Working Together to Connect all the Memories and Stories to Capture the Essence of Your Loved One for a Beautiful Heartfelt Ceremony

What is a Memorial Service?

Jade Whaley funeral celebrant at Aoraki Funeral Services. Memorial ashes in a beautiful rose urn.
Shared with permission from her loving family | Location: Aoraki Funeral Services
A memorial service can be like a funeral, but the body isn't present.  This might be because they have already been cremated or buried, or for other personal reasons.

We can gather to honour and remember our loved ones during a memorial through a meaningful ceremony. This may include a photo display or music that reminds us of special times together.

The beauty of a memorial is its flexibility; you can hold one anytime, even years after your loved one has passed. Some families have multiple memorials to keep their loved one's memory alive over the years.​
If you couldn't attend a funeral or didn't have one for your loved one, please know that it's never too late. We can still come together to celebrate their life and give them a beautiful, heartfelt farewell. It can be just the two of us or all your family and friends. We can honour and remember them - it's always possible to do so. It is never too late!​

Don't Let Distance Stop You 

In 2021, amid border restrictions, I organised a memorial service for a dearly loved father and Oupa.

His two sons and their families were residing in New Zealand while their father had passed away in their hometown in South Africa.

A funeral service had already taken place for their Dad in Cape Town. However, his sons wanted to arrange a gathering here in New Zealand to involve their local family and friends.

​They met with me and we made a plan.
We held a beautiful memorial at one of their homes, where we shared memories, stories, and photos on what would have been their Dad's birthday. Their mother and sister joined us via Zoom to share their experiences.

It was a perfect way for them to honour and remember their father, involving their family in New Zealand and South Africa.

In loving memory of Mr. Alexander Beukman, Cape Town, South Africa.

Memorial Location

Jade Whaley Timaru funeral celebrant. Mt Cook urn at Aoraki Funeral Services.
Shared with permission from his loving family | Location: Aoraki Funeral Services
You have the flexibility to choose the location for a memorial. Your loved one's ashes do not need to be present. 

Options may include:
  • A funeral home or chapel
  • Your own home or garden
  • Your loved one's home or garden
  • A school, workplace, or preschool
  • A restaurant or cafe
  • A community hall or sports venue
  • A hotel, golf club, or club
  • Council grounds or a beach
  • An online gathering via Zoom​

The Memorial Ceremony

The ceremony is a pivotal part of the process, and I collaborate closely with you to bring your vision and ideas to life.

You have the freedom to involve friends or family to share memories, readings, songs, or even dances—anything that holds meaning for you.

The ceremony will be what you want and need as a family, with your complete control ensuring it reflects your wishes and preferences.

Let's have a cuppa and an obligation-free chat

I aim to assist you in any way I can during this challenging time.
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I will gently guide and support you and your family with empathy and professionalism throughout the farewell. I will create a meaningful, personalised ceremony with your total input.
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I offer a free no-obligation meeting to discuss what you need. 

Connect with me.