SYLVIA MARINA – funeral celebrant, speaker, author, grief and trauma specialist. Officiating at funerals through many years it is my privilege to assist families and individuals from all walks of life, with the funeral service.

  • Skilled to negotiate difficult conversations.

  • Competent in grief support, children, young adults, partners, bereaved.

  • Respectful of generations, cultures, multi-cultures, faith, religion, non-religion.

  • Helpful ideas on what to include in the eulogy(s).

  • A listener when you feel unheard, and when life feels complicated.

RESPECTFULLY

An end-of-life ceremony does not resolve the loss a family experiences, it does offer an opportunity to honour your loved one and the significance of their life in a way that is relevant and meaningful.

GRACEFULLY

I believe we all leave a heart print wherever we go, making a difference in the lives of those around us in our own unique way. That's why funerals should be a personal and meaningful experience, truly celebrating the life that was lived.

SPECIFICALLY

Remembering all of the joy, struggles and triumphs; filled with individuality and the special moments and things that reflect the personality of the one being remembered.

TENDERLY

“When you walk amongst the trees today, splash in the stream, roll on the sand as the ocean waves roll in, watch the night sky, the rising sun, the falling rain, the clouds the beautiful earth home... I am there and you are there, but me you cannot see. Listen and you will hear me as again we pray together, meditate, sing and laugh. Thank you for my time with you...you taught me how to be.” Cushla Lovejoy 09.01.1963 – 14.09.2020

PRESENCE

“As a funeral celebrant, Sylvia brings with her a compassion and a presence that touches the hearts of those that need it the most in their time of remembrance and grieving.  She has the gift of being able to make it okay to be vulnerable in grief and at the same time supports you to do what must be done.  At times she is very visible and at other times discreet. This, to me, is a mark of a celebrant who can truly gauge the needs of the immediate family, the friends and other mourners.”  Sahaja Springer

HONOURING

“If you want a funeral service to go exceptionally well, to be heartfelt and memorable, you want Sylvia Marina as a Funeral Celebrant.

Her lifetime of invaluable experience engaging with people and her professionalism as a master of ceremonies is brilliant. Her calm presence allows for smooth running and a deeply compassionate ceremony. She listens carefully to the needs of the family and honours their intent and wishes for the service. She is sensitive to nuances and across all intricate details. She has a wealth of experience in organisation as well as a great sense of place and appropriateness.

Rest assured that funeral celebrant Sylvia Marina will do a fantastic job.” Margaret Bryant

COMPASSION

“On the unexpected death of my son-in-law we asked Sylvia Marina to officiate at Justin’s funeral. She came and spoke to my daughter and myself and also to Justin’s mother to get a picture of Justin and to ascertain what we wished to have in the ceremony.

She facilitated to incorporate what Karen wanted at the service and to ensure that Justin’s mother’s wishes were adhered to for the graveside. Sylvia dealt with everyone including young children, with compassion and conducted the two ceremonies with professionalism and caring.

Again, I was privileged to work with Sylvia when I gave a short eulogy for a good friend. Sylvia conducted herself with compassion and professionalism. I do wish I had known Sylvia 17 years ago when my husband died as I would have engaged her to conduct the funeral instead of the person I had.

I have no hesitation in recommending Sylvia to anyone who requires a celebrant to conduct a funeral.”
Linda M Blackshaw

THOUGHTFUL

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin, unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”
Emily Dickinson

APPRECIATION

“Dear Sylvia,
I want to acknowledge the grace and beauty you brought to Cushla's memorial.
I can think of no one better able to convey her being and essence than you. It was a beautiful and moving service. I am so grateful for everyone's efforts to provide it Livestream.
I felt such a connection with so many there and beyond grateful to have been able to visit Cushla in 2017 and again last year.
I will miss her greatly. Namaste,”

Linda Andrews. USA