Wallace Stuart Lady Funeral Directors

08/12/2025

If you would like us to write a message and hang on our Christmas Memory Tree, just pop us a message or comment below🎄

Wishing all our families a peaceful Christmas

Sarah & Cait xx

05/12/2025

Sometimes, the smallest moments of support make the biggest difference.

Here in Bridgwater, families often tell us that what they need most during a difficult time isn’t paperwork or formality - it’s someone who listens, understands and gently guides them through each step.

If you ever find yourself needing advice, have a question about what to do next, or simply want to talk something through, we’re here. No obligation, no pressure - just a caring local team ready to help in whatever way feels right for you.

Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting someone else, or navigating a loss, please know you don’t have to do it alone.
🌿 Our door is always open.

When someone dies, you deserve care that feels personal. As a women-led team of independent funeral directors in Bridgwater, we are here to help.

02/12/2025

Our beautiful memorial Christmas tree will be up in the office by Friday 🎄

This year we are offering two types of labels for you to write messages for your loved ones

Pop us a message and we will write a message for you, a special memory and words of love and hang on our tree throughout December 🎄

02/12/2025

Grief Awareness Week begins today

As funeral directors, we’re reminded every day that grief has no timetable, no rulebook, and no “right” way to feel. Each person’s journey is unique and every feeling along the way is valid.

This week, we come together to recognise that grief is not something to “get over,” but something we learn to live with. It deserves space, compassion, and understanding.

If you’re grieving, please know:
💚 You are not alone
💚 Your story matters
💚 Support is available, and it’s okay to ask for it

We’re thinking of everyone that might be suffering a loss, no matter how long ago we know it still hurts x

01/12/2025

Fifteen years ago today, Lel and I opened Wallace Stuart Lady Funeral Directors

Just two ladies on a mission to provide affordable, all female led funeral care - supporting families at their time of need

Today, Walllace Stuart may look a little different, with the next generation coming up through - stronger and better than ever before

We always believed in our ethos “a good funeral does not mean it has to be an expensive funeral, just one where you know you have done your very best for your loved one and carried out their wishes with love and honour”

Thank you to everyone who believed in us ❤️

Here’s to the next 15 years ❤️

28/11/2025

Incredibly proud of Caitlin who conducted her first funeral today at Taunton Crematorium

Caitlin has supported the family from their very first telephone call and today her first walk in front of the hearse, was Ruth’s final walk of honour ❤️

Never underestimate how difficult and challenging the role of a funeral director is - their final walk is a tiny part of the hard work and support that goes in to ensure everything is perfect for the family

We are so very proud of you Caitlin, keep being you ❤️ x

27/11/2025

❤️

'When someone special dies' is a series of leaflets aimed at helping young people to understand their feelings after a bereavement.

There are versions available to download for children under 7 and from 7-11 and for young people.

To view and download the leaflets: childbereavementuk.org/when-someone-special-dies-leaflets

23/11/2025

Sarah joined in with radio host Caroline Martin this morning to discuss the pro’s and con’s of Direct, non-attended cremations and the benefits of using a local funeral director to carry out the families wishes, as opposed to national companies

The link to the radio interview is below (from 2 hours 7)

In recent years, there has been an increase in people opting for direct cremations.

Touted by national providers as ‘no-fuss funerals’, a direct cremation is essentially a cremation without a funeral service.

During the pandemic, many families opted for a send-off without mourners due to restrictions on the number of people permitted at services.

The subsequent cost of living crisis may also have played a part in growing interest in unattended funerals

Yet while a direct cremation might seem straightforward, they’re anything but simple as far as many bereaved people are concerned.

The emotional impact of a direct cremation
In our caring work, we’ve observed added emotional turmoil due to this type of funeral.

Some families find themselves worrying whether they’ve done the right thing by their loved one.

While others feel they haven’t achieved the necessary closure that comes from gathering with friends and relatives.

The advantages and disadvantages of a direct cremation

For some people, a direct cremation is neither about saving money nor removing the perceived ‘hassle’ of arranging a funeral.
It can be a case of ‘that’s just what they want’ – and is a perfectly legitimate choice.
However, it’s essential that it’s an informed choice.

With that in mind, we think families should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of direct cremation funerals.

First, the disadvantages:
1, Friends and relatives are denied the opportunity to spend time with a loved one before the funeral.
2, The absence of a service, or anyone to coordinate a service, means friends and relatives are unable to gather and pay their respects or comfort each other.
3, Friends and relatives can be left with feelings of guilt and become embroiled in arguments over whether it was the right decision.

