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What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Wake?

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Personal Farewells

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A funeral wake is simply a gathering of mourners before or after the funeral service, or sometimes, in place of it.

Continue reading “What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Wake?”

How Funeral Services Heal the Living

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Personal Farewells

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A funeral service, at its most basic, is a way for people to say their final goodbyes to their loved one; however, it’s much more than that.

Continue reading “How Funeral Services Heal the Living”

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Personal Farewells - Funeral Home, Funeral Directors & Funerals Servicing Sutherland Shire & Wollongong

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sue sommerville

1701248942

We are so grateful that we chose Personal Farewells which is local and family run. Stephanie has been amazing, professional, kind, compassionate and so so helpful.We cannot speak more highly of the personal and special service provided by Stephanie and Personal Farewells and highly recommend them.Thank you Stephanie!

Allan Ismay

1701143209

We are very happy to send this review, along with our sincere thanks to Stephanie and her colleagues at Personal Farewells.Her professionalism and genuine kindness was exceptional, and nothing was missed in preparing for our dear mother's funeral.Every aspect of the ceremony was covered and things were explained clearly to us when we had questions.My family and I would have no hesitation in recommending Personal Farewells to anyone looking to give their loved one a caring and thoughtful farewell.

Isis Khalil

1701102796

It is with deepest appreciation that I write this review for Personal Farwell Funerals. Stephanie Kelly, Farewell Director, ensured everything was organised efficiently and with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that can only be found in a family-run business that places its clients at the center of everything they do. Always courteous and professional, Stephanie took the time to listen and understand what we wanted to express and the atmosphere we wanted to create to honour our loved one, and then caringly guided our thinking so that our wishes were realised. From the moment we met Stephanie we knew she was the best person to entrust with our loved one’s funeral. and she went above and beyond our expectations.I hope this review serves to both thank Stephanie and Personal Farewells for standing beside our family at one of the most difficult times of our lives and provides others the opportunity to benefit from the service and care of this highly professional and independently run family business.

Sandra Reis

1699953828

After the loss of my beautiful Mum I wanted to go with a small family run funeral Directors business .Personal Farewells didn't disappoint, Stephanie took care of what was needed and I could get in contact and ask her anything I needed. In those hard times it's so important . I would recommendPersonal Farewells.🌻

Dean Crabb

1698465225

Our friend referred Stephanie to us after her own father passed away. We were grateful to have Stephanie's help during the difficult time after my mother-in-law's passed. She is a very compassionate, kind and helpful funeral director. She was generous with her time and explained the entire process to us. Her personal touch and care really meant a lot to us. We highly recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking for an excellent funeral director. Thank you so much, Steph!

Kathy Vo

1695383038

Stephanie arranged our Mother's funeral. We couldn't be happier that we chose Stephanie/ Personal Farewells it was one of the best decisions we made in a difficult time. Stephanie was professional and caring, she was genuine and authentic professionally and personally. She made the process easy and comfortable , she is experienced and knowledgeable and responded to us kindly and promptly. She made great suggestions and everyone at the service loved the finishing touches of Personal Farewells eg beautiful visual tribute, lovely quality printed service booklets. Thank you Stephanie for making our Mum's farewell an extra special event.

Joanne Raisa

1695163043

Stephanie was a standout choice for us. From seeing the 5 star reviews we totally understand why she deserves every one. It was such wonderful experience to have contact with the one person from our initial enquiry through to the conclusion of the service. The whole experience was made that much more special by Stephanies caring and gental nature. This is a small business and it was a personal touch. We could not offer any area for improvement because it was just perfect! Could not fault one thing. Thank you Stephanie. x

Michele Goltsman

1693461566

Our family was very happy with the attention to detail and honest sincerity that Stephanie showed us in planning for our Mum's funeral, while we were still in a state of shock at her passing. Everyone said after the funeral it was a beautiful ceremony, and we feel we gave her the best possible goodbye 'until we meet again'. Stephanie is a wonderful person for whom nothing is too much trouble. Personal Farewells is highly recommended.

