My sympathies are with you for your loss. I am an all-faiths minister who would be honored to officiate at a funeral or memorial celebration of life service for your loved one. It is a privilege to provide you with a respectful, dignified and joyful service during this difficult transition time by offering my compassionate heart and officiate skills. Together, we will create a ceremony which allows you to grieve the passing of your loved one while also celebrating a life well led. My services touch the hearts and gives comfort to those present. Services are non-denominational and may be spiritual, religious or any other service which honors the tradition of your loved one.  The ceremony gives you an opportunity to cope with your loss and find the closure you need.

Support

In addition to providing a personalized service that captivates the spirit of your loved one, I also offer support and comfort to you in your grieving to help you know that you are not alone. As a clinical social worker,  I have many years as a professional support person who is giving, caring and loving to individuals who are going through the pain of losing a loved one.

During the service, you may give a red rose or other flower to those present. The flower is placed by the ashes which are on a table, placed on top of the casket or put in the  gulf  or other bodies of water.  As each person comes up with their rose, they can say good-bye to the loved one either to themselves or out loud by saying whatever they feel.  Some people say what the person meant to them  or just say “good-bye”.  The flower ceremony is very helpful in feeling a sense of closure.

Planning The Service

I am able to help you plan where to have the service as well as suggesting caterers, musicians, rental facilities and other people who are trustworthy who you may need to complete your service.  I know those who sing, play the flute, violin, guitar, steel drums and many others who are able to add to the beauty of the service.  Some families have chosen to video the service  or to have a monitor with a slide show of pictures of the loved one, friends and family.

Beach Locations

Sarasota and vicinity has many beautiful locations for your service. Siesta Key ,with it’s sand is so fine and white that it feels like powder, is a lovely location for a celebration of life service as are beaches in Venice, Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Boca Grande, Englewood, Lido, Nokomis, Palm Island, Manasota Key and other beach locations. There are  even boats which are available for your service. If you are so fortunate to live in the Sarasota area, ceremonies may be in your home or anywhere that you wish.  .

Chapels

You may choose to have your Sarasota celebration of life service in a quaint chapel such as Marys Chapel and Crocker Chapel in Sarasota and the Green Street Chapel further south in Englewood. Also available are beautiful gardens such as Selby Gardens, Ringling Museum Garden, Sarasota Garden Club, and the grounds of Crosley Mansion and Phillipi Mansion which are both located on the water. Beautiful country clubs and restaurants are also popular locations

Other Locations

I have officiated services in many unique venues such as airplane hangers, barns, swimming pools decks and other locations. There is no “right” place for your being together with family and friends.

Blessings, Sophie.