Services

Funerals

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Let’s be honest—no one really wants to plan a funeral. But when the time comes, it matters that we say goodbye in a way that truly reflects the person we’ve lost. Whether it’s something simple and understated or a full celebration of life, I’m here to help you create a ceremony that feels right.

Families often tell me how much it means to have a service that truly captures their loved one’s essence. The empathy, dignity, and warmth I bring to each ceremony help make an incredibly difficult time just that little bit easier. My role is to listen, to understand, and to craft a farewell that honours the life they lived in a way that feels personal and meaningful to you.

Unique

I don’t do “one-size-fits-all” funerals. Every life is unique, and every goodbye should be too. Whether you want something religious, non-religious, spiritual, or a blend of all three, I’ll work with you to make sure the ceremony reflects what matters most.

Hands-On

I’m known for being hands-on (and often running around before the service in my colourful baffies/slippers making sure everything is just so). But don’t worry—I always have my proper shoes nearby when it’s time to begin!
Cate Reid Ceremonies - Candles

Celebration of Life Service

A funeral service can be as structured or as free flowing as you like, but here’s an idea of what might be included in a Celebration of Life:
  • Gathering – a piece of music can be played when family and friends enter the crematorium
  • Entrance – a piece of music can be played when your loved one is brought into the crematorium.
  • Opening words – A warm welcome as we unite in love and friendship.
  • Eulogy – this is usually information relating to their essence, character and personality) and how they impacted on the lives of others (with 2/3 anecdotal stories).
  • Tribute – would anyone like to come forward and say words in tribute to your loved one?
  • Reflection – a piece of music will be played, and I would encourage everyone to sit in quiet reflection and remember memories of your loved on.
  • Committal/Final Farewell – this is the most emotive part of the service. You can have a piece of music playing in the background during this time if you wish.
  • Reading, Poem, or a Prayer – you can select any of these and I can read it, or a family/friend can read it.
  • Closing words – I would thank everyone for coming, thanks for kindness and support received and any special thanks, charity donations, welcome back to xxx to share your own memories of your loved one.
  • Retiral – a piece of music can be played when everyone is leaving the crematorium.
Cate Reid Ceremonies - Gift ceremony

Planning Your Wishes – Living Eulogy

More and more people are choosing to plan their own farewell—picking their music, poems, readings, or even writing their own eulogy. It’s a way of taking the pressure off loved ones and making sure your send-off is just right. If that sounds like something for you, I’d be honoured to help put those plans in place.

So, whether you’re arranging a funeral now or thinking ahead, I’m here to chat. Give me a call, drop me an email, or click here to set up a no-obligation video meeting. Let’s make sure the goodbye feels as personal as the life it honours.

Information & Downloads

Funeral & Eulogy Planning

Testimonials

What They Say

… a big thank you for your comforting service yesterday. I’m sure Kathy would have been highly delighted at how her funeral went. Thank you for the lovely beautiful service!
Liz and Henry
Thank you so much for a lovely service for my Auntie Anne. Your words were chosen and spoken perfectly and you gave us some comfort at a time we all needed it most. You put a personal touch into the service: you’re amazing so thanks to you once again!
Sarah
Thank you, Cate, you expressed Pauline in the best possible way today everyone left with one more memory of her and she would have loved that.
Catherine
Thank you for allowing me my time to grieve, thank you for catching the essence of my dear friend Anne, you let her be with us to say goodbye. I cannot tell you how important your service was to us all. You are a special woman… Your ability to catch the essence of Anne was amazing and the whole service reflected that. Again, thank you so much.
Pat
Ramsay and I would like to thank you for the beautiful service – you did our Jimmy really, proud.
Connie and Ramsay
Dear Cate,

Thank you so much for delivering a beautiful service for my husband David H.R on 8th May 2025.

Everything was perfect from start to finish and I know David would have appreciated everything you did to make it special for him and everyone who loved him.

Sincerely Michelle R.
Michelle R
I first met Cate when she came to visit our family in June 2023 following the premature death of my young cousin. Cate had such a warm and friendly presence about her and we were all soon much at ease as we recalled memories as a family.

I left feeling I had really been respected, treated with gentle care and guidance and most importantly, listened to and understood.

On the day of the funeral Cate was the ultimate professional who skilfully worked each element of the service seamlessly and with such writing that it truly felt like she herself had known my loved one.

Cate was so warm and welcoming and having already met during planning, her down to earth and humorous and uplifting deliverance left me feeling very differently to prior funerals. I truly felt my loved one had been honoured and her life celebrated whilst also finding the formal closure the start of the healing process.
Pauline
Good morning Cate,

Once again I would like to thank you for delivering the best tribute to my beautiful husband Scott, you did him proud.

The amount of folks that said you got every bit of him to a tee was amazing, we will definitely be using your services again. You were like one of our own family, who can sell a story. To be able to capture the essence of someone you never met is a true gift, I’m glad Fife Funeral Service pointed you in my direction.

Until we meet again, Sonia.
Sonia

Kindness

Kindness shapes how I listen, how I speak, and how I show up for the people I work with.

Integrity

I do what I say I will, and I hold true to my word — with honesty at the heart of everything I offer.

Humility

I don't pretend to have all the answers — I'm here to walk alongside you, not ahead of you.

Authenticity

What you see is what you get. I bring my full, real self to this work, and I invite you to do the same.

I'd love to hear from you

Whether you’re full of ideas or just starting to think things through, or if you just want to check my availability and costs — I’d love to hear from you!

Just drop me an email, send me a WhatsApp or text, or fill out the contact form — whatever’s easiest and there’s no obligation to book.

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