Kathryn Lai

1693440158

Stephanie from Personal Farewells led us through the process gently & expertly, providing a beautiful, simple Memorial Service for our husband & father. Everything was better than I could have wished. I highly recommend both Personal Farewells & their celebrant Jacqueline Dee.

Shayne Beaumont

1693277987

Stephanie is the person you want for your loved ones service. Amazing, calm, kind and compassionate.Stephanie an absolute professional with our planning and was a clam face in a highly emotional time.I can’t recommend her enough. Your loved one is in good hands.

Nicole Hudson

1692257794

I highly recommend Stephanie and Personal farewells .What a beautiful , empathetic angel that guided me through a very sad and stressful time .From my first email to my last call to the most beautiful service with touches of love and magic that have never been offered by others .I choose personal farewells because of their stand out reviews that are so well deserved .Honestly you will not be disappointed with the way and above service , communication, care.I highly recommend the beautiful doves and Stephanie will be there to gently guide you through your sad and difficult time .Thankyou so much for a beautiful farewell for mum 🕊️🤍

jillian morgan

1690174464

Plunged into the unfamiliar territory of organising a funeral service for our father, my sister and I felt immediately at ease after contacting Stefanie. She was extremely professional and empathetic. She gave us excellent guidance and encouraged us to express our wishes with regards to the service and happily encorporated our ideas. With Stefanie's help we had a lovely funeral for our father. Thank you Stefanie and Personal Farewells.

Kim Brooks

1689976503

Gemma Doherty

1689924652

After the sudden passing of my father I was very shaken with grief & left heart broken.Among all the confusion & unsure what to do first, I reached out & made the difficult phone call to Stephanie.From the moment Stephanie answered my call she has been nothing but compassionate, caring and her gentle nature during this extremely stressful time.Once myself & my family had arranged to meet with Stephanie to start planning dads Service it was very clear we had to use personal farewells. We all smiled at each other outside the office and said‘ yes ‘ we have found our lady!Stephanie constantly kept in contact with me along the way, helped me with dads visual slideshow presentation ( which I had no idea how to do) , the order of service Card & organising the flowers and the memorabilia for Dads Memorial table. Everything was stress- free and just went so smoothly. The service was so beautiful, dad would have been really impressed. I cant recommend Stephanie highly enough.Stephanie definitely takes the added pressure away and knows exactly what she is doing.Because personal farewells are family owned and operated with their clear honest pricing we could give dad the send off he so deserves not worrying about financials in a time filled with sadness & grief.From the bottom of my heart Stephanie myself & my family want to Thankyou for your ongoing support before, during and after Dads Service you have been truly amazing. We will reach out to you again in the future x

Veronica Morgan

1689836722

Stephanie was a breath of fresh air at a difficult time. She was understanding, helpful and kind. We didn't know where to start and she guided us smoothly through the entire process. I think the name of her business is perfect - it felt personal, every step of the way. Thank you Stephanie. We're so glad we stumbled across you.

Court P

1681382938

Stephanie was wonderful right from our first meeting.  She was incredibly empathic, professional, and supportive in all aspects of our mum’s funeral. Highly recommend.

Elizabeth La Camera

1678695330

Wonderful and empathetic: first class.Stephanie organised my mother's recent funeral. She immediately made us feel at ease and went out of her way to help us with everything… nothing was too much trouble. Stephanie showed great warmth, empathy and professionalism and thanks to her the funeral was lovely – exactly as Mum would have wanted it.Stephanie truly cares, and it shows. We cannot thank her enough.

Alexandra Poole

1677368400

I recently engaged Stephanie to assist with the funeral arrangements for my father. From our first phone call through to the funeral itself, she was a reassuring guide in this difficult process. Stephanie went out of her way to make things easier for my family in a myriad of different ways and we found her to be caring, professional, hardworking and reliable. Stephanie managed a very tight timeframe extremely well and she and her team were an inobtrusive and supportive presence on the day of the funeral. Everything went exactly to plan and I know that my father would have been so pleased with his final farewell.

