pleasure to meet you and we feel very fortunate to have been put in touch with you."

Credits:
Adam and Greenwood Funeral Home
Chelmsford Crematorium

A beautiful morning at South Essex Crematorium for an early funeral service. And just look at this wisteria? This picture does not do the colours justice.

Google Review:
"You were a tower of strength during this earthquake, you kept us standing with your warm attitude and look on life. You gave us comfort in our grief and showed us we can live with our pain and the joy of our memories.
Thank you, a big hug to you Sue ❤️"

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
South Essex Crematorium Upminster

A simple yet meaningful burial service today for a 101 year old lady. We supported the same family two years ago and we were honoured to work with them again and give the perfect send off for their precious auntie. RIP Auntie E.

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Rippleside Cemetery, Barking, Essex

Yesterday I was honoured to be the for the most wonderful family from my own village of who were saying farewell to their sister, aunt and dear friend. The family were so touched by the Eulogy, the music, the flowers and just how everything came together so beautifully. Even the blue sky and the warmth of the glorious sunshine came out too. Special thanks to all those credited below for some great .

Credits:
Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Venus in Flowers - see picture!
GreenAcres Epping Forest

Testimonial: "Hi Sue, I just wanted to say a big thank you for mum's service yesterday. I think we all did her proud and she would have been extremely touched and humbled by her service.

We had lots of people come up to us and say how lovely it was and how well it summed mum up. You really did help us get through the most toughest of times with your kindness and your beautiful, gentle, caring manner - and we sincerely thank you for that. With love from us all. A Woodford based family ❤️

Credit: Woodford Green Funeral Directors
Location: City of London Cemetery and Crematorium

Testimonial: "You were amazing and really made the whole experience somehow better. It was lovely meeting you and working with you. You are a wonderful Celebrant and a lovely lady. My mum would have very much liked you. I want to wish you all the very best for the future. Keep doing what you are doing." A Herts family.
Credit: Andrew crowley independent funeral director
Location: GreenAcres Epping Forest

I officiated at a funeral last week and for once, I took a chance, deviated from the approved script and 'threw in' a poem which the family knew nothing about. I didn't seek their approval beforehand as I wanted to surprise them with the words and the way I conveyed the meaning of those words. It paid off! They were so grateful that I pushed the boundaries.

In this role I find that, going off course, being brave enough to do something a little bit different can be truly appreciated. And in return the family sent me these beautiful flowers.

Very often, families in grief need guidance from the Funeral Director and the Celebrant as many have never had to deal with this situation ever before.



Funeral Directors: Daniel Robinson & Sons - Loughton office
Flowers: Created by Aimee @ Abridge Florist
Location: City of London Cemetery and Crematorium

Oh my...another reason why I believe I was meant to train for this very special role.

"Sue - I cannot thank you enough for your compassion and support. We really felt so well taken care of. You are clearly very gifted to do what you do with such grace and dignity. Love like that just overflows out of every pore.

I'll carry today with me and the memories you helped make for a lifetime. So thank you again to you and all your colleagues."

Credit: Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Location: GreenAcres Epping Forest

"Sue - thank you so much. It was a very difficult day today when we said goodbye to our precious mum but you made it very special and we appreciated your thoughtful Eulogy and wonderful service."

Credit: Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
Location: West Herts Crematorium

A beautiful message from a grateful family:

“You made the service feel very personal and you truly gave us a day to remember. In fact someone asked me if you knew us before mum’s funeral as you captured everything so well. It was beautiful in every way, so definitely a heartfelt thank you from us all.”

Credit: Adam and Greenwood Funeral Home
Location: GreenAcres Epping Forest

Messages like this, truly warm my 💓.

"Thanks Sue for the lovely service yesterday which we all thought was absolutely perfect. The Order of Service and the Eulogy were both ideal and thanks also for all your support, kindness and advice during the last month or so."



Credit: Dale and sons funeral directors
Location: Enfield Crematorium

I have returned from a short break to receive two beautiful messages. This one where I officiated at a funeral of a 101 year old lady. Her copious amounts of energy (still doing yoga at the age of 90 and asking for a balloon ride for her 90th birthday).

"Hi Sue, just to say a huge thank you from myself and my family for the lovely service for Nan. We had so many comments from friends and neighbours as to how nice and fitting it was, and how it felt much more of a celebration and a chance to reflect on what a special person she was. It meant a huge amount to us all.

Thanks again so much for your expertise, guidance and care."

Credit: Manor Park Cemetery and Crematorium
Funeral Directors: Woodford Green Funeral Directors

Who knew I could speak Polish?

Well, neither did I until I officiated at a Polish funeral this week. Don't get me wrong, I didn't deliver the whole Eulogy in Polish but I was helped by one of our Polish team to ensure I got the pronunciation right and it was enough for the family to feel that I truly embraced their Polish culture and language.

What I learned is that, if you take yourself out of your comfort zone, push yourself a little harder, it's surprising how much it is appreciated by a grieving family.

Credits: Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors
GreenAcres Epping Forest
GreenAcres Cemeteries & Ceremonial Parks
Venus in Flowers
Jan Antrobus - Saxophonist / Saksofonista