HELEN DEAL CIRCLE OF LIFE CELEBRANT

I'm Helen Deal, an Independent Funeral Celebrant working in both North London and Suffolk. Whether you want a traditional funeral, a Celebration of Life, a less formal Memorial or Thanksgiving, your ceremony will always be completely bespoke.

It could be non-religious, semi-religious, or with some other spiritual ritual. I'm open-minded and not personally tied to any belief or set way of doing things - although I do believe everyone deserves a meaningful farewell.

It will be my privilege to help you create a truly reflective end-of-life service - for yourself, if planning ahead, or for a loved family member or friend. 

Types of Funeral 

Times are changing and there are many different ways to say goodbye... 

You'll probably have some idea of the type of funeral service you want - be it Celebration of Life, or any other end-of-life ceremony... Indoors or outdoors? Burial; Cremation? Or a short unattended 'Direct Cremation', without fuss and frills? This could be followed by a more creative, less time-bound 'Memorial' or 'Thanksgiving', in a location of choice?

Direct Cremation is actually increasingly popular. It allows you to step away from formality, costly cars or caskets, or the pressure of being on show. Separately you can create a farewell to focus properly on celebrating the life that was lived.

For me, this is the part that always matters most, when life comes full circle. We can blend in aspects of ceremony that bring comfort to those left behind.

As an Independent Celebrant I can work at any venue, with any funeral director (or none). I will include any spiritual rituals you'd like - or equally, none at all.  (This is different to a specifically 'Humanist' Celebrant, who will not allow any religious reference whatsoever and will have a whole set of beliefs of their own.)​ 

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How will I plan your service? 

Our first step: getting to know each other, either face-to-face or online. Typically this will take one to two hours. We'll talk about the person we are saying goodbye to; about their wishes, and yours. If helpful, I can give ideas for readings, music, special touches of remembrance. If you have concerns or questions I'll be there for you as much as I can.

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Step two: I have worked with words and told stories all my professional life and will use this experience to craft a meaningful tribute for the person you care about. The authentic words of family and friends will be included in this as much as possible. It's your farewell so it has to feel right for you. If that means going backwards and forwards and re-drafting, that's what I'll do. 

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Step three: when officiating on the day I can lead from the front, or be right behind you giving moral support as you stand to pay tribute. Whatever feels right.​ I'll bring calm, a smile, tissues... and if there's room for humour I'll bring that along too.  

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Choosing the right person to help you is important, so some testimonials from others might bring reassurance. 

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Eulogy Writing & Funeral Planning 

A life story - a legacy

Everyone has stories worth sharing, as a lasting legacy for their families and a way to leave a mark on the world. That's why a warm and sensitive eulogy is always at the very heart of my ceremonies, not just a religious ritual. 

I also offer a stand-alone service, where I write a bespoke eulogy that can be comfortably delivered by someone else. While it's an honour to be asked to speak about someone's life, perhaps you just haven't the time or confidence to put the words together?  

Or maybe you are planning ahead for your own farewell ceremony?  As well as your life story, we can write down your funeral wishes for your family or solicitor. We can explore ideas for music, readings and rituals that reflect you.

It can feel like a real relief to know your funeral planning is in hand. Certainly the cherished memories you've shared, will one day help in the healing of family and friends.

Alternatively, we could plan an entire 'Living Funeral' together? The 'pre-funeral' idea started in Japan in the 1990s - you get to be at the centre of your funeral in life, rather than after your death. Importantly,  you get to say what you want to those you care about... and hear their words to you. 

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Whatever the situation, I will: 

Step one: spend time with you collecting anecdotes, memories and details of the milestones that reflect a life. This will usually be an online conversation of up to two hours. 

Step two: I will write to length and deadline. In my eulogies I always try to preserve the authentic voice of the storyteller and skilfully weave together the different factual elements that make up a life.

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Step three: you'll approve my draft (s) and receive a final copy of my words.  

I'm passionate about preserving social history and leaving a life story as a legacy, so our time together will have felt very rewarding. 

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