Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director

Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director Respectful service, fair & competitive pricing, support whenever you need it -24 hours a day.

As a local independent funeral director with over 35 years of experience, I am committed to offering compassionate, personalised care for you and your loved one. Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director is a privately owned business based in Chesterfield. Extensive knowledge and experience of the funeral business having worked in a wide variety of posts during my career. As a member of SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) you can be assured that I work to a strict code of conduct and practice.

I had the pleasure of conducting a service today with one of our wonderful celebrants, Rachel Snowball šŸ¤Rachel has been ...
17/02/2026

I had the pleasure of conducting a service today with one of our wonderful celebrants, Rachel Snowball šŸ¤

Rachel has been a celebrant for longer than I can remember, and we’ve had the privilege of working together for over 15 years. Her kindness, calm presence and genuine care shine through in every service she leads.

Alongside her celebrant work, Rachel founded and runs Sunshine and Shade, a local bereavement support group. There are now established groups in Clay Cross, Grassmoor, and Chesterfield Town Centre, offering a safe, welcoming space for people who share and understand the journey of love and loss.

Rachel has worked as a Funeral Celebrant since 2013 and holds the relevant professional certifications. She has also completed her Advanced Diploma and further training with International College of Celebrancy.

I’m incredibly lucky to have Rachel as part of our team – her experience, compassion, and dedication make a real difference to the families she supports.

And a heartfelt thank you as always to our wonderful florist, Alicia Sheffield Flower Co for the beautiful floral arrangement – it was truly perfect and added such a gentle, thoughtful touch to the service. šŸŒæšŸ’

While the world talks about flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners… Valentine’s Day looks different when you’ve lost...
14/02/2026

While the world talks about flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners… Valentine’s Day looks different when you’ve lost someone.

It isn’t just about romance. It’s about love — and love doesn’t end when someone passes.

The way someone keeps a wedding ring on a chain around their neck. The way a widow still signs cards with both names. The way families tell stories that make them laugh and cry in the same breath.

Grief exists because love was real.

So today, if you’re celebrating — hold each other close.
And if you’re grieving — know that your love story didn’t end. It simply changes form.

Make sure to love boldly, say it often, and never assume you have more time.

Because the greatest privilege we see in this profession… is having been loved at all. ā¤ļø

I would like to sincerely thank the family of the late Margaret Stulla for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful an...
12/02/2026

I would like to sincerely thank the family of the late Margaret Stulla for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and generous review. Your kind words truly mean a great deal.

ā€œThe empathy and care shown by Stephen was excellent to all of the family through an emotional time. He explained everything to everyone and also went out of his way to help with additional requirements that were outside the remit of a funeral director’s service. I would certainly recommend him at what is a very emotional time when families need care and comfort that everything will be taken care of.ā€

It is always my priority to ensure that every family feels supported, informed, and cared for throughout such a difficult time. Thank you for placing your trust in me. It is a privilege to serve the community and to support families with compassion and dignity. šŸ¤šŸŽ©

Losing someone you love changes everything.The silence feels louder. The days feel longer. Grief shows up in waves you n...
12/02/2026

Losing someone you love changes everything.

The silence feels louder. The days feel longer. Grief shows up in waves you never see coming.

And in the middle of it all, your dog stays.

A dog doesn’t disappear when you’re grieving.
They don’t withdraw when you’re overwhelmed.
They don’t try to fix you.

And sometimes, that’s enough to begin healing.

If you’ve ever felt your breathing slow to match theirs…
If you’ve ever looked into their eyes and felt understood without a single word…

You know.

Dogs don’t just share our lives.
They steady them.
They soften them.
They help us come back to ourselves.

That’s not just companionship.

That’s healing.

Blu and Pax … our world 🐾

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jacqueline Ann Hughes, of Temple Normanton, who passed away peac...
09/02/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jacqueline Ann Hughes, of Temple Normanton, who passed away peacefully on 30th January 2026 at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 82.

Jacqueline will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her funeral service will take place at Chesterfield & District Crematorium on Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 10.30am.

Family flowers only, please.

Donations will be gratefully received in support of Ashgate Hospice.

The service will be led by Rachel Snowball, who is our award-winning, fully licensed and accredited local celebrant.

For all enquiries and any further information please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

Today, I want to share a quiet moment of beauty from a service we recently conducted.The flower arrangement was thoughtf...
07/02/2026

Today, I want to share a quiet moment of beauty from a service we recently conducted.

