In our journey through life, we encounter moments that shape us, memories that define us, and loved ones who leave an indelible mark on our hearts. When it comes time to commemorate those who have passed, we seek a...
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Prepaid funerals enable you to financially and emotionally safeguard your family from the pressures of planning and funding a funeral at the time of grief.
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Confronting the reality of a terminal illness is a heart-wrenching process, both for the diagnosed individual and their surrounding loved ones. It's a time filled with emotional upheaval, profound reflection, and, most...
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In a world leaning towards sustainable choices, Australians are increasingly considering green funerals - in other words: natural funerals, and eco burials. These eco-friendly alternatives respect the planet as they pay...
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Everyone processes grief differently. When you have varying personality types and circumstances, it can make it extremely difficult to know what to say to a grieving friend.
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Many people shy away from the subject of death. Death is a subject that worries people. They are lost for words, worrying they might say or do the wrong thing. If this is the case for you, if someone you have been close...
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We thought it important to let you know that we are moving to a new location. Lady Anne Funerals has been operating since 2006 and you have been a part of that journey; a part of the tremendous growth that our Funeral...
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The death of a baby or a child, is agonising for a family. I think Mum feels it the worst because she has carried her dear child within her body. It is agonising for Dad, he not only feels the loss of his child, but...
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The Northern Suburbs Crematorium is a very popular place for people to hold a funeral service for their loved ones.
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As an ardent animal lover, the death, the loss of an animal has always been heartbreaking to me.
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I recently paid a home visit to a family to guide them through the preparation of a funeral for Grandma, a youngster came up to me and quietly stood beside me, a bit pensive, watching me writing and alternating his...
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I knew of a grandma who was a ‘cat lady’. Her granddaughter didn’t have a cat, so there were two reasons she liked to visit Grandma. The first obviously was to cuddle and play with Grandma. The second was playing with...
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We hesitate as parents and carers to talk to children about death. A conversation that involves talking about separation; but glossing over a death in the family or that of a close friend, will leave unanswered...
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We planned and conducted a great service for a man who had an incredible sense of humour. Most people laughed out loud during the service; people who spoke, all told funny stories of their association with him; it was a...
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The Queen died on the 8th September, 2022 at the age of 96 years. Her life represented a reign of 70 years, celebrated in June this year at her Platinum Jubilee. The plan for the Queen Elizabeth 11’s funeral was called...
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The Ancient cry …
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As an experienced writer and speaker, it was still a new experience to me to be a Celebrant at a funeral. I overcame my nerves and the service was going beautifully, when a very old lady got up from the middle of the...
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We all have stories to tell. Particularly stories about when we made a fool of ourselves at work and tried to make it look like we meant it to happen! As a totally committed Funeral Director, and as much as one would...
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Lady Anne Funerals promotes the celebration of life for each family that comes through their doors. Each lady that you will meet there, is dedicated to helping every family, helping them through one of the most...
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When dressing for a funeral, it is important to dress in appropriate attire in relation to the family and friends. Perhaps first finding out where the service is and what kind of service you will be attending.
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Margaret Locke Emotions run high for grieving families. Dianne De Jager said she was preparing herself mentally, on the drive to the funeral.
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Your step by step guide on what to do following the passing of a loved one, from directly after their death to following the funeral
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The loss of any loved one for many, is often the most stressful experience in our life. Our individual reaction to death varies for a multitude of reasons. Our gender, prior exposure to trauma and our general life...
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Humans by nature are ‘meaning markers’, we design rituals around emotionally significant occurrences because it helps us to process our way through these experiences. A funeral service for your departed loved one is a...
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Retirement is a time to spend relaxing with lifelong friends and extended family. However before you can enjoy this period you need to navigate complex (and ever changing!) rules and regulations surrounding the...
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Our increasingly global society has made the world feel much smaller. We're becoming incredibly mobile and in many industries it’s easier than ever to move between cities or countries for an exciting job.
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Cremation, chosen by a growing number of Australians, offers a way to honour a loved one's memory that aligns with a range of personal preferences, from environmental considerations to unique final wishes. Understanding...
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For people of faith, honouring religious beliefs is as important in death as it is in life. Respecting the cultural traditions and religious convictions of the deceased lies at the heart of many funeral services,...
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Music is something that transcends culture, age, language and just about any other barrier in modern society. It brings us all back to a place where we connect to each other - as people. Music is something that helps us...
