joyful living and fearless dying

Writing & Speaking

Eulogies and Poems for Funerals

I write eulogies/tributes and poems, and especially like the challenge of honouring the lives of "different" or "difficult" people. Holding honesty and compassion in delicate balance I create a life celebration that family and friends are able to relate to with ease. Click here for some examples.

Thank you, Margie; you helped make the day an amazing celebration of Victor's life. I believe everyone felt comfortable with the tone and the beautiful wording you gave the eulogy. We couldn't have done such a wonderful job without you. You made the eulogy honest and yet kind. You managed to write something that left us believing we'd written it ourselves. My brother has never spoken out in public like he did and he's rightly proud of himself. It's done a lot for his grieving and healing. Angela, Reading

If you are simply looking for assistance with preparing a eulogy or tribute yourself I am happy to discuss that with you, too.

Charges

Approximately £80, or £25 per hour for assistance.

Articles

Click on the links below:

• Not-so-obvious ways to 'Green' a funeral
• Living a clutter-free life in 7 words

You are free to publish any of my articles so long as you let me know, acknowledge me as writer, and include my web address.

Poetry publications

“When Death Comes Close”, CD and booklet, Museday Publications. Written from the author’s experience of death & dying and conducting funerals, these poems reflect an underlying acceptance of death as part of the cycle of life, to be welcomed in its time rather than feared. With a sense of the soulful and the sacred, they touch upon and honour death without exploiting the intense emotions that accompany it.

“Soul of the Earth – the Awen Anthology of Eco-Spiritual Poetry” edited by Jay Ramsey, Awen Publications (2010). The anthology may be purchased from the publisher or direct from me.

‘It’s only when poets have made us look again, inward and outward, that we shall see our way.’ Martin Palmer, Alliance of Religions and Conservation

Click here for examples of Margie's contributions to Soul of the Earth.

Speaking

I welcome invitations to speak around the general themes of joyful living and fearless dying. Almost never having feared death myself, yet sensitive to what it arouses in others, I can make a real contribution into the lives of people of any age from any walk of life.

Whether you're wondering about a speaker for a service club, health sector or a school prize giving I am happy to discuss possibilities with you. Sending an outline of my address ahead of time is a service I am happy to offer, given the delicacy of the subject.

"Margie is very professional and dedicated; she is totally reliable and takes the time to find out exactly what your requirements are before the event. She is very personable and genuinely creates a reaction of interest in those listening." David Williams, Head of Goldsmith Management Centre, Letchworth

The Simplicity Slot: If you'd like to hear these 5-6 minute slots, prepared originally for radio, click here and listen to podcasts 2-6, or I can send you a CD of all five for £5.