A Tribute to Northern Ireland’s Funeral Directors from a Humanist Funeral Celebrant Prior to becoming a celebrant, Sheena Bradley had never thought much about what funeral directors do. But since becoming a humanist celebrant three years ago, her admiration for funeral directors’ professionalism has grown. Here, Sheena pays tribute to the funeral directors of Northern Ireland and their work during the pandemic. Do people in general take funeral directors and their services for granted? Perhaps. Nevertheless, when we need them, they are there, offering a personal and professional service at a time when we are grieving and at our lowest ebb. It is absolutely remarkable how much sheer effort funeral directors — and the staff behind the scenes — put into helping families navigate this most upsetting and stressful of times. And, it is important to note that they are conducting funerals - sometimes several times in one day — in even more difficult circumstances than usual, with all the restrictions and special 34 | FuneralTimes
measures in place due to Covid-19. Despite the relentlessness of the current circumstances this past year, each family is treated with the utmost respect and care. And each loved one tended to with real sensitivity. It is truly remarkable, and I am increasingly in awe of the work that funeral directors do. “I salute you, funeral directors of Northern Ireland. Your proud tradition and the high standards you hold yourselves to, is truly a credit to you all. Thank you for what you do and how you do it.” This morning, I conducted a Celebration of Life for a
much-loved partner, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend in a purpose-built funeral parlour. The funeral directors were all there before I arrived — prepared and immaculately turned out with their smart uniforms and long, black coats. The funeral parlour was warm, clean, modern, welcoming and, apart from the church-like wooden pews, almost cosy. As a celebrant, I have always been treated by funeral directors with absolute politeness, patience, and appreciation from the first phone call right through to when the funeral ends. And this funeral director talked everything over with me