And now for the advantages:
1, There can be a cost saving, but in many instances it’s not that significant when compared to some simple attended services.
2, There is no need to coordinate diaries of mourners to find a funeral date that suits the main mourners.

How we’re supporting families facing difficult choices:

To help those who turn to us in distress find an approach that best suits their needs, we’ve developed a set of direct funeral options.

While there is no ceremony at the chosen crematorium, unlike online national providers we’re giving people the opportunity to spend time with a loved one in our chapels of rest prior to the cremation

Wallace Stuart Lady Funeral Directors is built on a philosophy of empowering families to arrange the funeral that they want.

Whether it’s a bespoke service or an unattended funeral, we will always provide the same level of care and professionalism.

In this age of heightened interest in direct cremations, we believe it’s important that people are informed and have choices.

And if you find yourself reluctantly arranging a no-service send-off, why not talk to Sarah and Caitlin first

There might be a way to honour your loved one’s memory without removing everything that makes a funeral special.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mcny

23/11/2025

Wallace Stuart Lady Funeral Directors stand as a beacon of compassionate and professional funeral care in Somerset, offering a unique, all-female, and independent service in North Petherton and surrounding areas

Here’s why families choose Wallace Stuart:

Compassionate Expertise 🦋

As an independent and all-female-owned and managed funeral home, they offer a uniquely empathetic and supportive environment during a difficult time.

Bespoke Services: 🦋

Every life is unique.

Wallace Stuart excels in creating personalised, bespoke funerals that respectfully honour your loved one's personality and wishes, with both traditional and modern options available.

Accessible and Affordable: 🦋

They are committed to providing dignified farewells for all budgets, offering a range of options from comprehensive services to low-cost and simple cremations.

With numerous accolades from the Good Funeral Awards and regulated by SAIF together with consistently glowing customer reviews, you can trust their professionalism and care.

Whether you're planning a pre-paid funeral for peace of mind, arranging immediate services, or simply seeking guidance, Sarah and Cait at Wallace Stuart are available 24/7 to provide support and clarity.

Learn more about their services or get in touch through their official website
www.wallacestuart.co.uk

Or call them on 01278 664400, or visit their office at 73 Fore Street, North Petherton, Bridgwater, TA6 6PZ

Wallace Stuart, Lady Funeral Directors are based in North Petherton and cover much of Somerset. They are passionate about the funeral industry.

23/11/2025

I’m very proud of the town we serve. Proud of what we stand for and proud of how we look after our families.

Our passion and relentless drive to be the best are what makes us who we are.

At the heart of that is a clear purpose: to make every funeral truly meaningful and unmistakably fitting, treating every person we care for as if they were a member of our own family.

There are still a few leaves left, but autumn is certainly on its way out. As the grey sky settles in and autumn begins to slip quietly away, we’re reminded of how the seasons mirror the rhythm of life - moments of change, reflection, and gentle transition 🍂

At this time of year, many people find themselves looking back, remembering loved ones, or simply feeling the shift that comes with shorter days and colder air. If the coming winter season brings a heavier heart, please know that you’re not alone

Sarah and Cait are here to offer support, guidance, or simply a listening ear whenever you may need us.

Wishing everyone warmth and comfort as we move into the winter months ❄️

22/11/2025

There’s No Such Thing As Closure

There are people who will tell you that the final step in the grieving process is closure. They want you to believe that when you achieve closure you’re finished grieving and it won’t hurt anymore.

I’m not one of those people.

Because I believe nothing could be further from the truth.

You don’t ‘get over’ a loss.

With support, and the honest expression of your emotions, the intensity and duration of your pain will decrease over time. But the memory left behind by the person you loved is indelibly pressed upon your heart and will remain there forever.

There will be times when something in life touches you in that tender place of love and you’ll miss your person all over again. It will be intense, and it will hurt, and that’s okay.

Here’s the thing…I believe these moments of pain are gifts.

They’re reminders of the depth of the love that still remains.

The sadness and longing you feel are normal reactions to the loss of someone you love. They don’t need to be denied or hidden from view.

The definition of closure is, ‘an act or process of closing something.’

What does that have to do with grief ending?

Nothing.

The intense pain created by the absence of the person you lost is a testament to the love you shared.

And that’s not something that can ever be closed.

Written by Gary Sturgis - Surviving Grief