Sample Celebration of Life (written to honor my friend)

We  gather here today to celebrate life of ______. To give thanks for ______’s life and the experiences that we shared - and to remember her although our physical time together on earth is over.

The varied faiths of the World speak of another life after death. We do not know with certainty what that is but we can hold on to the hope, the belief or the knowledge of peace, rest, fulfillment and of people being reunited in love. 

We do know that while WE are here in this earthly life that our loved ones live on in our memories and are always in our hearts.  

For ______, the journey is beginning, but for us, we feel a loss.  Memories can help to fill that loss.  Every one of us here has had our life touched - perhaps in the tiniest way, or perhaps totally transformed - by _______’s existence.

Take a moment to look around and notice the beauty you see in this celebration. It’s exactly the setting that ______would have created for a gathering and celebration. Vibrant colors, the beautiful scent of flowers, beauty, and of course food. All examples of the quintessential hostess._____was.  She took joy in entertaining and creating an environment where everyone felt beautiful and appreciated. 

Pay special attention to the flowers you see.  Floriography or the language of flowers originated in the Victorian era. Each flower has a spiritual meaning.  

Today you see (describe flowers and meanings) all a tribute to __________’s loving spirit, gentleness and generosity.

       The italicized section below could also be written a a guided meditation

I invite you all to take a moment now to reflect on the ways in which (name) made an impact on you. Ways she touched your life, brightened your day, helped you in some way.  Hold that in your heart and mind. 

        (wait a minute or two)  

Now think of a word or two to best express_________’s spirit, the way in which she lived their life, a way in which she touched yours. You will need those words in just a second.

       (wait a minute or two) 

I first met _______at a spiritual women’s group. It was a candle lit group, with each member having their own votive candle in a holder they had selected.  All of the candles were lit at each meeting, so that even if a person was unable to make it, their presence was recognized and felt.  Their inner light was there.

We will create a similar experience today. On your table, you will see votive candle(s). Each candle represents ________ 

In a moment, someone at each table will light the candles as you share aloud the words you thought of to express ________’s spirit.  There may be some repetition in the chosen words and that’s fine.  It’s an additional confirmation and acknowledgment of her beautiful soul and exactly how _______loved us all .

Please light the candles and share your words now.

      (wait for completion) 

Take a moment now to look around the room and notice the the positivity you see and feel- that’s the difference _______ made in the lives of others. Her light and her beauty is still here,  And that’s what we all carry with us in our hearts and memories.

___________(relationship) and __________(relationship) will be sharing with us today and then the floor will be open to anyone wishing to share memories. 

First to speak will be her_______(relationship and name) 
(speaks)

Thank you __________________

Next will be her________(relationship and name)
(speaks)

Thank you __________________

Now the floor is open to anyone wishing to share. You are welcome to step forward to speak or you can share from your seat.
(speakers)

Thank you everyone. If you were too shy to speak in front of the group, please share your memories with each other and take a moment to share with her family.  For it is in our memories that _________ lives on and if we share the memories she continues to touch others. 

"I invite you now to join in a litany of memory for ____________, Please respond to each line that I read by saying, 'We remember you."

In the rising of the sun and in its going down.
    "We remember you."
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter.
     "We remember you."
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring.
    "We remember you."
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer.
    "We remember you."
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn.
   "We remember you."
In the beginning of the year and when it ends.
   "We remember you."
When we are weary and in need of strength.
   "We remember you."
When we are lost and sick at heart.
   "We remember you."
When we have joys we yearn to share.
    "We remember you."

So long as we live, _____ too shall live, for she is a part of all who have known her. ” Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

May you go forward today with a brilliant flickering of light in your soul that brings you comfort and peace. May the words, touch and presence of others bring you hope. May you touch other’s lives with kindness and love, the way_________did. 

And may you be blessed and grateful for a life well lived and a legacy left behind.

That concludes the formal part of this Celebration of Life.  _________’s  family extends their warmest invitation to you all to join them for some refreshment, fellowship and memories. Thank you.

(Add any instructions -ie. if people are to take votives or flowers etc)