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The first time it happened I couldn’t believe it. I was watching a GP hand a grieving family their loved one’s death certificate…in a carpark. Instead of visiting them at their home — instead of showing respect for his...
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Funerals and death have always been taboo conversation topics, with the stigma that even thinking about or talking about death and dying can bring about bad luck or energy. With this in mind, we’ve looked at how you can...
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Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your hard work over many years past; a time to reconnect and spend time with friends and family. When preparing for this milestone, one important...
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When someone passes we often reflect on the wonderful traits that made them the person they are. These are the things we want family, friends and the community to have a lasting memory of when it comes to a funeral...
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During the difficult aftermath of losing a loved one, flowers are a uniquely beautiful way of expressing our sympathies, love and loss. As symbols of our feelings and memories, they’re an important part of funeral...
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It might strike some people as odd that someone would choose to be a funeral director. It’s not your standard career path, where you sit your exams at high school and head off to become a mortician, or a funeral...
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A funeral poem is a common part of most funeral services, especially the older generations of Australians. With many having served in the military and living through a dynamic history of Australian playwrights,...
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It's commonly said that funerals are not only for the dead but also the living; especially the family and close friends of the deceased. Just as every person is different, each funeral may be a one-of-a-kind testament...
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As children, we were constantly finding ourselves in situations where we’d meet new peers, without making any effort at all. We'd make friends at school, on the bus, at birthday parties and even the local swimming pool;...
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For many, a trusted funeral director is the first port of call when going through the difficult process of caring for and saying farewell to a loved one. However, more and more, people are choosing do it yourself...
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From the time we first connect with music, it becomes a part of us. Many people have a wrap sheet of the songs that influence their moods, and remind them of some of the best moments in their lives. Many of us also...
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Understandably many people are unaware of the planning that goes into a funeral. It can be upsetting, overwhelming and something you would rather leave to a professional funeral planner.
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When we lose someone we love, it doesn’t seem right to give them a farewell that isn’t perfectly personalised to them. There should be no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ funeral - as there are no two people that are...
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Do you need to make funeral arrangements but don’t know where to start? If you’re feeling unsure about what’s meant to happen (and when), you’re not alone. Losing a loved one is a challenge for anyone, and it’s...
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With the long years of hard work behind you, retirement can be an exciting time. One of the challenges of this milestone is the difficulties of navigating the aged pension. Australia has a complex pension and...
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Writing the perfect condolence message can be a challenging task. Sometimes we feel like what we’re trying to say and what we really mean aren’t coming out properly, sometimes we’re simply lost for words. The difficulty...
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Most of us see the New Year as a time to make resolutions, whether it be it quitting sugar, exercising more or taking the next step in our career. However, to have the best possible chance at achieving those goals, we...
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When it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions, we all start out with good intentions. But more often than not, our goals don’t last the distance. How many of us have found ourselves starting a new year with gusto and...
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Christmas is a time of family, love and sharing special moments - and it’s precisely at this time of year when we tend to really feel the loss of our loved ones. Whether it’s that empty spot at the table or a family...
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Music plays a vital role in funeral services, giving friends and family of the deceased an element that they can share and relate to during the ceremony. The music you select to play is a very personal choice and can...
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It can be impossible to keep a clear head when a loved one passes. If your partner dies, it can be even more difficult to cope with. After the initial shock, there are funeral plans to take care of and preparations for...
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Arranging a funeral can be traumatic for those left behind when a loved one passes. Amidst the grief, family members are often left to cover the costs ― which can range anywhere from $4000 to $15,000. There’s funeral...
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Mundivagant Pronunciation: mun - div - a - gant (adjective) Meaning: "That roams around the world."
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If you knew you were throwing a final party, the biggest party ever hosted to celebrate you, how would you choose to do that? Have you considered what you might wear, who you might invite? Where it might be, the kind of...
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Australia is the "lucky country" in more ways than one!
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Helping children understand death can feel like an intimidating task. Wanting to explain the circumstances and finality of the situation and answer their naturally curious questions can feel enormous. Especially if the...
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Recently I attended the personalised memorial of a dear family member on my Husbands side, Mr Bruce Malcolm Roberts. "Uncle Bruce" was a fixture in the Five Dock community for 60 years, with heavy involvement in Rotary...
