New ways to celebrate a life well lived

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: Amanda Sara has lived on the Northern Beaches her entire life. "Its such a close community and as our team all live on the Beaches, we all feel very strongly about giving back.," said Amanda.

This is branded content for Ann Wilson Funerals.

For more than 25 years, Ann Wilson Funerals have been the most trusted funeral home on Sydney's Northern Beaches, relied upon by so many in their difficult times of loss.

While their reputation has remained a stable certainty, their approach to end of life celebrations has continued to evolve, always searching for ways to create a sentimentally moving service for their families and their dearly departed.

Ann Wilson Funerals and their devotion to celebrating loved ones in authentic ways stands out in the industry, as they encourage families to divert from traditional funerals to focus more on the personal values of their loved ones.

Their Mona Vale facility is one of a kind, with newly renovated, light filled interiors and a welcoming outdoor entertaining area, providing a multi-functional space to hold end of life celebrations, all in the one location.

However, if this doesn't feel like the right fit, loved ones are encouraged to consider a modern approach, perhaps holding the service at a location of significance to the departed and their family.

"When organising a service, we at Ann Wilson Funerals encourage the family to consider a space that reflects the life of their loved one. A special place that resonates with them.

"This could be a surf club, if they have volunteered as a lifeguard, their backyard if they love their garden, we've even held a service on a barge in Pittwater," said location manager Amanda Sara.

GENUINE CARE: Ann Wilson Funerals genuinely cares about their families, providing guidance and support to help people through their grief.

COVID19 heavily impacted funerals and this created additional stress in an already difficult time. With limits on funeral attendees and geographical challenges arising, Ann Wilson Funerals adopted modern technologies, affording families the opportunity to say goodbye.

"During the pandemic, the restricted number of attendees at a funeral was devastating at times. Some families really struggled to reduce the numbers on a service and felt that they were not giving their loved one the send off they deserve. Our live streaming service was a godsend. It allowed people from all over the globe to participate in the service," Amanda said.

As society becomes more open minded to discussions surrounding ageing and death, Ann Wilson Funerals hopes to educate families about what to expect, the value of funerals and how planning ahead has a myriad of benefits.

"So many people like to pre plan their own funeral - it's comforting for them to know that everything will be organised exactly as they want it. It may be a special place or a piece of music that reflects their life.

We also help a lot of people who pre plan and pay for their own funeral to ease the burden for their family when they pass. A very generous and thoughtful gesture." Said Amanda.

This is branded content for Ann Wilson Funerals.