​Life's Endings


​When a life ends, transformation occurs not only for the deceased, but also for those left behind. 

Every life has a story to tell, and as a Professional & Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, I work alongside you to get to know your loved one's story and the life they lived.  I then create a ceremony with words and rituals to honour their life and bring comfort and healing to those left behind as they adjust to life without the physical presence of their loved one.

When someone dies, we not only grieve their death, we grieve our loss.  Elephants,  gorillas and other animals stop to practice ritual to acknowledge the death of one of their own and it's important we too stop, gather, and hold space to recognize this transformation.  End-of-life ceremonies should uplift and connect us at a time when we feel profound grief and disconnection.  

​If you or your loved one has said "I don't want a funeral", read my blog post on this subject before making a decision. 

End-of life ceremonies don't have to be held at a church or a funeral home.  Ceremonies can be held at home, a golf course, a park, a legion, a bar, a restaurant, or anywhere else you choose.  

There is no right or wrong time to remember the loss of a loved one through ceremony.  End of life ceremonies can be held months, and even years after a death.

I can also help you to select the music, readings, rituals, and stories that reflect the life, beliefs and personality of your loved one.  

  • Funeral Ceremony
  • Memorial Ceremony
  • Life Tributes
  • Celebration of Life Ceremony
  • Ash scattering and Interment Ceremony 
  • Graveside Ceremony
  • Burial Ceremony
  • Stillbirth, Miscarriage, Infant and Child Death Ceremonies
  • Living funerals are becoming more common. 
  • "MAiD" (Medical Assistance in Dying) Ceremony, before and after Assistance.​ ​ 
"Lorraine did an outstanding job as the Celebrant for the Memorial Service for my mother-in-law.
She researched and consulted widely with the family and crafted a service that was warm and personal and captured both my mother-in-law's essence and character and reflected the comments and input of three generations of family.
​Her presence is calm and welcoming and Lorraine really 'held it together' for all of us. She is a consummate and trusted professional with the perfect personality for this delicate and supportive work. We cannot thank you enough Lorraine!"
​
“I am so grateful that you were available for my mom’s ceremony.  I have been receiving lots of feedback that the ceremony was beautiful and truly captured my mother’s spirit.  The whole process of creating the ceremony with you allowed me time to truly reflect on who my mother meant to me in my life”


"We thought we wanted a priest to perform our mother's funeral and  interment ceremony,  and are glad we were led to you instead.  You gave us much more, and exactly what we needed"



"Lorraine did an outstanding job as the Celebrant for our Memorial Service.  Her presence is calm and welcoming and Lorraine really 'held it together' for all of us.

​A consummate and trusted professional with the perfect personality for this delicate and supportive work. We cannot thank you enough"


"I still think of the beautiful ceremony you did for B, and how your words brought peace to a horrible situation"

“We called you because a priest wasn’t available for our mother’s funeral.  You told us you’re not a priest and therefore can’t officiate a Catholic funeral,  but you could create a ceremony that reflected our mother’s life.  You gave us exactly what we needed.  Thank you for the beautiful personal funeral and committal service you created and officiated for our beloved mother”


​"The service was beautiful and you spoke with just the right touch.​
​Thank you for helping us get through a very tough day"


"You were truly amazing with all your efforts and hard work on G's funeral.  The way you comforted the entire family was beautiful from beginning to end”  ​​​


​"Thank ​you for all your time and effort making D's tribute so personal and special.  When the kids and I reflect back on this day, we will smile, ​knowing he was given such a beautiful send off" ​