Do you want to celebrate and honour your loved one’s life with a funeral that is uniquely different and creatively modern?

When you envision your loved one’s funeral, is the opportunity to share stories and foster connection at its centre?

In your time of loss, would you like a caring, compassionate officiant to guide you through the process of creating and performing the ceremony?

I’m Linda Stuart, a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant™ and Officiant servicing the Toronto area who specializes in working with families in their difficult times of loss to create one-of-a-kind funerals that are transformational experiences remembered by all in attendance. Let me guide you in all the details of your loved one’s funeral ceremony so that you can focus on what is most important: remembering and healing.

WHY CHOOSE A CELEBRANT FUNERAL?

As a Life-Cycle Celebrant, I work with families who want their loved one’s life to be captured and celebrated in joyful, inspiring, and thoughtful ways. Families who recognize the importance of connection in times of grief and who are open to sharing their stories. People who want a funeral ceremony that is truly handcrafted. With so much emphasis placed on living an authentic life, why would you want to end it with a cookie-cutter funeral?

I understand how vulnerable families feel when they suffer a loss and suddenly need to plan to honour their loved one’s life through ceremony. Let me create a comfortable space for us to connect so that I can listen as you share your intimate family stories. Together, we can stitch together a tapestry of memories, rituals, music, and poetry to celebrate your loved one in an authentic way. I’ll listen to what you want and what you don’t want and honour all of your choices. You are in control of your loved one’s legacy.

HOW IT WORKS

We’ll begin with an initial no-obligation phone call so that you can get to know me and see if I am the right fit for your family. Once you engage me, I’ll meet in your home—or at any other place where you feel at ease—to interview your family and any other friends you wish to have input into the ceremony.

Our time together might last several hours and is an opportunity to dig deep into your memories and emotions as we pore over photos, share stories, and brainstorm special ways to ensure that the funeral ceremony captures your loved one’s personality and beliefs. This process of remembering and sharing often comes with both tears and laughter and can begin to foster healing. My family has been involved with funerals since I was a girl, and I am comfortable sitting with you in your grief while gently drawing out the background needed to create the ceremony.

I’ll then spend hours researching, writing, and shaping the ceremony. With my specialized education and years of experience, I’m able to suggest readings, poetry, rituals, and music, but ultimately you have full and final approval over every aspect of the ceremony. With my background in ceremonial public speaking, you can feel secure entrusting your loved one’s funeral to me on the day of the ceremony.

Together, we’ll craft a healing and transformational funeral ceremony that your family and friends will remember for years.

STORIES FROM MY CLIENTS

Shirley’s children and grandchildren wanted to celebrate a funny lady who loved her family, the occasional glass of CC and water, and a good game of golf. We crafted an afternoon of remembrance punctuated by applause, tears, and laughter as her family celebrated Shirley’s roles as a Sunday school teacher, Bridge Club member and, most importantly, the heart of their household.

Michelle and Aimee came to me after they were told their two-year-old daughter Stella Joy had a fatal brain tumor and only months to live. I met with the three of them in their home over tea and sweets, helping to plan a service just as unique, energetic, multi-faceted, and beautiful as their little girl. We celebrated her sparkling essence with music, meditation, readings, and Stella’s staple, chocolate Timbits!

Mabel was an accomplished professional and a passionate and generous wife, mother, and mentor. She climbed mountains and moved mountains, always taking the time to enjoy the journey and relish the view. We created a funeral with a mountain theme that included a letter from her husband and a heartfelt message to her children.

“People could not believe that Linda did not know Mabel. She created and presented a marvelous and personal tribute which would have been loved by my wife. I am glad Linda has found this role in her life because she is truly meant to do this.”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS