Funerals & Memorials made easy
Hello. I'm Carolyn Ganzevoort.
Together, we'll create a celebration of life that warmly remembers and commemorates the life of your special person with genuine appreciation and respect.
I specialise in writing and presenting flawless ceremonies for funerals and memorials, as well as pre-writing ceremonies for those wishing to plan their own life celebration.
Using my special talent for story-telling, I'll capture the perfect words to allow you and your family to:
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fondly reminisce
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lovingly remember
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deeply respect
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and thoroughly celebrate...
...all whilst reflecting on the very best aspects of your much-loved person.
About me
I am known for my open, friendly and personable nature - which helps me to ensure a stress-free and seamless experience as you plan a funeral or memorial for your dearly loved family member or friend.
The process is very simple...
Funeral or Memorial FAQs
Q. What kinds of music can I choose?
Answer: Anything you like! Consider the music your loved one enjoyed from all through their life. Classical, popular music, country. If you need some help, I've compiled some spotify playlists of options that are popular for memorials and funerals that I can share with you to make the job of selecting easier.
Q. What would I include in the booklets?
Answer: The booklet is a memento for guests to remember the moment, so feel welcome to include 3-4 photos, a verse or poem and a thank-you statement on the back.
Q. What information will I need to provide to Carolyn?
Some facts about your person's life (the things you know). Ask family or friends if there's anything you're unsure of. Carolyn will write a beautiful, seamless ceremony recounting the major life events of your person.
Q. How do tributes work?
Answer: Tributes from family and close friends can be a few stories, some memories or even a reading. I can assist if the person isn't able to speak on the day.
Q. What is an example Order of Service?
An example of a standard Order of Service would be:
Introductory Song
Welcome from Celebrant
Life Story (Eulogy) by Celebrant
Tributes by family members/guests
Photographic Tribute with Song
Summary by Celebrant
Final instructions (i.e. location of wake etc)
Conclusion Song
Q. How many pictures should I include in the slideshow/how long should it go for?
Answer: As many as you like, but 30 is usually ample. Beyond that, the slideshow itself can become too long and, as it is so emotional, can be a difficult moment. Consider mixing up the photos so they're not in chronological order or even running the slideshow on a loop before and during the ceremony so that family and guests can enjoy the images for longer.
Q. What interactive elements can I include?
Answer: Anything you wish, as allowed by the venue. For instance, it can be lovely for a family member to light a candle/s at the beginning of the ceremony to represent honouring your loved one. Or family members bringing single flowers and placing each on the coffin or in a vase next to the ashes, representing their love. Perhaps young guests could leave a drawing or painting on the coffin. Ask me for more ideas, the list is endless.
Q. Can I bring some items for the table?
Answer: Yes! Please encourage your family members to bring some of your loved one's personal favourite items to display on the memorial table. Consider the following: trophies, sporting items, awards, favourite hat or clothing (i.e. bowls uniform), photos in frames, candles, coffee mug, handbag, some hand-drawn pictures from grandchildren, the list is endless.
Verses, poetry, quotes and readings
A perfect way to say farewell... some examples
An extract from Winnie The Pooh
If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember.
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.
Native American Poem
I give you this one thought to keep.
I am with you still. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone.
I am with you still in each new dawn.
After Glow
Author unknown
I’d like the memory of me
To be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow
Of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo,
Whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve
To dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave
When my life is done.
Book excerpt:
All I can do, in what remains of my brief time,
is mention, to whoever cares to listen,
that a woman once existed, who was kind
and beautiful and brave, and I will not forget
how the world was altered, beyond recognition,
when we met.
- Michael Faber, from Undying
The Man Was A Success
adaptation from Ralph Waldo Emerson
The man was a success for he has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
He has gained the respect of intelligent men and women and the love of children;
He has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
He leaves the world better than he found it,
He has never lacked appreciation for Earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
He looked for the best in others’ and gave the best he had
Sometimes (Footsteps)
Maggie Dent
Sometimes, on our journey through life
We meet people, who leave footprints on our mind
They challenge us to see things differently
And to question our personal reality.
Sometimes, on our journey through life
We meet people, who leave footprints on our heart
They create a safe place for us
To open our hearts to feel loved and special.
Then sometimes, on our journey through life
We meet people who leave footprints on our souls
They share themselves with us so profoundly
That they touch the very essence of who we are
In that secret quiet place.
(Insert name) has left gentle footprints on the minds, hearts and souls of many here today
May we always remember
The beauty of her love, her kindness and
The sacred way she touched our lives.
Memories
Author Unknown
Memories are not framed in gold
or hung for all to see,
they are held deep within our hearts
that’s where you will always be.
Since you have left us our lives are not the same
so walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Remember,
It was not the body you loved
it was the unique and precious spirit that dwelled within.
That spirit is still with you - spirit is eternal …
it does not die,
though unseen,......... walks besides you…. as before,
safe in the love you always knew.