My name is Mary Hopes, an experienced, professionally trained and accredited civil funeral celebrant. I create and deliver high quality, personal funeral and memorial services, as well as ceremonies for the scattering of ashes. 

I’ve been based in Hampshire since 2012 but regularly travel to adjoining counties - and will gladly travel further afield on request.

I assist you to build the services YOU want.

Upon completion of my training, I was awarded the national qualification Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy (QCF), the highest for the sector. My skills and suitability for all aspects of this work were - and, through continuous professional development, continue to be - very rigorously assessed.

Being in public service for over thirty years, I often witnessed the trauma and heartbreak brought about by death, whether expected or sudden. I also spent some time working as a Coroner's Officer and met many people from all walks of life who were affected by unnatural and unexplained death - and so I am often called a 'safe pair of hands' by the funeral directors and crematorium staff with whom I work. I draw upon my 45 years of dealing with people in challenging and distressing situations to guide and support them as much as possible.

To help a person, especially when they are at their most vulnerable through bereavement, is a privilege.

My life hasn't been without sorrow. I haven't reached my 60s without experiencing the anguish caused by the loss of loved ones. My compassion is laced with understanding, though recognising and respecting that each one of us is so very different. We have each had a unique journey. 

I’ve spent my time over the last few years just getting on with helping people rather than concentrating on managing many social media accounts (although we're all having to accept them now, aren't we?). However, whilst that visibility improves, I hope that my training and qualification, along with my life experience and testimonials, give you the confidence to select me to conduct your most special ceremony. 

You really will be in safe hands.