Testimonials
"Thelma is one of those very good funeral celebrants who can deliver a genuine and appropriate funeral service for the grieving family. I have observed that she not only takes into consideration the circumstances of the person's death, but also the family's grief and trauma they may be experiencing. Thelma's great communication and liaising skills with funeral directors is a most pleasing quality which makes her one of the best to work alongside and makes our work so much easier."
Graeme Rodgers Funeral Director, Faithfull Funeral Services, April 2008

"Thank you for the warmth in your voice as you brought the verbal memoirs of Catherine's beautiful life together in the service for her".
Christine Hedge, May 2008

“Just over two years ago my wife, Maggie, was very ill with no further treatment available to her. Although we had never talked about death or dying, one day she said to me that if there might be a funeral at some time, she would like it to be how she wanted it. Maggie and Thelma had worked together for many years in the corporate world in Auckland. They were very fond of each other and held a high mutual respect. Maggie asked me to contact Thelma and ask if she would arrange and put in place a funeral service that Maggie desired. Thelma flew down to Nelson and spent several days with us and talked things through with Maggie. Thelma and I then met Father Pat, the local priest and put the arrangements in place with the distinct understanding that this is what Maggie wanted and wouldn’t be interfered with. From my point of view this meant that when Maggie passed away there was no confusion and everything was in place. Thelma quietly organized friends and family who participated in the service and worked alongside Father Pat to facilitate a smooth farewell to Maggie and a celebration of her life. Thelma has an open and caring understanding of people and their circumstance and we were very pleased to have her with us at this time.”
Alex Maxwell, January 2008

“I write to recommend Thelma French as a funeral celebrant. We had the honour to have Thelma conduct the service for our beloved mother’s funeral in 2000. Death of a loved one is a traumatic experience, but with Thelma’s gentle, caring guidance and professional manner it was made so much more bearable. Thelma took time with the family to ascertain our wishes – guiding us through the entire service with an ease the writer has never experienced with funeral arrangements prior or since. As a family, we completely and universally recommend Thelma as an exceptional funeral celebrant. In fact we have a special name for her: “our earthly angel” who was sent to support us in our time of need. I would be happy to provide a verbal reference if required.”
Christina Fairhurst, January 2008