The flower arrangement was thoughtfully designed to reflect love, remembrance, and peace—each bloom chosen not only for its beauty, but for the meaning it carried and the comfort it offered. We are deeply grateful to The Sheffield Flower Co, whose care and artistry brought this arrangement to life so beautifully.

In times of loss, details like this matter. Flowers speak when words fall short. They honour a life lived, surround families with care, and create a setting where grief is met with grace. This arrangement did exactly that, standing as a tender tribute and a final expression of love.

It is always a privilege to help families say goodbye in a way that feels personal, respectful, and beautiful. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Alan Moore (ā€˜Dek’), of Pilsley, who died peacefully at home on ...
03/02/2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Alan Moore (ā€˜Dek’), of Pilsley, who died peacefully at home on 13th January 2026, aged 79.

Dek will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The funeral service will take place at Amber Valley Crematorium on Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 11:00am.

Family flowers only, please.

Donations will be gratefully received in support of Ashgate Hospice.

For all enquiries, please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

Becoming the storyteller for a life lost is an act of love, healing, and legacy-keeping. šŸ¤Through shared memories, quiet...
02/02/2026

Becoming the storyteller for a life lost is an act of love, healing, and legacy-keeping. šŸ¤

Through shared memories, quiet moments of reflection, and the stories we continue to tell, a life is remembered far beyond the day of the funeral. Every story matters — the big milestones, the small habits, the moments that made them them.

If you’re finding comfort in remembering a loved one, know that there is no right or wrong way. What matters most is honouring their life in a way that feels true to you.

I am always here to help families create personal, meaningful tributes that keep those stories alive.

šŸ•Æļø

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Stulla, of Glapwell, who died peacefully at home on 13th Jan...
27/01/2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Stulla, of Glapwell, who died peacefully at home on 13th January 2026, aged 93.

Margaret was truly the heart of the family and will be lovingly remembered by all those who knew her.

The service will take place at St John the Baptist’s Church, Ault Hucknall, on Friday 6th February 2026 at 11.00am, followed by interment in the churchyard.

Family flowers only please.

Donations will be collected in aid of Blythe House Hospice.

For all enquiries, please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia (ā€˜Pat’) Kirkwood, who died peacefully at Chesterfield ...
22/01/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia (ā€˜Pat’) Kirkwood, who died peacefully at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on 8th January 2026, aged 83.

The funeral service will be held at Chesterfield and District Crematorium on Thursday 19th February 2026 at 10.30am.

Pat was a long-standing and much-loved member of the community and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Family flowers only, please.

Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to Ashgate Hospice.

For all enquiries please contact Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director on 01246 855101.

At Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director, I understand that every farewell is deeply personal.My premises in Holm...
20/01/2026

At Stephen Pledger Independent Funeral Director, I understand that every farewell is deeply personal.

My premises in Holmewood, Chesterfield offer a calm, private, and welcoming environment where families can take time, reflect, and make arrangements with dignity and care. From the comfortable arrangement rooms to the professional facilities, everything has been thoughtfully designed to provide reassurance during a difficult time.

As an independent funeral director, I am committed to providing a personal service, guided by compassion, respect, and attention to every detail. I am here to support you and your family, whenever you need me.

šŸ“ Holmewood, Chesterfield
šŸ“ž Here for you 24 hours a day, whenever you need me — 01246 855101

I’m often asked why black remains the colour most closely associated with funerals. Even as customs change, this traditi...
14/01/2026

I’m often asked why black remains the colour most closely associated with funerals. Even as customs change, this tradition still holds quiet meaning.

Black isn’t worn to feel sombre for the sake of it, nor to seem distant. It’s worn out of respect. In moments of loss, when words are hard to find, black is a way of showing care. It allows us to arrive quietly, without distraction, and keep the focus where it belongs.

Traditionally, black has symbolised mourning because it reflects the seriousness of the moment. Grief isn’t something to be hurried or dressed up. Black acknowledges loss with dignity and restraint — qualities many families still find comforting.

Of course, funeral customs have evolved. Many families now choose brighter colours or a specific dress code to reflect personality, culture, or to celebrate a life lived. For some, wearing colour is a way of expressing love, remembrance, or gratitude for shared memories. When chosen, these colours carry just as much meaning and respect.

What stays with us is the sense of unity we create by coming together.

Address

Heath Road
Chesterfield
S425RA

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