Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.
— David Searles
What is a Funeral Celebrant?
– a non-clergy professional providing an alternative to traditional funeral services.
– more than just an officiant.
– will, from the very first meeting until the final farewell, guide and companion the family in a collaborative process to honor the decedent.
– a story teller who will work to discover the essence of an individual in order to craft a highly-customized service that defines and celebrates his or her legacy of a life lived –no matter how simple or complex.
– a ceremony diviner who understands ritual and the importance to bear witness and give meaning to life milestones and transitions.
– can collaborate with other professionals including clergy.
– literally stands to the side because the focus is on the individual being celebrated and not on the celebrant’s person or beliefs.
–creates an end-of-life ceremony in order to hold sacred space for the family to say farewell in exactly the way they need to.
Services
“Nicole was a pleasure to work with. She captured our father’s multifaceted personality and we will remember him well. A meaningful farewell for all.” — L. Brown
“Nicole was a pleasure to work with. She captured our father’s multifaceted personality and we will remember him well. A meaningful farewell for all.” — L. Brown
"Thank you so much for all you did for our family. You made things easier for us. Your compassion and sensitivity to our wishes was very much appreciated. We are grateful you were here for us." - Larry Kreider Family
"Thank you so much for all you did for our family. You made things easier for us. Your compassion and sensitivity to our wishes was very much appreciated. We are grateful you were here for us." - Larry Kreider Family
“Good to give people moments to collect themselves and come into this sacred time and the poetic words that follow. Nothing like this moment will ever happen again for [him].” - D. Gansauer
“Good to give people moments to collect themselves and come into this sacred time and the poetic words that follow. Nothing like this moment will ever happen again for [him].” - D. Gansauer
Photo courtesy of Circle of Life Photography
“My calling is to discover and honor the uniqueness in each life that comes to my care.”
— Nicole Hart
Ever since a young girl, I have been interested in the end-of-life space in a person’s journey. My calling to do this work transcends any known religion. Life is a cycle and death is a natural part of that. Just as birth is a doorway, I support that death is too. Every life, regardless of religious and/or spiritual stance, lived on this earth is part of a precious path. A life passing out of the physical form is part of the journey to be acknowledged and celebrated.
I love to learn about an individual’s earthly walk and enthusiastically take up the pen to write one’s story. I believe in the transcendent power of ritual and ceremony where it is desired: before, during and/or after death. Death, though very difficult in tragic situations, need not be repelled and hidden but embraced as the spirit’s natural transition. Being an independent funeral Celebrant, I serve individuals and families that want a companion to walk with them through putting together the most meaningful farewell possible in celebration of a life lived –no matter how fleeting or enduring.
I have a Bachelor of Fine Art from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a subsequent career spanning 25 years as a professional graphic designer for a large advertising corporation. In addition to my Life-Cycle Celebrant® certification specializing in Funeral, I currently study under Dr. Sarah Kerr, founder of The Centre for Sacred Deathcare and Michelle Saya, astrologer and energetics guide.
Additionally, I am a painter and enjoy showing a couple times during the year. I often express the gritty nature of life-cycles and the divine transcendence through the death process. Being an artist, my approach to crafting an end-of-life ceremony bears a creativity that is derived from my sensitive soul.
I volunteer locally for Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a global organization, The Labyrinth Society.
Providing you with a safe space to plan.
Your family’s comfort level during grief is of utmost importance. The family meeting to learn about your loved one can take place in your home, funeral home or public setting. If desired, a phone call or an online meeting are alternative options.
The Art of Life in Death
Thoughts | Information | Inspiration
In life there is death and in death there is life. You see, one is just the doorway to the other.
Approached in this way –there is tremendous grace.
Serving the following areas:
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania | USA
Please inquire about surrounding areas including Hershey, York, Harrisburg, Reading, Allentown, Philadelphia, Baltimore & more.
Questions are
always welcome.
It is our mission to serve and embrace people from all walks of life by offering a gold-standard study program that educates and trains people to become a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®.
It matters greatly not only that we birth and die but how we birth
and die..
— Ronald L. Grimes