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Life is different in the 21st century. From the invention of cars, mobile phones and computers, to the evolution of our jobs and lifestyle; - we really are looking at a different world. Over time, the things that we...
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Using flowers to celebrate the life of a loved one can be dated back as customary to some of the earliest civilisations. Something beautiful and representative of new life and the grandness of nature is a very fitting...
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Planning a cremation memorial is much the same as planning a traditional funeral with a casket, though the departed is present in a cremation urn instead of in the flesh. Sometimes your loved one isn’t there at all, as...
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A wise person recently told me why they had decided to organise a funeral for themselves before they had passed away - right down to the most finite detail. This person was in their mid 50’s and in perfect health, so...
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Celebrating a life that has passed can be very difficult. It can happen slowly over time or in the blink of an eye, but no matter what, it sure feels fast to have to organise cremation memorials. If you are planning to...
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You’re in a tough seat. You’ve been nominated to organise the memorial ceremony on behalf of a family member, friend or relative, while simultaneously managing your own personal grief. The person who has passed on is a...
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It’s all so romantic! You are making future plans to buy a house, get married, maybe have a family, go on a holiday ―the world’s your oyster! We’re so busy living, that we rarely take the time to consider the how we...
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Planning your own funeral is a confronting topic that we would all rather avoid. Dealing with the concept of death, let alone our own can be disconcerting and unnatural. While putting plans in place is certainly...
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The kids are almost off school and you know what that means — it’s time to come up with some school holiday activities to do with grandchildren. At Lady Anne Funerals many of us are parents or grandparents and we know...
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Once we reach our sixties and seventies we start to feel like the time is ripe for retirement. After decades of working it’s during these later years that many feel the need to wind down, relax and begin endeavours that...
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When it comes to planning for your retirement financially, the best advice comes from the professionals. From how much superannuation you need, when to plan, how to invest and the importance of planning a prepaid...
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Last week the Federal Government announced its 2015 Budget, with a strong focus on spending rather than saving, the Government aims to stimulate the economy. The ALP plans on using $10 billion to give to families and...
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So you’ve done all the hard yakka when it comes to planning your retirement. You have followed the steps in our free Retirement Planning Guide, you’ve consolidated your superannuation, you’ve put a plan in place to...
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When it comes to making arrangements for what will happen after your own passing it can be time consuming, confusing and a subject that frankly, we would rather not consider. Organising a prepaid funeral and writing a...
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Planning your retirement is probably something you haven’t spent much time considering. Transitioning from paid work to retirement is a big change and for many Aussies you speak to they will probably tell you that they...
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Celebrity deaths may not affect us in our day-to-day lives, but they can still be quite upsetting. In 2014 we lost some of the brightest minds and most courageous hearts. A collection of comedians, sporting super...
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If you're trying to find Anzac Centenary services in Ryde, we've got a few suggestions. This Saturday, April 25 2015, marks 100 years since the Anzacs stormed Gallipoli. It is a solemn day of remembrance and also a day...
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In multicultural Australia, we experience a wealth of religious and cultural diversity. It’s important in life and in death to respect the needs of the family and culture of the deceased. When attending a funeral, it...
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Nobody enjoys thinking about their own funeral or the funeral of another but it is an unfortunate reality for all of us. The inevitability of death means that funerals are something that we should consider at some point...
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When attending the funeral of a loved one, close friend or in support of another griever, it can be hard to know what the etiquette for bereavement offerings are. With today’s multicultural Australia, we are surrounded...
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Saying goodbye to your loved ones is never an easy process. Funeral arrangements are not only emotionally overwhelming, but they can also be expensive. More and more families are utilising expert funeral home services...
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In a time of grief, we often turn to family and friends for support. Unfortunately for some, the loss of a life-long partner or last standing family member may leave an individual feeling isolated with no-one to turn to...
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With the new year already in full swing, many have taken the opportunity for a fresh start and new resolutions. However, it may be difficult for some to carry a positive outlook for the new year whilst mourning a loss....
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Christmas is meant to be a time filled with Joy and Happiness, however it can also be an extremely testing and challenging time for those who have lost a loved one.
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We all remember our loved ones in different ways - even years after having lost them. For some, their loved ones are celebrated on a yearly basis - perhaps on their birthday or during the festive season. For others it...
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Just last week news broke that respected and admired Australian actress Nicole Kidman unexpectedly lost her father whilst he was on vacation in Singapore. Whilst it was a tragic event to happen, it can also happen to...