Liz Nevin

1676367973

We used Personal Farewells to arrange my Dad’s funeral, which was a beautiful and fitting tribute and a wonderful celebration of his life. I would highly recommend Personal Farewells, as they make this painful process so much easier. Stephanie is an absolute delight, and her team of suppliers were brilliant to work with as they guided and supported us during a very difficult time. They were compassionate, thoughtful and fully transparent with pricing and service.

katrina sue tully

1675145016

It is always a pleasure to see #personal funerals providing the ultimate of attention to detail. Accompanied with the personal service that I have observed.

Bridget Lee

1671542032

I cannot speak highly enough about this company. Stephanie was my first contact. She was so caring and helpful. Nothing requested was too much trouble. Stephanie was so patient and never too busy to answer questions, help with arrangements for our farewell for our father and let us have our final goodbye.I have no hesitation in recommending Personal Farewells. I hope you get to meet Stephanie. She is a very special person.

Kate Anderson

1671415955

We had Stephanie at Personal Farewells recommended to us through a friend of a friend & we are extremely glad that we did. Stephanie was warm, empathetic & supportive throughout the whole funeral planning process & on the day of the service. She was extremely efficient & in constant communication with us. Every one of my (numerous) calls & emails was responded to almost immediately. The funeral service was flawless & was everything we could have hoped for in making it a beautiful celebration of my Mum’s life. Stephanie ensured that an incredibly difficult time was made as easy as it could be in regards to planning & organisation. We will be forever grateful that Stephanie was recommended us & that we used Personal Farewells.

Susan Bonello

1671330131

Stephanie was warm, welcoming and professional throughout the whole process. She was available, helpful and delivered on all agreements. She made a very difficult process that would be hard to navigate at the best of times, achievable. Her presence and assistance reassured us that all would go well and it did.

Lee Yardley

1670818297

I first contacted Personal Farewells after reading their glowing reviews and I liked the fact that they were a family owned independent service who showed their costs upfront.Planning my dear mum’s funeral seemed a bit daunting but after talking to Stephanie I felt calmer and more confident that I could give her the farewell she deserved.On arrival at their premises we were greeted by Stephanie with warmth, compassion and respect, she showed a genuine interest in hearing about my mother’s life.Stephanie helped us create a beautiful service and went out of her way to help my daughter with the slide show when we experienced technical difficulties.On the day of my mother’s funeral Stephanie was a reassuring presence and co-ordinated everything perfectly.We are so happy we chose Personal Farewells.. Thanks again Stephanie and your team.

Simon Pawlak

1669241104

Genuinely difficult to imagine what Stephanie and her team could’ve done better to make the event more special and beautiful than it was. Not an easy time for the family, hence having Steph in your corner, who provides a perfect mix of empathy and compassion, coupled with being a highly effective and seasoned operator is absolutely priceless. Everything you did is much appreciated; thank you!

Sarah Sheldon

1665356599

Personal Farewells were excellent. Stephanie was very helpful in such a stressful time. She had great communication and ideas as we weren't having a traditional funeral. She followed everything right through to the end.

Alison Woods

1664699420

From our first chat Stephanie was amazing. Organising a funeral is never easy and being interstate even more difficult. Stephanie was always responsive, went above and beyond (viewed a venue for me before I hadn’t yet engaged her), met me on a weekend when I flew in and really listened to who my dad was. She helped gently guide me, was respectful and had great ideas on incorporating my dads many quirks! Stephanie also matched me with the perfect celebrant to run the service (Sharon Swinbourne). I am truly thankful for the amazing efforts and take a lot of comfort from that day in June knowing that my dad would have truly loved his own celebration! Thank you again Stephanie 😊

Leigh Davies

1664154611

Stephanie and all of her staff at Personal Farewells were wonderful throughout the entire process for two recent family funerals, we did not have any worries as we new we were in caring hands. They are extremely empathic and well organised, we cannot recommend Personal Farewells more highly.

Stacey Tucker

1664058061

I cannot thank you enough Stephanie for your genuine kindness and help through this difficult time 🤗

Susan Bourne

1664004904

Highly recommend Personal Farewells. Stephanie was wonderful and looked after all our needs when we lost our precious Mum. Can’t thank her and Personal Farewells enough.

