Few experiences surpass the power of ceremony.

Honouring loss while capturing the essence of life creates a powerful mix of emotions that can provide lasting comfort to all in attendance.  There are no rules to creating a meaningful funeral or memorial service.  Your tribute to your loved one should be exactly that - your tribute. 

Celebrants are ceremony specialists who have a sound background in the history of ritual, ceremony and funeral traditions in many cultures and religions.  Wanting to do more for families who are struggling with the loss of a loved one, Linda Stuart has been drawn to this work by a strong realization that every life has a meaning and deserves to be celebrated - and celebrated well. 

A Celebrant funeral honors death and celebrates life by creating a ceremony that reflects the wishes, beliefs, cultural background and values of yourself, your loved one and your family.  Nothing is imposed on you, giving you complete choice of and final approval of the ceremony.   In order to craft a beautiful and deeply moving service, Linda spends hours researching, writing and learning about your loved one in unhurried meetings with designated family and friends.

Linda’s ceremonies are unique with a modern flair, filled with love and humour.  A skilled listener, speaker, and storyteller, Linda will work with you to create a rich and personal ceremony with music, quotes, readings, unique symbols and rituals that reflects your beliefs and wishes.    A graduate of highly esteemed Celebrant Foundation and Institute, Linda has completed hundreds of hours of formal training in the areas of rites of passage, ceremony history, rituals, symbolism and traditions and specializes in end of life ceremonies.

If you would like more information or assistance in planning for your own funeral ceremony or you have lost a loved one and desire a highly personalized and loving tribute, please contact Linda.

Thank You and Testimonials

"I want to personally thank you for an unforgettable service and remembrance.  You captured the essence of ML's life in a stunningly beautiful way.  The execution of the event was impeccable and the service was filled with love and a great deal of humour.   I have never laughed and applauded at a funeral service and this is what was so special about the service you planned so well.  The combination of huge laughs and bouts of gentle crying gave us an exhilarating feeling that lasted the rest of the day.  Such a delightful change from assembly line funerals with dreary organ music playing in the background.  How many people do you know that actually liked and enjoyed the past funerals they have been to - or even remember them?  That is why the unique service you provided should be a template for many funerals and end of life celebrations.    I know this may sound weird, but it was the best funeral I have ever been to and I plan to model mine after it!  So, Linda, thank you again for providing a wonderful closure to a wonderful life.  I wish you well in your new venture.  It is a wanted and needed service that nobody else provides."
-Ian Wahn
TVOntario-Ret. and board member of the TVO PrimeTimers

"Linda exudes sincerity and has a beautiful poise about her.  She radiates a quiet and calm authority with an air of humility and approachability, enabling her to connect with her audience.   Her interpretation of both prose and poetry are very clear, reflective and moving and is able to present in a way that the audience may hear, register meaning and reflect upon what has been said, while still engaging so that the audience feels compelled to continue on the journey.  With evident respect for those around her and the circumstances surrounding funeral ceremonies, I know she will compassionately care for the families she serves as a celebrant."
- Cassandra Bourne
Executive Director, Arts Integra Centre for Music and Arts

"Words cannot capture my heartfelt thanks.  You were amazing, both today and all week.  Several people mentioned that this was the best memorial they had ever been to.  We have done my mother proud and I have a great sense of peace that we achieved this for her."
- Robinson Kelly

"My wife Nita and I were at funeral for a very dear friend of ours, Al Davis.  Quite frankly we have never attended a funeral that was so different, in that it took away a lot of the emotional strain that one usually associates with these sombre & tearful affairs.  This wasn't done without emotion and respect, but as Alan wished, was full of laughter, applause and great and humorous tributes to a very well respected and loved individual.  We both credit this to the spectacular job in organization performed by Linda Stuart in arranging this entire celebration funeral.  Thank you Linda for providing a tremendous tribute to Al and giving us a working model of what we would like to use when our time comes."
- Ian & Nita Sirett

"In 2006, Linda delivered a wonderful memorial and tribute to my father, Gary Wright, at a Charity Gala attended by over 1,000 people.  I was born with cerebral palsy, and when I was three years old,  my Dad created a charitable organization that sends physically disabled children to Easter Seals camps across Canada called Friends of We Care.  My Dad died in 1987 when my brother and I were only seven years old.  Linda, having never met him, took it upon herself to acknowledge my Dad and his dream of one day presenting Easter Seals with a cheque for $1 million.  It was thoughtful, compassionate, and thinking about it now brings a tear to my eye.  Linda spoke not only about his professional attributes, but more importantly she told the audience about my Dad as a person and his relationship with his family.  We have a video of the evening and it is something that I can't wait to show my own children to help explain what a remarkable person my Dad was.  Linda was able to tell his story, and due to her own son, Jamieson, she was able to relate it to her own life.  It was a truly remarkable and selfless act, that I will always be grateful for."
-Cory Wright

"Thank you so much for agreeing to say the Grace and a Toast to the Queen at this year’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Niagara Falls this past October.   It was truly wonderful how you were able to assemble the most thoughtful and meaningful words appropriate for a mealtime grace yet inclusive of a pause to acknowledge gently and genuinely those that we have recently lost.  Unquestionably, your words were meaningful to all in attendance and very much appreciated."
-Anita Mazzara
OACFP Conference Chairperson & Director OACFP