Andrew Smith Funeral Services

02/04/2026

Grief doesn’t follow a set path, and everyone experiences it differently.

In the final video of our Direct Cremation series, a daughter reflects on how the absence of a funeral affected her grieving process. Without that moment to say goodbye, she describes feeling as though her grief had been “boxed up” rather than properly acknowledged.

For many families, a funeral provides an important space to reflect, remember, and begin to come to terms with a loss.

Every farewell matters, and every family deserves the chance to say goodbye in a meaningful way.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

01/04/2026

Losing someone you love is always difficult.

In this penultimate video in our Direct Cremation series, a daughter shares the shock she felt when she discovered that her mum had arranged a Direct Cremation plan – meaning there would be no funeral service and no chance for family to gather together.

She talks openly about the uncertainty that followed, and how she wishes the decision had been discussed more fully with the family beforehand. Conversations about funeral wishes aren’t always easy, but they can make a big difference to the people we leave behind.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

01/04/2026

SHEDDEN William Arthur

On Sunday 22nd March 2026, peacefully at home, Bill aged 72 years.

The Funeral Service and Committal will take place at 2.45 p.m. on Wednesday 15th April at Macclesfield Crematorium.

Family flowers only, by request, but donations may be made, if so desired, in favour of the Stroke Association.

All enquiries to

Andrew Smith Funeral Services
Park Green House
82 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

Telephone 01625 433853
www.andrewsmithfunmeralservices.co.uk

31/03/2026

SHEDDEN William Arthur

On Sunday 22nd March 2026, peacefully at home, Bill aged 72 years.

The Funeral Service and Committal will take place at 2.45 p.m. on Wednesday 15th April at Macclesfield Crematorium.

Family flowers only, by request, but donations may be made, if so desired, in favour of the Stroke Association.

All enquiries to

Andrew Smith Funeral Services
Park Green House
82 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

Telephone 01625 433853

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

Direct Cremations are often advertised as a simple and affordable option – but there are aspects that aren’t always widely talked about.

In the fourth video in our Direct Cremation series, a daughter shares what her family discovered about the Direct Cremation process after her mum had purchased a plan, and the advice she now gives to others.

If you are considering your own funeral arrangements, it’s important to fully understand what each option involves and how it may affect the people you leave behind.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

27/03/2026

Sometimes people choose a Direct Cremation because they believe they are making things easier for their loved ones.

In the third video in our Direct Cremation series, a daughter reflects on how her mum may have thought she was saving her children from the cost and stress of arranging a funeral. But the absence of a service left the family feeling like something important was missing – a chance to celebrate their loved one’s life, support one another and begin processing their loss.

A funeral doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. Often, it’s simply about giving family and friends the space to remember and say goodbye.

Watch the full series and hear her story here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

26/03/2026

Talking about funeral wishes isn’t always an easy conversation to start, but it can be one of the most helpful discussions you’ll ever have with your loved ones.

In our latest blog, we talk about how having this conversation in advance can bring reassurance to everyone involved, and help ensure a funeral truly reflects the person being remembered.

Read the full article here:

It might feel awkward to talk about funeral wishes with your loved ones, but it is one of the most valuable conversations you can have.

26/03/2026

📣 Join us for the launch of the East Cheshire Hospice Business Club

We’re excited to welcome local businesses for an inspiring evening all about connection, community, and making a meaningful impact together.

📅 Wednesday 22nd April, 6pm – 8pm
📍 Bollington Brewery, Brook Mill, Parker St, Macclesfield SK11 7BQ

Here’s what’s in store:
🍺 Behind-the-scenes access to Bollington Brewery, beer tasting & nibbles
🌻 A first look at the East Cheshire Hospice Business Club and how it works
💛 Real stories showing the difference your support helps create

If you’d like to join us, simply drop us a message here on LinkedIn or contact our Corporate Fundraiser, Luke O, at luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk.

We’d love to see you there!

26/03/2026

ABBOTT Marjorie

On Tuesday, 10th March 2026, peacefully at home, Marjorie aged 86 years.

Beloved and loving Wife of the late David, loving Mother of Elizabeth, Jill, Simon and Rachel, Mother-in-Law to Remi, Mel and John, Nana of David, Claire, Alice, Lucas, Helen, Daniel, Gemma and Hannah, Great Nana of Julia, Eleanor, Zoe, Flynn, Rebecca and Lily and a dear Sister of the late Barbara and the late Frank.

Marjorie will be missed greatly by all who knew her.

The Funeral Service will take place at 1.30 p.m. on Monday 13th April at The Parish Church of
St Paul, Macclesfield followed by a private Service of Committal which will take place at 2.45 p.m. at Macclesfield Crematorium.

Family flowers only, by request, but donations may be made, if so desired, in favour of The Donkey Sanctuary or Northwest Air Ambulance.

All enquiries to:

Andrew Smith Funeral Services
Park Green House
82 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

Telephone 01625 433853
www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk

25/03/2026

When someone passes away, one of the first things we often do is tell the people who loved them.

In the second of our video series on Direct Cremations, a daughter shares the difficult conversations she had with family and friends after her mum’s passing. Many expected a funeral – a chance to pay their respects and say goodbye.

But because her mum had arranged a Direct Cremation, that opportunity simply wasn’t there. For many people, being present to say goodbye can be an important part of grieving and remembering someone’s life.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations

23/03/2026

Grief can feel very different when there is no funeral.

In the first of a series of six videos shining a spotlight on Direct Cremations, a daughter shares her experience after losing her mum – who had purchased a Direct Cremation plan without her family knowing. With no funeral or moment to gather together, she describes how it felt like her mum had simply “disappeared”.

For many families, a funeral provides an important opportunity to acknowledge a loss, reflect on a life lived, and begin the grieving process together. Every goodbye is personal, and every family deserves the chance to say farewell in a way that feels right for them.

Watch the full series here: https://www.andrewsmithfuneralservices.co.uk/direct-cremations