John Hamilton

1663809049

Stephanie and her team provided a first-rate farewell for my Mother at the Audley Dance Hall recently. Steph is a pleasure to deal with, kind, compassionate and very thorough, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.

I. Goui.

1660897258

My mother passed away in February, 2022. Personal Farewells did a sterling job in guiding and helping us through everything that had to be done. They also put us in contact with a wonderful celebrant who helped us organise a memorial service.

Marisa B

1660553827

Our dear mother passed away last week and during a very emotional and highly vulnerable period Stephanie and her team were exceptional! She walked us through the entire process. Not only did she come to our house to discuss the arrangements on a Sunday, she handled everything including catering. She was in contact continuously - and on the very rare occasion I had a question she responded very quickly either via email, text or phone.Personal Farewells customer service is second to none. Irrespective what we needed we never ever felt rushed. Mandy’s, Stephanie’s and Corey’s genuineness came through in spades!If I could give a higher rating, I would! Such a lovely, caring, warm, professional and genuinely empathetic team of people. Thank you Stephanie and your entire team, for making a very challenging and highly emotional situation not only manageable but very, very beautiful!!

kathryn thomas

1655204871

Thank you so much Stephanie for making our Mum's funeral last Friday so special. You couldn't be more professional yet still be so caring.Nothing was too much trouble .

Karan Rogers

1652398608

Personal Funerals were amazing. From the first phone call with Stephanie everything went smoothly with my Dad’s funeral. She helped us in every step without being intrusive, she listened and guided us to give the funeral Dad would of wanted. Stephanie put us in touch with a beautiful celebrant Sharon Swanbourne who also listened to us and endless stories about Dad so much I have had many people who were at the funeral or watched it ask if Stephanie or Sharon were family friends as they made it so personal. If I could give 10 stars rating I would. Karan Rogers

Peter Williams

1652308078

Kelly lee Robbins

1652169726

I would like to say a huge thankyou to Personal Farewells after the wonderful send off they provided for my sister last week, Thankyou so much Stephanine you went above & beyong, you and your team were very professional and compassionate.Would highly recommend.

Michael Williams

1652168931

We were completely satisfied with Stephanie and her team from Personal Farewells. Highly recommended and happy to provide further feedback should anyone like to reach out.

kellie challinor

1652154927

What can I say but thankyou so much.Stephanie you're amazing you helped so much when I lost both my husband and my Mum arranging the memorial thankyou Personal Farewells

Drone Chowdry

1652141757

I would on behalf of my family like to extend our sincere thanks to Stephanie and Personal Farewells for the dignified and empathetic manner in which they conducted our father Major General Prem Chowdry's funeral in Sydney in April 2022. It was a difficult time for the family and Stephanie was there holding our hands and guiding us from the start to the final farewell showing sensitivity to the cultural and religious aspects as well as the planning and organisation required for the funeral arrangements. We cannot thanks Stephanie enough for the support and guidance she gave us and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar situation bidding farewell to their loved ones.

Lynne Chapman

1651846350

My family found the support provided by Personal Farewells to be professional, sensitive and really supportive right from my initial enquiry, through to all the organisation required to arrange my relative’s funeral service and then managing all the legal documentation required.Stephanie Kelly, the Funeral Director was very responsive to our request for a home visit and was able to reassure my sister that her wishes for her Funeral Service would be genuinely respected. She was empathic, provided helpful information and answered our questions, no matter how trivial.Stephanie provided considerable support and guidance with such practical issues as organising the slide show, music and even researching the availability of the specifically requested coffin. All information provided re costs was clear and transparent, with no unexpected extras. We found the service provided allayed all our anxieties about having to arrange a funeral that was a fitting, memorable and affordable farewell to my sisterMy sister’s wish for a family run Funeral Service that offered a personalised and compassionate service turned out to be a wise decision.I thank Stephanie for her warmth and extensive support with our family’s farewell for my sister.Lynne Chapman

Liko Pepine

1651326673

It was a phone call with dire news that we received from a selected FD that saw us quickly looking for another Funeral director that would hopefully turn our already stressful situation into one that we had hoped wouldn't be.Stephanie and her team were the epitome of ease, professionalism, compassion and a literal 'always available whenever you need her'. Never too occupied or busy to call back and if we could give her and her team 10 stars we would!. It's the small things that make the difference always making sure my Father's final farewell was not only personal but forever memorable for my family and I. In the chaos of what seemed to be a thousand things to do during my Fathers service Stephanie and her team were there every step of the way..Always in the background always helping where she can. If you're reading this far do yourself a favour and call. You will not regret it! May you also experience a beautiful, memorable and personal farewell for your dear loved ones.

