Eulogy writing
Creating a eulogy for yourself or others
I wrote the eulogy for my mother Betty Jane ...
...and the officiating minister said it was one of the best she'd ever read.
She asked if I would give her a copy and I did, because Mom had attended her church for many years, it was her spritual home, and she was a much-loved parishioner.
The minister may've said Mom's eulogy was the best she'd ever heard but then I had the best material to work with. My mother was graceful, respectful, kind and generous with a sense of fun and humour that could be so subtle you'd miss it if you weren't listening.
She raised three children, loved people, jazz, gospel music, and a good margarita, and was an accomplished pianist. She bore the gentle grace and manners of her Southern heritage (she was born in the American South) in everything she did in life ... and her death was one of the most grievous times I've ever experienced in my own life.
I know how hard it can be ...
The depth and darkness of grief can be overwhelming after a death. I was paralysed by grief when Mom died, and even now, I don't know how I managed to function at all in those first few days, let alone write a eulogy for her and stand up in church to deliver it, but I did, and we do.
There is so much to attend to after a family member, partner or friend dies and, if you are tasked with the eulogy, it's understandable that you may feel overwhelmed by this responsibility.
Would it help if I wrote this for you, so you can read a well-written, accurate and thoughtful eulogy at the service, memorial, or celebration of life of your person?
Writing a eulogy for yourself ...
... and it's not as morbid as it sounds!
Writing your eulogy before you die means you can tell us about your life in words that echo your own voice and truth, rather than someone giving it their 'best guess', or misrepresenting you, or forgetting to mention that yes! You actually did climb part-way up Mt Everest in your youth!
Having your eulogy written before you die can ease the burden on the ones you leave behind, and offer those attending your service, memorial or celebration, a unique and valuable opportunity to hear your 'voice' and your words, for the last time.
Let me help ...
Writing about life is my speciality, and guiding others through their own stories is my talent.
I see this work as a privilege and treat each narrative with care and understanding because every life is a unique blend of experiences, people, and places.
And we only get one life, and within it lie the stories of achievements, challenges, joys, sorrows, and adventures that bring meaning and colour to our journeys. It's true to say we’ve all stumbled, but there is also much to honour, respect, and appreciate. A well-crafted eulogy reflects this balance perfectly.
What I can do for you ...
If you require a eulogy for a loved one, or for yourself, the process is the same:
Contact me using the form opposite and I will respond within four hours.
I will arrange a phone or Zoom call so we can talk through your needs.
If I am the right person for you, I will ask you to gather some information (birth dates, memorable events, milestones, etc) that can be used in the eulogy.
I will arrange a convenient time to conduct a 1.5 - 2.0 hour interview (phone or Zoom) so I may learn about your person who has died, or about you if the eulogy is for you.
If the need is urgent, I will spend 3-4 hours immediately writing the eulogy. If the eulogy is for you, I will produce it at a time agreed with you.
I will send a draft eulogy for your review and accuracy check, make any changes, and send you a final copy.
The cost of this service as outlined above is $659NZD. If extra time is needed to complete the eulogy, this will be charged at an hourly rate in consultation with you.