The death of a loved one is always a difficult time.
When it happens in a country whose customs and regulations you may be less familiar with, it can be a daunting prospect.
I support international families throughout German-speaking Switzerland.
Your funeral will be in safe hands and you will have the peace you need to grieve.
The funerals I lead are conducted in the English language but also embedded in the thinking and cultural traditions of English-speaking countries. For families who are expecting German speakers to attend, whether they be family or friends, I am very happy to include explanations and elements like poems in High German or Swiss German, or to conduct an entirely bilingual ceremony.
I can also help you with detailed information about procedures following a death in Switzerland and the various formalities involved. I speak fluent High German and Swiss German and have in-depth knowledge of death procedures and funerals in German-speaking Switzerland. I can inform you about the options here in Switzerland and support you in your dealings with the authorities and other professionals.
On this website, you will find plenty of information on topics of particular interest to international families, such as death procedures in Switzerland (“Dying in Switzerland is different”), repatriation of coffins or urns (“Flying coffins home”) or end-of-life planning (“Enjoy life! Your funeral is sorted”).
I conduct personalised funeral ceremonies independent of any religious affiliation. When creating a funeral, I am guided entirely by your wishes. Together we discuss the ideas and preferences your loved one expressed before their death, as well as the wishes of bereaved family members. You can choose the music, readings and poems yourself, or you can make selections from my large collection of music and texts. Although the ceremony is non-religious, you are free to include hymns, readings or prayers with religious elements.
I record your memories of the treasured person you have lost and use them to create a funeral tribute which I will deliver at the ceremony. If they wish to, family members or good friends may also contribute.
Together we create an individual, fitting and compassionate service to celebrate the life of your loved one.
When the day of the funeral arrives, I will be responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly so that grieving friends and family members are free of organisational concerns. In the protected space of the funeral ceremony, those present can relive the memories of a unique life. In the community of friends and family of the person who has departed, you will know that your sorrow is shared by many of those around you.
What is a funeral celebrant?
A funeral celebrant is someone qualified to host and officiate funeral services. As well as conducting the funeral itself, celebrants are involved in planning the order of service, music, writing the tribute and creating a meaningful service for the person who has died. Celebrants generally aim to create services that celebrate a person’s life, as well as providing an opportunity to say goodbye.
Civil celebrants are flexible in their approach and can conduct semi-religious, non-religious or spiritual funerals. Religious poems, readings, music and prayers can be included if requested. Celebrants conduct funerals in non-denominational locations including crematorium and cemetery chapels, natural burial places like woodlands or on a lake, or rented meeting venues.