FAQs

What do I do when someone I love dies?

Step 1: Contact your chosen funeral home — they’ll help with all arrangements like transportation, body care, and legal paperwork.

Step 2: Ask them to contact Amy from Dear Goodbyes to officiate the service.
You can also reach out to me directly.

What is a funeral celebrant?

A funeral celebrant is someone who designs and leads personalized end-of-life ceremonies — just like an officiant at a wedding or a pastor during a church service. I create a service that reflects the unique story, beliefs, and values of the person being remembered.

Do you work with funeral homes, churches, or priests?

Yes — absolutely.
I regularly work with funeral directors, clergy, and churches to support families. We’re all on the same team.

Why would someone choose Dear Goodbyes?

Families often choose Dear Goodbyes when they want:

  • A ceremony that’s personal, story-driven, and shaped around the life being remembered

  • A gentle, calming presence to guide the service

  • Someone to plan the service and help with flow, tone, and meaning

  • A support person to help them feel less alone in the process

Where are you located?

I’m based in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, and offer in-person services across Southwestern Ontario — including Windsor, Sarnia, and London. (travel fees added beyond Chatham - Kent). I also offer online planning and virtual ceremonies for families across Canada and beyond.

What kinds of ceremonies do you offer?

I design and lead many types of services, including:

  • Funerals

  • Celebrations of Life

  • Graveside or ash scattering ceremonies

  • Before-death goodbyes

  • In-home memorials

  • Anniversaries or birthday tributes

  • Private and small-group reflection ceremonies

  • Any ceremony that’s meaningful to you — even fishing, walking a trail, or gathering at a favourite place

    Do you plan the whole event?

I help you design and lead the ceremony itself — the words, flow, speakers, music, and tone.

You or the funeral home will still need to arrange:

  • The location

  • Flowers, food, or décor, ect.

  • Transportation and care for the body

I do offer add-on support for setup, decor help, music guidance, and day-of coordination if you’d like extra help.

Can you help me plan my own ceremony?

Yes — I offer planning sessions for those who want to create their own end-of-life ceremony ahead of time. It’s a peaceful, thoughtful way to ease the burden on your loved ones and make sure your story is honoured your way.

How much do your services cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of service and support needed. Most ceremony design or officiating services start around $200–$400, with optional add-ons for setup, speaking support, or keepsake creation.
You can view the full pricing on the Services page, or reach out directly for a custom quote.

Can you lead a service at a church, funeral home, or outdoors?

Yes. I can lead ceremonies anywhere that feels right for you — at a church, funeral home chapel, private home, community hall, park, or graveside. I’ve even supported families in gardens, barns, and by the lake. If you’re unsure about a location, I’m happy to help you explore your options.

Can we include religious elements in the ceremony?

Absolutely — I work with each family to create a service that reflects your beliefs, culture, and preferences. That may include scripture, prayer, or spiritual readings — or none at all. You decide what feels right.

What if we want multiple speakers or family members to participate?

That’s wonderful — and very common. I’ll work with you to include any family or friends who want to read, speak, or participate in the ceremony. I can help them prepare and guide the flow so everything feels seamless and supportive.

Do you offer anything for miscarriages, stillbirth, or baby loss?

Yes — this is a very important part of my work. I offer personalized ceremonies and memorials for early loss, miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. These services are tender, quiet, and entirely shaped around what your heart needs.

What if I don’t know where to start?

That’s okay. Many people don’t. You don’t need to have everything figured out — that’s why I’m here. We’ll start with a conversation, and I’ll guide you gently from there.

Can you help me create a keepsake or legacy piece?

Yes — I offer Legacy Work sessions to help you create letters, videos, or memory boxes, and I also offer keepsake creation through my sister company, Seeded Hope, using flowers, fabric, or ashes from the ceremony.