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Friday, 5 January 2024

The Surge in Demand for Celebrants in Funeral Services

Celebrants are becoming an increasingly sought-after presence in funeral services. But what's driving this noticeable rise in demand?

Primarily, the surge is in the category of families who lack church affiliation and seek a non-religious funeral experience also known as 'none'. The nones account for a large portion of Americans, 30% of U.S. adults who claim no religious affiliation in a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Additionally, the burgeoning popularity of cremation has reshaped expectations. Families are no longer satisfied with traditional services. Opting for cremation grants them liberty to design a personalized tribute using (or not) the remains in an urn. Funeral professionals often hear that for cremation families, their presence is deemed optional. Funeral homes offering Celebrants witness a retention of these families within their fold. Celebrants cater precisely to a families unique needs while maintaining a connection to the funeral home. 

Moreover, an increasing number of funeral homes, particularly larger corporations, have embraced Celebrants as a standard service option for all families, integrating it into their General Price List (GPL). This integration has resulted in a noticeable uptick in revenue and heightened client satisfaction. 

Testimonial from a real life celebrant consumer

"I can not tell you what a Godsend Muldowney Memorials was to my family when my cousin unexpectedly passed away. I was from the West Coast, and knew nothing about how to do a funeral that was zoomed from the funeral home in New York to 3 different time zones to people from all over the country. Jennifer, Mikey and Siobhan were just incredible. They were so kind and professional. The service turned out beautifully, the sound and visual presentation were spot on (thanks, Mikey) and Siobahn did a beautiful eulogy. I felt like they really honored my cousin. I am truly touched at what wonderful human beings they all were. Best money I ever spent, but more importantly, they took a huge burden off my shoulders in a kind, honest, and professional way. Muldowney Memorials has my highest recommendations."

Positive experiences shared among business owners have further fueled the acceptance and interest in incorporating Celebrants into their firms. Beyond simply officiating funerals, Muldowney Memorial Celebrants offer families additional services like:

Collaborative Creation: Celebrants view their role as a collaborative and creative process shared with the family. Each word spoken is 100% approved by the family before the service and each script is meticulously crafted by the celebrant based on the family's shared experiences. 

Family Meetings: These gatherings are pivotal and healing. Spanning one to three hours, they serve as an opportunity to collect stories, allowing for the design of a personalized service for the departed. Beyond that, these meetings provide families with a platform to collectively share stories, commence the grieving process, and cultivate safe spaces for cherished memories.

Access to Expertise: Not only are Muldowney Memorial Celebrants trained and experienced celebrants who love their job but they also have access (thanks to the MM Events Team) to a wide range of expertise including AudioVisual Support, Catering, a wide variety of Venues, Florists, Funeral Directors and more.

The role of a Muldowney Memorial Celebrant involves providing a personalized funeral service, memorial service, or tribute tailored to reflect the personality and lifestyle of the departed. This is achieved through consultations with the family and coordination with the funeral home.

A Problem: Serving as both a funeral director and a Celebrant for the same family presents an immense challenge. Both roles demand substantial time and attention to distinct responsibilities. Celebrants, on average, invest 8-10 hours in preparing a service, encompassing meetings with the family, crafting the service, and conducting the service itself. Simultaneously, funeral directors juggle numerous tasks related to the service while managing calls and tending to other families in need. Given these demands, it is nearly always better for everyone involved if the work of a Celebrant is outsourced.

In conclusion, Celebrants are devoted to the fundamental principle of crafting a tribute that resonates with the unique lifestyle and convictions of the individual, ensuring that the service is a meaningful reflection of their life and values.


Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Shane MacGowan's Funeral - A Fairytale of New York


"Fairytale of New York" is a song written by and recorded by London-based band the Pogues, featuring singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl on vocals. 

If you don’t know the song, it is an Irish folk-style ballad and was written as a duet, with the Pogues' singer Shane MacGowan taking the role of the male character and Kirsty MacColl playing the female character. 

It was originally released as a single on 23 November 1987 and later featured on the Pogues' 1988 album 'If I Should Fall from Grace with God'. It is frequently cited as the best Christmas song of all time in various television, radio, and magazine-related polls.

A reading from the songbook of Shane MacGowan:

It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank

An old man said to me, “Won’t see another one”

And then he sang a song: “The Rare Old Mountain Dew”

I turned my face away and dreamed about you

Sadly this year we lost Shane MacGowan, an incredible and poignant soulful Irish singer. MacGowan would have turned 66 on Christmas Day. Both singers of the song Kirsty and Shane have now passed. 

Much like the haunting melodies and poignant lyrics of "Fairytale of New York," grief can evoke a myriad of emotions—sadness, nostalgia, anger, and even a touch of bittersweet humor.

The song's melodic verses capture the essence of this emotional journey—a tale of shattered dreams, dashed hopes, and the yearning for something more. Just as the characters in the song grapple with their past and present, we too navigate the intricate pathways of grief. We remember moments of joy and love, only to be reminded of their absence.  It's in these moments of raw vulnerability that we learn the true strength of the human spirit. The song's poignant narrative resonates, depicting the struggle to find solace and hope in the midst of despair. Yet, within the depths of sorrow, there's a profound beauty—a beauty that arises from the memories shared and the love that transcends time. 

