A living funeral is an event where individuals facing a terminal illness gather with loved ones to celebrate their life, share memories and create meaningful connections. It offers an opportunity to honour life and say goodbye in a deeply personal and supportive environment.

Living funerals are for anyone who wishes to participate in their farewell, share moments with loved ones and leave behind a legacy of connection. They are initiated by the person facing a terminal illness.  They can be designed collaboratively with close family and friends.  Or through a very personal journey.  

A living funeral takes place while the individual is still alive, allowing them to be part of the celebration.  It is a “this is your life” opportunity which may involve those present or simply be an opportunity for the individual to say all the things they want and need to those they love and cherish. Traditional funerals occur after a person’s passing and focus on memorializing their life.

Living funerals can evoke a wide range of emotions.  It’s natural to feel vulnerable and even uncommfortable. Guests can go from deep grief to belly laughs and reflection.  There are many opportunities for guests to recalibrate if the weight of grief is becoming too great. And for some, being there for just a short-time is what is possible.  

Not everyone may feel ready for a living funeral, and that’s okay. This process is entirely optional and tailored to the individual’s wishes. If it feels like the right step for you and your loved ones, we’ll support you every step of the way.

We provide resources to help guests prepare for the event, including guidance on what to expect and how to navigate their feelings. We also offer pre-event briefings for those involved in planning and for any guests with questions.

While Farewell, Together is not affiliated with any specific faith, we are open to incorporating spiritual or cultural elements based on the individual’s preferences.

The first step is an initial consultation where we’ll discuss your vision, define the purpose of the event and explore what would make it exceptional. From there, we can work together to design a meaningful experience tailored to your wishes.  Or if you prefer, you can do this in your own time, bringing me in as and when you need to.  There is no right way, only your way.