Memorial Service.

I rarely publish the testimonials I receive, as often they are such private things. But, I received this one and it seems to sum up what I always try to do in a ceremony, so I thought I’d post it in full…

“After reading through Jill V. Jones website, I felt we were on the same wavelength. Jill would be the kind of celebrant I could work with to devise and deliver a suitable service to honour the memory of my mother, and I was not disappointed. 

Jill took me through the process of writing a fitting eulogy. She asked questions and listened intently, to really understand who my mother was and the life she had shared with her husband, family & friends. We worked on the words of the Eulogy together. Jill edited the writing, to build a more concise, comprehensive & appropriate tribute to my mother. 

When I contacted Jill, I was feeling very bereft after the loss of several family members. My mother’s memorial service took place 20 months after she had died during the early days of the first lockdown.  Jill showed great empathy and she is a rock of support to her clients.

Whilst providing guidance in the planning & timing of organising a venue and building a guest list, Jill also advised on when to send invitations and the design & who to contact regarding the printing of the Order of Service leaflets. The timing of music and the layout of the chairs, tables and floral decorations at the venue also had Jill’s careful consideration.

We had all waited a long time to give my mother the send-off she deserved. The warmth and confidence in the way Jill delivered the beautiful service was appreciated by everyone. Her calm and re-assuring voice helped us all to find closure and to say our final goodbye.

One final note; Jill also saved the day with her own microphone system. The venue did not supply one. Jill also lent us battery powered cathedral candles as real candles were not allowed at the venue.

Thank you again from our family”.

If you would like to know more about my work, please contact me here.

If this post has caused you any distress and you wish to talk about a bereavement of your own, please contact Cruse Bereavement on this link.

Jill Jones, Norton, Stockton on Tees, 30.5.2022