Soulcrystalearth

16/04/2026

This is a far better option than buying funeral insurance 😊

Call (07) 3851 7800

15/04/2026

A Career of Service: Twenty Six Years in the Funeral Profession.

Today the 16th April 2026, I am reflecting on twenty six years in the funeral profession—a career defined by service, compassion, and meaningful connection with families during some of life’s most significant moments.

My journey began at Metropolitan Funerals at the Great Northern Gardens of Remembrance, then known as the Caboolture and Districts Crematorium and Memorial Grounds. I commenced my career as a receptionist and memorial consultant, roles that provided invaluable insight into the importance of empathy, listening, and care. From there, I stepped into the position of funeral director, where I gained a deeper understanding of the responsibility and privilege involved in supporting families through loss.

As my career progressed, I was transferred to the Metropolitan Funerals branch in Aspley on Zillmere Road. During this time, I undertook further professional development, completing a Certificate IV in Funeral Services, a Certificate IV in Frontline Management, and a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety. I also attended the Dale Carnegie Course, which strengthened my leadership skills and contributed to my appointment as a manager.

I later assumed management of the Metropolitan Funerals branch in Jephson Street, Toowong. In October 2007, I returned to the Great Northern Gardens of Remembrance as Manager—marking a significant full circle moment in my career.

In 2011, the crematorium was purchased by the Alex Gow family. While ownership changed, my role remained the same, and the commitment to dignity, respect, and service continued unchanged.
In the later years of my tenure, I chose to expand my professional scope by completing a Certificate IV in Celebrancy. This new qualification offered an opportunity to support families in a different way and led to my authorisation as a Marriage Celebrant on 16 April 2020—a date of personal significance that symbolised a balance between farewells and new beginnings.

I continued working at the crematorium before retiring from funeral directing on 30 October 2021, closing a chapter that had been both professionally fulfilling and deeply meaningful.

Looking back, these twenty six years represent far more than a career. They reflect a lifelong commitment to service, growth, and the honour of being entrusted with people’s stories at their most vulnerable and their most hopeful.

As I embraced the life of retirement I decided that I would still keep on going with weddings. Then the funerals called me back to start my role as the Funeral Celebrant.

This is a role I am truely passionate about it gives me back the love of my job that I started out with so many years ago. I decided in March of 2025 to hang up my shingle as a marriage celebrant and devote my time to helping families "Create Fond Farewells" for their loved ones.

13/04/2026

When I get asked about Google reviews by a marketing manager. My eyes glaze over and I wonder am I doing something wrong.🤔

Then, I remind myself that NO you are not doing anything wrong you are good at what you do. 😊

My work as funeral celebrant isn't a space, where I would cheeriful ask a family to give me a google review. 🤨 For me it is not the done thing.

However!

It is when I receive "Thank you's" from a family, I appreciate that I got it right. It leaves with a warm sense of gratitude. 🥰🥰🥰

10/04/2026

Yesterday, I had the privilage to officate a "Fond Farewell" for a wonderful lady who loved anything butterflies. 💞
Part of the tribute and reflection time was to invite the mourners forward to place a butterfly upon the coffin as the final farewell to someone loved, cherished and apprecitated. 💞
Have you thought of how you could pay tribute to your loved on by honouring something that is special and unique to them?💞

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25/03/2026

This is a daily challenge if mum is reading on her iPad Miss Sweetie has to make it hers 😹😹😹😹

07/03/2026

25/02/2026

We don't all have a crystal ball to predict our future. One of the many things I have heard over my years as a funeral director and experienced this myself was what do we do now????

Just three simple tips to make life easier for your loved ones.
Ensure you will is up to date and a copy is in a safe accessable place. Ensure you have your enduring Power of Attorney in place. If you have made plans with a funeral director make sure your family knows who.

23/02/2026

This is an excellent explanation. I could not have explained it better myself 🙏

Would it surprise you to know that cremated remains are tracked throughout the entire process?

In most crematories, identification paperwork stays physically magnetized to the machine or bin holding the remains the whole time. There is also typically a small metal identification disc (ID coin) that stays with the body during cremation and remains with the cremated remains afterward for permanent identification.

Another common misconception to fix: “ashes” are not actually ash like from a fireplace.

What is left after cremation are primarily processed bone fragments like you see in the photo. The soft tissue is reduced by heat, but the skeletal structure doesn’t simply burn away. It calcifies and changes form. Have you seen the ashes under a microscope video?

After the cremation cycle, these fragments are swept with a long metal tined broom from the chamber and placed in a metal container to cool, with the identification paperwork still secured. Once cooled, they are placed into a processor, with a wild name of THE cremulator), which reduces the fragments into the fine, sand-like texture families are familiar with.

This is also why cremated remains can vary in color and texture from lighter, almost white grains to darker gray tones. Factors like temperature, duration, bone density, age, and medical history can all influence the final appearance.

Transparent education matters. Death care doesn’t have to be mysterious and families deserve to understand what truly happens to the people they love. 💚

22/02/2026

As a Funeral Director in my past career and now as a Funeral Celebrant. I receive many calls asking for help in arranging a funeral. In my current role I am no longer involved in the nuts and bolts of funeral arrangements, however I am happy to advise what you need to have ready when you do speak with the funeral director. I work with all funerals directors in Greater Brisbane and Moreton Bay area and I am more than happy for you to let the funeral director know I am your preferred funeral celebrant.
What I do not do is bad mouth any funeral company, what I ask is who is your preferred funeral company.
Everyone has to be comfortable with the company they choose and make up their own mind. I cannot empress upon everyone is do your research, and go from there.

20/02/2026

🌟 North Brisbane — This One’s For You 🌟

When your family needs support the most, having the right celebrant makes all the difference.

Rita-Marie Lenton is a dedicated funeral celebrant with more than 25 years of experience in the funeral industry — including time as a funeral director and crematorium manager. She brings warmth, professionalism and genuine compassion to every service.

Check out her beautiful listing here ➡️ https://www.funeralconnect.com.au/listings/rita-marie-lenton-celebrant.html

Soulcrystalearth

19/02/2026

I have just taken stock of my candles 🕯️ Created by the amazing Shirlee Green of Starfish Collective ⭐️ I am loving the new fragrance called “Harmony” I add the crystals to bring my personal touch and my brand “SoulCrystalEarth” every candle is a gift to my family’s that I create a Fond Farewell! Thank you Shirlee you are amazing 🤩