As a full time, professional Funeral Celebrant in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Rachael Angus believes that her work is more than just a job, it’s a calling.
Having officiated over 1500 services in the past decade, she is in demand for creating highly personalised ceremonies.
Rachael is also a Funeral Celebrant Trainer and End-of-Life Coach.
Rachael, How did you became a Funeral Celebrant?
After 20+ years working in Human Resources, Work Place Training and Counselling, my life was changed for ever in 2016 after being asked to officiate at a funeral for the first time (having been a Civil Marriage Celebrant since 2010).
That first funeral was a life changing experience, leading me to cease working in my corporate career 3 months later, and going on to start my own business as a professional, full-time Funeral Celebrant.
Why do you like working with Tomorrow?
The funerals and memorials I officiate can be as informal or as elaborate as a family wants… from a simple 30 minute service in a cemetery chapel, to a beach or private venue memorial for hundreds that can incorporate the scattering of ashes, live music, visual tributes and multiple speakers… and everything in between.
I pride myself on truly partnering with the Next of Kin and being able to deliver exactly what a family wishes for their loved’ ones farewell.
I think this works in very well with the ‘Tomorrow Funerals’ model.
What’s the strangest question anyone has ever asked you
about working in the death industry?
So, do you have to see dead people at work ?
What special skills do you have that make you a good funeral celebrant?
Along with my decades of public speaking and counselling experience, I am also a Diploma qualified Grief and Bereavement Counsellor. This truly means I am fully quipped to assist families and individuals who are experiencing complex grief and other emotions at a very difficult time.
What advice would you give to a family who needs to organise a funeral?
To take their time and speak to at least 2 or 3 funeral homes before making a decision about who will care for their loved one.
What’s one thing you wish every family knew?
That they all have the right to choose the funeral home AND their own celebrant to officiate, (that they do not have to accept the one the funeral home chooses for them).
What do you get out of being a funeral celebrant? Why do you do it?
Even now, after officiating at over 1500 funerals and memorials – I still wake every morning inspired to deliver the best possible service to my client families as they farewell a loved one ‘Their Way’.
At each and every service, I feel the same sense of responsibility, care and honour that I did on my very first day working as a Funeral Celebrant – and for me that is a ‘priceless feeling’ and such a privilege.
Which funeral are you most proud of? Why?
I am proud of each and every single service I have officiated because I know that each and every time I have given my all to the family and the service.
Have you planned your own funeral?
Yes! I will be dressed head to toe in my favourite designer “Camilla” – think lots of bright colours and sparkles!
My service will be held at a private venue where mourners will be asked to wear bright colours and served champagne throughout!
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