Michele Forrest

1649570091

We cannot express enough how professional and caring Stephanie and her team were in the arrangement of our precious dads funeral. Our beautiful mother passed away 10 months prior to dads passing and we used Personal Farewells then. We found them so amazing with the planning of mums funeral that it was a no brainer to use them again for dads funeral as we were so confident that everything would be just perfect. They guided us through the whole process with so much compassion and understanding, they bent over backwards to accommodate our every wish which we really appreciated at such a difficult time. They are such beautiful ladies inside and out and now friends 💕🙏💕

Brett Lubben

1649296901

I wanted to give a very well-deserved thank you to Stephanie at Personal Farewells. Stephanie was recommended to us by a venue, so we met Stephanie on a Monday and told her due to family constraints we would like to hold the service for my mother on the Friday of that week. Despite the short notice, Stephanie got straight to work and with only 3 days to prepare, the service was well arranged and beautiful. She made it as easy as possible for us (the family) and my mother would have been happy with her send off I'm sure. Happy to recommend Stephanie as a true professional and a kind and sincere person. Thank you Stephanie.

Tina Sisak

1646560390

After speaking with Stephanie the first time I felt comfortable and listened to. She is very caring and a true professional. She helped guide us through this difficult time and was present from beginning to end and then some. I would highly recommend Stephanie and Personal Farewells to anyone needing this service. We appreciate everything you have done for us and could not have asked to be in better hands. Thank you again Stephanie

Raul Gonzales

1643756915

Thank you so much Stephanie from the first conversation we had to the actual service everything was great and it made our grieving process a much smoother one. I would highly recommend using Personal farewells as they really do add that personal touch and make everything easier.

Leanne Haining

1638862640

A special thank you to Kate & Stephanie for their assistance in planning my Dad's funeral. From the very first conversation with Kate, we felt like we were in good hands. Kate was available at all times to assist us, she was kind, thoughtful & also bright & bubbly when we needed to laugh. The service was incredibly special, a beautiful celebration of Dad’s life. We were guided every step of the way, from helping choose a celebrant & the gorgeous flowers, designing the memorial book & ensuring our video presentation was just as we wanted it. I would highly recommend Personal Farewells, Kate and Stephanie were wonderful!

Boris granny flat

1633439924

Very much happy with professional service and help during difficult time. Stephanie did everything possible to support us and solve all our problems. Thank a lot. Boris

Susan Werry

1632311316

After less than optimal experience with another funeral company in recent times, an online search led me to Personal Farewells. Their service was outstanding. Stephanie guided us through the process with sensitivity. Her kindness and professionalism were greatly appreciated and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Gail Gordon

1631758951

I was distraught when faced with the task of organising my mother's funeral in May this year. I didn't know of, or have experience with funeral directors. I telephoned several 😔. I was lucky to reach Kate and the rest is happy history. We were compassionately guided throughout the whole process. We met with Kate and her kind, calming, reassuring manner shone throughout the planning of the cremation and the final arrangements.She suggested we might think of alternative venues for the service and wake as we are a very large family and there were Covid restrictions in place. A wonderful decision was made to have the entire service and wake at the beautiful Audley Dancehall - something we had never dreamed was possible. Everything was perfect. Our family felt a beautiful serenity through such a harrowing time.Nothing we could say could truly reflect the admiration and appreciation we have for Kate and Stephanie who both helped us through our saddest days.Thank you with all our hearts❤️❤️

Month: July 2021

What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Wake?

How Funeral Services Heal the Living

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