Shane's funeral took place in his home place of Nenagh, Co Tipperary with Father Pat Gilbert, the local priest overseeing the service and it was filled with incredible readings, prayers and music that filled the church of St. Mary of the Rosary

(It is, and was, an incredible testament to how the Irish 'do' funerals. People dancing in the aisles, laughing, crying and memorializing. We at Muldowney Memorials try to bring that Irish spirit of celebrating a life while mourning a loss into every service that we do. It was lovely to see our dear friends Green Graveyard/Green Coffins on display too showcasing Irish artisans) Shane's funeral epitomized this equal life celebration and mourning of the incredible musician and man that he was.)

Infamous actor Johnny Depp read the first Prayer of the Faithful (see below). There were readings from incredible “Game of Thrones” Irish actor Aiden Gillen and former Irish Political leader (Sinn Féin) Gerry Adams. 

“We pray for a deeper spirit of compassion in the world....May we feel the pain of others, understand their need and reach out to all who suffer in any way with a continuous love that is rooted in faith and peace. Lord, hear us.” ~ Johnny Depp - Prayer of the Faithful


Spoken words were interspersed with beautiful renditions of Shane MacGowan’s music including:

  • Nick Cave performed “A Rainy Night in Soho” accompanied by Colm Mac Con Iomaire on the fiddle and Glen Hansard on guitar. 
  • MacGowan’s former bandmate, Cáit O’Riordan, sang The Pogues’s traditional song ‘A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday’ alongside Irish folk musician, John Francis Flynn. 
  • Glen Hansard and Lisa O'Neill sang “Fairytale of New York.” (see below video)
  • Irish singers Mundy and Camille O'Sullivan sang "Haunted" - a duet that MacGowan recorded with the late Sinead O'Connor who also died earlier this year. Mundy described his performance at the Mass as "a moment I'll never forget"
  • Four of the surviving Pogues - Jem Finer, Terry Woods, Spider Stacy, and James Fearnley, performed the Funeral Service finale “The Parting Glass.” (see below video)
  • The funeral procession that began that morning in Dublin and ended at the church paused at one point as the infamous Artane Band, (a marching band of young musicians) played an instrumental “Fairytale of New York,” while the local Irish crowd sang along. Along the route, other impromptu musicians performed “Dirty Old Town,” which was first recorded by an English folk singer called Ewan MacColl but later made famous by Shane's band The Pogues and others played The Pogues “A Pair of Brown Eyes.”

Coffin/Casket was by our dear friends Green Coffins Ireland

Also as part of the funeral service, Shane MacGowan’s wife, Victoria May Clarke, presented some tokens/symbols in an offering which included:

  • His Crock of Gold book 
  • A Buddha
  • Book of James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake
  • A Led Zeppelin album
  • His wedding photo with Victoria
  • And a tray that Pogues member Spider Stacy would sometimes “bash over Shane’s head” 


She said:

“so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind.”


It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's a glimmer of light, 

a hope that sustains us through the storm.


Fairytale of New York

As we listen to the verses of "Fairytale of New York," let us acknowledge that grief is not a linear journey. It's an unpredictable dance between heartache and healing. Just like the song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of life's struggles, grief, too, paints a canvas of emotions that make us human.

May the song's melody serve as a reminder that amidst the pain, there's a harmony waiting to be heard—a melody of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit that helps us navigate the intricate notes of grief. 

Let us cherish the memories, honor the past, and find solace in the love that remains.


Parting Glass

“Shane’s veins ran with Irish blood,” Shane's sister Siobhan said. 

“Shane, you did what you dreamed, You did what you said were going to do in those long ago days in Tipperary, and you did it with such heart and fire – a fire that is not dimmed by death.”

Thursday, 9 November 2023

Best and Worst Things to Say to people in grief

Recently Oprah posted an article about dealing with people who are grieving. Here at The Glam Reaper (And Muldowney Memorials) we understand grieving to be loss of any kind - watch my TedTalk to hear my view directly. 

Loss can be the loss of a job, a partner (death/divorce), a child (death/divorce/emancipation/distance/kidnapping), a pet (death/stolen/divorce), an object that was stolen or a home that was ransacked or just simply sold. It can be a myriad of things and more so we need to be gentle with each other and with ourselves on how we deal with others who are grieving. 

Grief specialist /counselor and author David Kessler  says 


“the most visited page (on his website grief.com) is the ‘Best and Worst Things to Say’ to people in grief, and it is most visited in the middle of the night….This tells me that people are up, trying to figure out the right words.”


