I am a teacher, writer, thinker, wedding officiant, reader, friend, wife, sister, traveler, bird-watcher, vegetarian, fire-spinner, gardener, dancer, dreamer, improv-performer, lazy-Buddhist, and lover of life.
My parents passed away in 2005 and 2007, and I felt compelled to use my storytelling abilities to craft eulogies that truly honored their lives. I realized that a funeral could be a meaningful and lovely remembrance. Honoring their life stories helped me cope with my own grief.
A funeral is often the last time that one’s life story is told in full. To tell my parents’ life stories, I interviewed surviving siblings, grandparents, friends, and, of course, used my own experiences . . . but I wanted more than just my own perspective on my parents. I wanted the full story.
I can help you by talking to relevant survivors and gathering the details of your loved one’s life story and then weaving it together into a complete picture. My goal would be for people in attendance not only to reflect on their own memories, but to perhaps learn something new.
My personal experiences with grief as well as my professional experiences speaking in front of groups will allow me to perform the service with compassion, warmth, and professionalism.
You may also be wondering if there are non-religious readings you can use or meaningful traditions that will involve the friends and family—I can help you find ideas and set them into motion. Memory journals or memory jars, slides shows, and music are just a few of the ways you can help people remember and honor the life lived and person loved.
While I specialize in non-religious services, if the deceased was spiritual or if there are multiple faiths involved, I am happy to help you navigate tricky waters.
Contact me at katrinabaecht@gmail.com