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Whether you have recently lost a loved one or know someone who has, it’s useful to know what to do when submitting an obituary.
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Recently some of our competitors have come into the line of fire regarding their pre paid funeral services. We would like to provide some supportive information to ensure you prepare your funeral in advance - to your...
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As many of you are probably aware, Lady Anne Funerals is an active supporter of charity organisations in our lovely Ryde community. It should come as no surprise then that we are soon to be hosting a trivia fundraiser...
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I am sure you have all heard and seen on the news the mining accident that has recently rocked Turkey. A national tragedy with a death toll currently exceeding 280 people, the nation is in mourning for those already...
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Earlier this week a great British comedian that we all know and love passed away. At just 56, Rik Mayall suddenly passed away in his home. It is always regretful to hear of those who have passed away, especially those...
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Last Sunday night Lady Anne Funerals was featured on ABC's Compass in their series Faith & Funerals. Did you catch the episode? Tell us what you thought!
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This Sunday the Lady Anne Funerals team will be featured on ABC's Compass in a five-part series called 'Faith & Funerals'. So I thought this would be a great time to talk about filming an experience we talk so little...
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UPDATES: Aussie passenger details released The names of Australian passenger details have been released along with the total number of loved ones lost for each state and territory. The total count is approaching 40...
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We are all very aware of how complicated, never-ending and potentially dangerous the internet can be. But what we can quickly forget is how incredibly amazing and generous the people of the internet community can be....
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At some point we all need to sit down and write a sympathy note. Many of us have probably done so already. To try and make it a little bit easier, I've put together just a few tips that you can use when writing a...
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For us, bereavement in the media is something that we would like to see more of because it's an important step towards normalisation. So when SBS Insight aired an episode last week appropriately titled 'The Grand...
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Like us, many of you are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest (and others!). These networks are great for keeping in touch with family and friends, especially those we don't get to see so often. We also love...
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Losing a loved one is difficult. So when you also have to help your children through the loss, it can feel overwhelming.
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From 2014 and right through to 2018, as part of the Ryde Remembers program, a number of projects and events are held as recommended by the Centenary of ANZAC and Commemoration of WW1 Committee. The first calendar event...
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In this blog post I thought I would cover a topic that relates to the professional community that we as funeral directors work with. It’s essential that our community and network shares and educate one another on best...
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There are many different ways we have found overtime to honour the memory of the deceased. Commonly, we honour them through memorials, engravings and shrines, however there are many wonderful and weird ways people have...
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Preparing a eulogy during the planning of a funeral is one of the hardest things most of us will have to do. It takes a lot of time and with a million other things on our minds, it's not always easy to find a quiet...
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Valentine’s Day is again quickly approaching us (14th February). Every year, couples go to great lengths to show each other just how much they love one another. But it’s not just for couples! Valentine’s Day is also a...
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Losing a loved one is perhaps the toughest experience one can go through. It doesn’t help that planning the funeral services seems to come with a thousand responsibilities, sometimes even including giving the eulogy.
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Social networks have opened new doors for staying in touch with our family and friends. However, what happens to the collection of photos, posts and videos of our family and friends when our loved ones have passed?...
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The loss of a loved one can be a traumatic time for families, and especially children, as it is a confusing time above anything else. When the loss of a close relative or friend occurs it can be difficult to explain to...
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I came across a very interesting infographic the other day. It outlined the topic of how nostalgia equals happiness. I have included a copy of the image for you to take a look at and read for yourself. It certainly...
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This week we launched our new company video! Launched across all our social networks, the video prompted levels of support and kind words that we had not anticipated. A big thanks to everyone involved especially those...
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I thought I’d use this blog post to give a quick run down as to why we are using hashtags across our social sites.
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This week, I've taken the time to help you gain perspective, as perspective is an imperative element of organising a funeral service. It can be very difficult time in life, though it's important to be aware of your...
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This week I have been thinking a lot about the meaning and effects of colour in our lives. Colour is such a fundamental way in which we express ourselves. We see in it everything, literally! From the choice of our...
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When a person dies, families and friends are left dealing with enormous amounts of grief and distress. On top of the grieving process, the responsibilities and important decisions are left to be made by the family.
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After the funeral and the wake, the next hardest task to get through is dividing your loved ones possessions. These possessions often hold more sentimental value than their material value making the process delicate and...
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