Here are *some of the tips that are provided in the Oprah Daily article


*altered slightly, as we dont agree 100% with everything suggested in the article


  • Don’t avoid the topic.
    •  They haven’t forgotten the loss, they never will. Avoidance doesn’t help, it just ignores the elephant in the room. If it's a person or a pet - use their name. Recall memories naturally. The love is still there, that doesn't go away.
  • Don’t “bright side” the situation. 
    • I confess that sometimes I have to stop myself from being a ‘positive polly’ with friends because, like most of us when a friend is in pain, we just want to make them feel better. This can have a time and a place and there is no harm in asking when in doubt. Listening is the best tool you can be armed with as a friend, and if you listen well, you'll hear the right moment (if one comes) to help them focus on the future or the best.
  • Offer tangible support
    • "I can bring your dinners on these days, is that helpful?"
    • "Let me walk your other dogs/feed your other pets for you next week"
    • "Can I bring you to the courthouse/cemetery one of the days this week?"
  • When you go blank, just be honest. 
    • “I just don’t know what to say”
    • "I have no clue what this pain must be like but tell me, if you want. I'm here to just sit with you"
    • "I wish I had some words that would help"
  • Say nothing, just BE with the person. Physical contact can also help when permitted.



    None of this is easy or is there a perfect way to go about it. It's rough no matter what information you are armed with. There is a lot on Kesslers website I personally disagree with and he is a 'specialist' so all that tells me is reaffirming that GRIEF IS UNIQUE and completely personal and individualized. There is no right or wrong way but merely helpful information and knowledge we can arm ourselves with to help BE there for our loved ones who are going through it.






Friday, 27 October 2023

The Glam Reaper Goes to Guyana!


It's time for another Glam Reaper adventure, this time to Guyana! We crossed off one more to-do from our bucket list. Yay! Join Jen as she journeys to the Land of Many Waters to explore its rich culture and history and discover beautiful destinations and meet new people. It was an eventful 11-day trip with lots of sailing and fun!


Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper: Facebook Page - Memorials   / muldowneymemorials   Facebook Page - Pets   / rainbowbridgememorialsdotcom   Instagram - @muldowneymemorials Twitter -   / theglamreaper   Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3umIg7x

A Quick Look at a Guyanese Funeral

 



Have you ever wondered how the Guyanese honor their dead? Join Jen as she takes a closer look at the unique funeral culture and traditions that shape the way people in Guyana bid farewell to their deceased.


Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper: Facebook Page - Memorials   / muldowneymemorials   Facebook Page - Pets   / rainbowbridgememorialsdotcom   Instagram - @muldowneymemorials Twitter -   / theglamreaper   Email us - glamreaperpodcast@gmail.com Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3umIg7x


Wednesday, 23 August 2023

Return Home: Honoring Life's Journey Beyond with Brienna Smith

        





In this episode of The Glam Reaper podcast, your host Jennifer sits down with Brienna Smith, the Chief Operating Officer of Return Home—a full-service green funeral home offering Terramation (human composting services). They dive into important topics that might sound unfamiliar but are essential for understanding the cycle of life.

Return Home was born with the idea of providing families with a kind, clear, and open way to take care of their loved ones after they pass away. It’s a unique and natural approach that keeps the circle of life going. 

And while the concept of Terramation may sound strange, it's also a way to let a person's body become part of the Earth again naturally. No fancy chemicals, just nature doing its thing.

Ever wondered how long it takes for a body to return to the Earth? Brienna breaks it down for us. It's not something we think about every day, but understanding the process can help us appreciate the Earth's ways.

Methane and other gases are also on the agenda. You’ve probably only heard these terms in science class, but here, they're connected to the natural process of a body returning to the Earth. Brienna explains how these gases are involved in the cycle.

Tune in to this episode to learn about these down-to-earth topics on how to embrace the end of life with openness while understanding the natural journey we all take.


LITTLE NUGGETS OF GOLD:
- The Birth of Return Home: Providing families access to inclusive, gentle, transparent death care that continues the cycle of life
- What is human composting?
- How long does it take to return a body to Earth?
- What role do methane and other gases play in the process of terramation?



Connect with Brienna Smith:

Website: https://returnhome.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@returnhomenor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returnhomenor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@returnhomenor



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper:


Thursday, 10 August 2023

Dying, Dining: Amber the Mortician’s Kitchen Tales

       





Welcome to another episode of the Glam Reaper Podcast! This time, Jennifer sits down with Amber Carvaly, who you probably know as the 'Mortician in the Kitchen'. Curious how she got that name? Tune in as Amber shares her life story and everything that led her to this special title.

But there is more to this conversation than just Amber’s story, as she and Jennifer also chat about topics that some find hard to talk about: death, dying, and yes, even food. So if you’ve ever thought of turning feelings of loss into something tasty, you’re not alone! Stream this episode and learn about Amber’s unique recipe, which is inspired by the ways we remember and honor our loved ones. And, make sure you don’t miss out on their tips on how you can make it easier to talk about difficult topics such as death and dying. 

We hope you enjoy this episode!


LITTLE NUGGETS OF GOLD:
- Amber’s journey through life that led her to becoming the ‘Mortician in the Kitchen’
- The fascinating and oftentimes taboo topics of death, dying, and food
- Irish funerals and food
- How to bring these taboo topics to light and make them more accessible for everyone.
- Converting grief into recipes: A recipe inspired by funerals and memorial services



Connect with Amber Carvaly:

Website: https://www.morticianinthekitchen.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morticianinthekitchen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morticianinthekitchen



Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper: