Celebrant Services By Susie

15/02/2026

This is so true! Which is why, I believe, you should always let people know how much they mean to you. And that we should definitely live in the moment 🤍

12/02/2026

The more services I lead, the more one simple truth stands out to me…

We really must tell the people we love just how much they mean to us — while they are still here to hear it.

And that’s not just family by blood, but the friends who become family too — the family we choose for ourselves.

I know it can feel awkward. Not every family or friendship circle is used to saying “I love you” or sharing feelings openly. Sometimes it’s just not how we were brought up.

But what I see, time and again, is how much people wish they’d had one more conversation, one more chance to say thank you, or to tell someone how appreciated they were — especially when a loss is sudden or unexpected.

At a funeral, there is love in abundance. There are beautiful words, stories and tributes… but the one person we most want to hear them is no longer there to receive them.

So this is a gentle nudge from me 🤍
If you’re thinking it — say it.
If you feel it — share it.

A simple “I appreciate you” or “I love you” can mean more than we realise.

Yes, it may feel unnatural at first, but after saying it once, it really does get easier. Fear can hold us back — but don’t let fear win. Let the people in your life know how you feel, before it’s too late.

If this message resonates with you, maybe reach out to someone today and let them know they matter.

07/02/2026

A little celebrant fun today 😊

I had some fun creating a caricature that reflects me — storytelling, warmth, spirituality, and of course Wilma and Garfield making an appearance 🐾

It made me smile because it captures some of the little things that make me me… and it reminded me how often families share these same kinds of details when remembering someone they love.

The hobbies, the pets, the favourite places, the quirks — they’re often what bring both tears and smiles at a service 🤍

If you had a caricature made of yourself or a loved one, what would it include?
✨ A pet?
✨ A hobby?
✨ A favourite place?
✨ A symbol that reminds you of them?

If you feel comfortable sharing, pop it in the comments — words or pictures welcome. It’s a gentle way to celebrate the individuality of a life ✨

Because every life has a story worth telling.

06/02/2026

One thing I’ve learned from this work is how unique every person’s story is.

The small details — favourite songs, hobbies, sayings, places — often become the most meaningful parts of a service.

I often say to families that while a funeral is a hard day to get through, if we can include moments of laughter and smiles, it can really help. Those lighter memories remind us of the joy their person brought to life.

It’s those details and stories that make people smile through the tears, and that’s where the real magic of a personal service lies 🤍

Every life has a story worth telling.

04/02/2026

Over the past few weeks I’ve received some truly kind messages from families I’ve’ve had the privilege of supporting, along with a surprise delivery of flowers and a thoughtful card.

Every time a family trusts me to help tell the story of someone they love, I’m reminded what a responsibility — and honour — this work is. It’s something I never take lightly.
Being a celebrant is about far more than standing at the front of a room — it’s about listening, understanding, and telling a life story with care.

With permission, I wanted to share some of the lovely messages I’ve received…

🤍

“Just wanted to say again, a big thank you for yesterday… you totally got the essence of our mum!! So many people told me what a wonderful eulogy it was and how impressed they were with you. Take care, Ali xx”

🤍

“Hi Susie, I should be sending you a professional thank you but I want to thank you on a more personal basis for officiating at George’s funeral on Monday. You were a delight to listen to & the family & mourners thought you gave a very friendly & personal eulogy, you had George down to a tee. I’m sure Susie if you had managed to come back to the hotel there would have been folks there asking you for your card with details! Please call in anytime for a cuppa & a chat. I’m glad Crosbie Matthew Funeral Directors Ltd, Kirkcaldy - Head Office recommended your services! Thank you once again & take care xx”

🤍

“Can’t thank you enough for the lovely eulogy, everyone says it was really beautiful and very moving. You have definitely found your calling!!”

🤍

I feel incredibly grateful to the families who place their trust in me at such a tender time, and to the funeral directors who recommend my services.

If you’re ever looking for a celebrant who will take the time to listen and create a personal, heartfelt farewell, I’m always here for a chat.

Every life has a story worth telling 🤍

30/01/2026

This quote really struck a chord with me.

You never really know how much time you have, which is why I encourage everyone to really, enjoy life. Have fun, don't spend time arguing or worrying, what does it really solve? It robs you of your happiness. Be kind, caring, compassionate. Be happy
🤍🤍

26/01/2026

Today's thought.....

Grief doesn't always look the same from one day to the next.

Some days are heavy
Some days are quiet
And sometimes - often when you least expect it - you find yourself laughing.

And thats ok.

Laughter doesn't mean you've forgotten.
It means love is still there.

🤍🤍

This is something that took me a long time to realise; I do wish I had understood this more, and earlier than I did. But I'm not being hard on myself, I did the best I could at the time with what I knew.

24/01/2026

This is something I see time and time again when I meet families — that even in the midst of sadness, love still finds a way to shine through.

Often it’s in the little things.
A favourite song.
A treasured photograph.
A story that makes everyone smile through their tears.

These are the details that tell the story of a life — and they are the moments that help carry us forward.

Every life has a story worth telling, and I feel truly honoured to help families tell those stories.

💛

20/01/2026

💬 A Thought for Today

Something I see quite often in my work is how difficult it can be for families when they’re asked questions about their loved one — especially when it’s a child saying goodbye to their last parent.

In the midst of grief, they sometimes don’t know the little details — favourite songs, school memories, special wishes — simply because those conversations never happened.

It’s nobody’s fault.
It just shows how precious those shared moments really are.

Talking about what matters — memories, music, hopes, even end-of-life wishes — can feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it can also become a beautiful gift for the people we leave behind.

If you ever feel able, don’t be afraid to talk about these things with your loved ones. It helps keep their story alive, and it gives comfort and clarity when it’s needed most.

💛

What’s one small memory or favourite thing about someone you love that you’re glad you know?

18/01/2026

There is something I’m always very aware of in my work as a celebrant — for me to stand and lead a service, it means a family is walking through one of the hardest times of their lives.

It’s a huge privilege, and never something I take lightly.

One of my favourite parts of my role is writing the eulogy. Sitting with families, listening to their stories, and gently piecing together the life of the person they love. In those moments, you often see the sadness soften, just for a while, and you start to hear laughter and see smiles as they remember the happier times.

Music plays such an important part too. The songs chosen for reflection time or a slideshow can say so much — they capture personality, memories, and emotion in a way words sometimes can’t. We all have those special songs that take us straight back to a person or a moment in our lives.

There are some pieces that are often heard at services, but every family brings something different, and I’m always learning.

Recently, a family introduced me to a composer I hadn’t heard before — Ludovico Einaudi. His music is incredibly moving. When I listened, it brought a real sense of peace and stillness, and I found myself quietly thinking of the loved ones I’ve lost.

If you have a few minutes, I really encourage you to listen and simply sit with it — let it bring whatever feelings or memories it needs to.

Here is one of his beautiful pieces:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VR-6AS0-l4

Music has such a powerful way of holding our memories, and I feel very grateful that families share that part of their loved one’s story with me.

Sheet music: https://mnot.es/2N01GqtClick the 🔔bell to join the notification squad!♫ Listen on Apple Music Classical: http://apple.co/Rousseau♫ MIDI: https:...

16/01/2026

If anyone could help, it would be much appreciated, thank you 🤍🤍

💜 Calling all kind-hearted knitters for our Angel Babies💜
For over 30 years, we have worked alongside NHS Fife, supporting families who have sadly lost their baby during or after pregnancy.
In recent years, we have included a small knitted heart when families come to collect their baby’s ashes – a simple but meaningful gesture that lets them know they are not alone. 💕

We are now running low on hearts and would be so grateful for the help of our wonderful knitting community.

✨ If you can knit (or know someone who does), we would love donations of small hearts in a variety of colours – pinks, blues, yellows, reds, or neutral (for unknown gender).

Every single heart is treasured by the families who receive them.
If you’re able to help, they can be handed into any of our funeral homes (Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes or Dalgety Bay). 🧶💜
Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

31/12/2025

When One Year Gently Closes

As one year gently closes,
and another waits to begin,
we pause —
not just to mark time,
but to remember.

For some, this turning of the year
feels heavier than most.
An empty chair.
A familiar voice now silent.
A love still deeply felt.

Grief does not follow calendars.
It lingers where love has lived,
and it walks beside us
into new seasons,
new days,
new years.

If your heart is hurting,
know this —
you are not behind,
you are not broken,
and you are not alone.

Those we love do not stay in the past.
They live on in stories shared,
in habits learned,
in laughter that still surprises us,
and in love that never truly leaves.

And as the new year opens its arms,
it does not ask you to forget —
only to carry forward
what mattered most.

There will still be moments of light.
Unexpected smiles.
New memories waiting quietly to be made.
Hope does not replace love —
it grows from it.

So as one year ends
and another begins,
may you move forward gently,
holding both grief and gratitude,
remembering always:

Every life has a story worth telling,
and every love leaves a legacy
that time cannot take away.