Funeral & Memorial Celebrant & Consultant
Creating beautiful, authentic and personalised farewell services in locations of your choice.
About ME
With many years of experience in the funeral industry, I have embraced the role of a Funeral and Memorial Celebrant with a deep understanding of what truly makes a great celebrant. The essence of this role is beautifully captured in Maya Angelou’s words: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This profound truth guides my approach, as I strive to leave every congregation feeling lighter and more at peace than when they arrived, lifting the burden of grief and loss.
I am often described as a ‘pleasant’ person—pleasant to look at, listen to, and be around. While initially, I felt that being ‘pleasant’ might seem unremarkable, I’ve come to see it as a perfect fit for my role. My calm and serene demeanour has become a hallmark of my services, providing comfort and solace. In fact, many people have shared their appreciation for the dignity and respect I bring to both weddings and funerals.
Over the years, I’ve built a wealth of resources and connections on the Sunshine Coast. From poems and quotes to Order of Service options, I can provide comprehensive support. I also have strong relationships with local funeral directors, videographers, printers, and caterers, ensuring that every aspect of a service is handled with care and professionalism.
As a proud committee member of the Noosa Chamber of Commerce for 2024 and 2025, I volunteer in Events, Publicity, and Liaison roles. This involvement is a great honour and allows me to contribute to the community in meaningful ways. Additionally, I am a Director of Super Simple Noosa Elopements, where I perform beautiful micro weddings in Noosa, often on a beach at sunset, adding a touch of magic to these special moments.
My journey as a celebrant is driven by the desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, providing them with memorable and heartfelt ceremonies that honour their loved ones and celebrate life’s most precious moments.
See my TESTIMONIALS page with my many authentic messages of thanks, for your reassurance of my professional, experienced and intuitive guidance in one of the most difficult times of your life.
Updates, ideas, readings and music can be found on my Facebook Page
If you would like me to arrange a private Scattering of Ashes to sea (Noosa and Sunshine Coast, Queensland only), I am happy to do so. You will be sent GPS location as to where in the ocean or river your loved ones ashes have been scattered. The deceased's details and location of scattered ashes will also be listed on the World Register for Scattered Ashes, for future generations to locate, should they wish. This Register can be found at Scattered Ashes. Consult with me for details and a quote. Every situation is different, so one fixed price is not available for the scattering at sea service.
WHat does a funeral / memorial celebrant do?
As a funeral / memorial celebrant, Jacqueline will:
Meet with your Family, at your home
Conduct non-religious, semi religious and/or spiritual services reflecting the values of your loved one
Take detailed notes to write the Eulogy for you OR
Provide guidance for writing a Eulogy
Discuss the values of the deceased, and reflect authentically the person they were in the fullness of health and life
Offer Prayers/blessings or non-denominational readings to be included in the service
Offer reading options for children, grandchildren etc
Provide music options and ideas
Plan and oversee the Funeral/Memorial Service
provide a full copy of the service, after the day
provide an order of the service to be conducted for the funeral director and family
Dress respectfully, according to the style chosen by the family
Advise on best scattering options
For Graveside services, I also provide a high quality PA system, and will download music for the occasion.
If you are arranging to hold a memorial service, in a private location, I can:
Offer suggestions on creating a memorial table
Offer assistance with creating a slide show
Create an Order of Service for you to print, or arrange printing on your behalf
Offer suggestions for locations for memorial services
Download Music - and play music at the service if needed
Provide a high quality PA system for music and speaking
Provide a Lectern for speakers, if needed
Coordinate the day, introduce speakers, play the music
Discuss options for scattering of ashes
Discuss catering options
By having a celebrant assist you with the day, you can 'hand over' the administration of the service, and ensure that you, and your family, can 'be' in the moment to share memories and grieve.
BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS: I encourage those facing making their own end of life choices, who might like to pre arrange their own funeral or memorial service, to chat about what is and isn't possible, to contact me, either themselves, or through a family member, to discuss your options, and to answer any funeral industry related questions you might have. Often having my presence in your home will open the door to discussing your death with loved ones, enabling acceptance, comprehension and openness.
AFTER A DEATH OCCURS: When you are speaking with your chosen Funeral Director, and would like to engage my services to assist you in my role as Funeral Celebrant, just let them know, and they will contact me to make arrangements. My fee becomes a part of the overall cost of the funeral through their business. Or, if you are arranging a private memorial service, or arranging a scattering service, you can contact me directly. I can offer suggestions for locations on the Sunshine Coast to hold a memorial or scattering of ashes service.
Noosa Coastguard can also assist with scattering of ashes to sea, and have a beautiful memorial wall on the Noosa River. Located at Munna Point, Noosa Heads, they can be contacted on (07) 54749635