Funeral ceremonies
A personal, heartfelt ceremony at a crematorium, graveside or natural burial ground - shaped entirely around your family’s wishes, beliefs and pace.
Michele Baxter
Life Notes Celebrants
Celebrating life, one story at a time
A funeral should tell the story of the person you loved. I’m here to help you tell it - gently, personally, and in your own words.
Michele Baxter
About
Hello, I’m Michele
I’m an independent funeral celebrant living and working on the Kent coast. When someone you love passes away, the days that follow can feel overwhelming, and my role is to help you move from these initial stages of shock and grief through to planning the farewell. It’s the moment family and friends come together to remember, to grieve, and to give thanks for a life.
My role is to listen. Over an unhurried conversation, and usually with a cup of tea, I’ll help you gather the stories, music and memories that made your person who they were, and weave them into a ceremony that truly sounds like them. Traditional or contemporary, with hymns or with their favourite songs, religious in places or not at all - it’s entirely your choice.
You’ll never be rushed, and nothing is said on the day that you haven’t read and approved first. It’s your story. I’m simply here to help you tell it well.
Ceremonies
However you’d like to say goodbye
Every ceremony I lead is unique - there are no templates, and no two are ever the same.
Celebration of life
A gathering held wherever and whenever feels right - and sometimes can be weeks after a private farewell - to share stories, music, laughter and love in their honour.
Memorials & ash scatterings
The right words for quieter moments: scattering ashes somewhere they loved, dedicating a bench or a tree, or marking an anniversary together.
How it works
Four gentle steps
From our first hello to the ceremony itself, you’ll always know what happens next - and you’ll never face any of it alone.
First conversation
We begin with an informal chat, by phone, or using Zoom or video call to introduce myself. From that call, if you’re happy for me to be your celebrant, we will make a date to meet up with yourself and any family or friends who you wish to be with you.
- At your pace
Gathering the story
I’ll spend time with you and your family, listening to the memories, music and moments that made your loved one who they were. We can discuss if anyone wants to also give the eulogy and perhaps a poem or reading.
Writing the ceremony
I’ll craft the ceremony and send you the complete draft. Nothing is read on the day that your family hasn’t seen and approved. As with all services, my role is also to ensure that the service is delivered in the time allocated to you and your family.
- Calm and unhurried
The day itself
I’ll arrive early, liaise with your funeral director, and lead the ceremony warmly and calmly - so you can simply be with the people you love.
Where I work
Serving the Kent coast
I’m based in the seaside town of Hythe, and travel across the South Kent coast and beyond. If you’re nearby but don’t see your town here, do still get in touch.
- New Romney
- Dymchurch
- Hythe
- Folkestone
- Dover
- Canterbury
- Isle of Thanet
- and surrounding villages
Contact
Whenever you’re ready
There’s no such thing as too early or too late to get in touch. Send me an email - whichever time of day - and I’ll aim to come back to you the same day or within 24 hours.
If I’m with a family when you write, please bear with me and I’ll reply as soon as I can.