Personal Farewells Blogs: Articles and Insights on Funeral Services

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November 25, 2021

Why You Should Choose an Independent Family-Owned Funeral Director

When choosing a funeral director and funeral home to arrange your loved one’s funeral service, it’s important to remember they’re…

Beautiful sky at sunrise or sunset, orange, blue, pink, purple

November 10, 2021

Starting the Conversation About End-of-Life Wishes

Thinking about your own death can be daunting and talking about it with your family can be uncomfortable for you…

October 25, 2021

The Advantages of Prepaid and Prearranged Funerals

When a beloved family member passes away the grief felt by those remaining can be overwhelming and all consuming. (more…)

Microphones on the funeral podium and people wearing black in the church

October 10, 2021

Practical Advice on How to Deliver a Funeral Eulogy

A funeral eulogy is a prepared speech given at the service or memorial of a loved one, and to be…

grieving young African woman with crossed arms lying on couch at home crying

September 25, 2021

The Physical Impact of Grieving

Grief is a complex emotion that manifests differently in everyone. (more…)

mature woman comforting, expressing empathy and support, helping to overcome problems, caring

September 10, 2021

How to Help Someone who is Grieving

When someone close to you loses a dear friend or relative, it can be hard to know what to do…

wooden cross decorated with flowers kept need the tree

August 10, 2021

Choosing Between Traditional and Contemporary Funerals

Today’s funerals are more personalised and individual than ever before, allowing us to say goodbye to loved ones with meaning.…

July 25, 2021

What Is the Purpose of a Funeral Wake?

A funeral wake is simply a gathering of mourners before or after the funeral service, or sometimes, in place of…

Two people grieve the loss of a loved one

July 10, 2021

How Funeral Services Heal the Living

A funeral service, at its most basic, is a way for people to say their final goodbyes to their loved…

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 102 reviews

Personal Farewells - Funeral Home, Funeral Directors & Funerals Servicing Sutherland Shire & Wollongong

4.9

review us on See all reviews

Mark Mahony

1732828904

Tiarne Barratt-Young

1732526596

Stephanie at Personal Farewells was exceptional. She helped us organise a beautiful farewell for my brother, guided and supported us throughout the entire process, and provided a genuine and thoughtful personal touch. Stephanie and her team made a very difficult experience much easier. From the first phone call, the first meeting, all of the back and forth in the lead up, the day of the service, and afterwards, Stephanie was absolutely fantastic and I can’t recommend her services highly enough. If you are looking for an empathetic, personal, bespoke send off for your loved one, Stephanie will be able to help you every step of the way. Her recommendations on venue, celebrant, flowers, memorial cards etc were great and very helpful, exactly what I needed. Her calm presence made the service much easier as well. Thank you, Personal Farewells.

Jamie Fulton

1732423256

Personal farewells were very professional and helpful Stephanie was great highly recommend

Garry C

1732103628

We whole heartedly recommend Personal Farewells. We recently chose Personal Farewells for the memorial service of my sister, whose wishes were a bit different from the usual. I researched Funeral service providers and contacted a few. From our first conversation we knew Stephanie Kelly Farewell Director of Personal Farewells, was definitely the best choice for us. Very professional and respectful, Stephanie understood our grief and listened intently, never pressuring or hurrying us. Generous with her time, leaving no question unanswered. She has a warm calming affect as she guided us through our ideas, thoughtful about every detail, until we had, what we think, was my sisters perfect Personal Farewell. We are so grateful to Stephanie and Personal Farewells. We highly recommend them.

Michael Williams

1731370194

Not many people are able to meet and talk to their Funeral director before they pass. My wife was in the unusual but lucky position to be able to do this as Stephanie, who was recommended by a friend, came to our house and met with her and the immediate family. A rapport was almost instant and my wife and family all felt so comfortable with the compassion, sincerity and care that she was able to offer given our circumstance. It was so special that my wife was able to discuss and convey her personal wishes and choices in relation to the ceremony, burial, coffin, flowers etc.The name of the company Personal Farewells and Stephanies title of Farewell Director typifies the type of service they offered and then delivered on the day.Thanks again, Stephanie, Jess and the team. Our family are truly grateful for what you did and we will recommend you to anyone we know in need of your services.

Nila S

1731144781

Very clear & transparent communication, fast response and the event went exactly as planned. Every detail was discussed clearly. Stephanie left nothing for me to worry about. The whole event was organized professionally. Thank you Personal Farewells.

Carenne Karavakula

1728004389

Personal farewells was our godsend when our dad passed away recently. We were so lost with where to start and needed guidance. Stephanie provided us with reassurance and unwavering care and support from the moment we met. All our uncertanties became clarity from the beginning to the end of the funeral process. Dads service was such a beautiful farewell and we couldn't have done it without Stephanie, Jackie and Jess's guidance. We are forever grateful to Personal Farewells, their guidance, support and empathy was impeccable. I highly recommend you reach out to them, I believe you will be thankful and reassured in your time of grief like we were.

Joanne Crouch

1726466256

Stephanie, from Personal Farewells was there from our call in the middle of the night, assuring us that our Mum, who had just passed was in good hands. We opted for a direct cremation , which our Mum wanted. Everything went smoothly and Stephanie took care of everything. We were very grateful for the way it was handled and will recommend Personal Farewells to anyone dealing with this sad occasion.

Ross Haig

1726455252

Following the recent death of a family member, my sons and I chose Personal Farewells quite randomly; the grief we were suffering conflicted with the need to attend to fine details. It proved a valuable choice, and a lucky one. We found Stephanie at Personal Farewells to be the epitome of compassion, understanding and discretion, taking care of duties that were sad, but essential, in a calm and understated way. To any family or individual seeking such qualities at a difficult time in their lives, we wholeheartedly recommend this funeral directorship group.

Rina Salonga

1726019272

From my first conversation with Stephanie, I immediately felt her empathy, kindness and sincerity. It is such a vulnerable time grieving the loss of a loved one. In her role as a Funeral Director, Stephanie provided that gift of reassurance that she would do her utmost and beyond to give our Dad the perfect farewell despite the hurdle of our tight deadline. She certainly delivered a funeral service which exceeded our expectations. It was such a beautiful and special funeral service and our Dad would definitely have approved! I would highly recommend Stephanie and Personal Farewells. Stephanie delivered above and beyond!! Our family is very grateful!

alicia dong

1725953160

I would like to thank Stephanie for the beautiful service for my beloved husband and she delivered PERFECTION just a week ago.Everybody who attended the service and people who watched iton streamline, and recorded service both overseas in the UK, Mexico, China and here in Australia said it unanimously “a beautiful service”, for a wonderful man.Stephanie created the theme of blue, knowing that my husband loved the blue colour. It was a wonderful personal touch, she even worn a blue neck scarf as a tribute.I also would like to thank Stephanie for her professionalism and efficiency, the organisation prior to the service was well thought of, which made the overwhelming process less overwhelming for me, knowing that everything was being taken good care of.How the photo tribute was made exceeded my expectations, how fitting it was to begin and end with a golf course, as Stephanie knows that my husband was a good golfer.After the service, due to a number of urns ordered were delivered at different times, and some of them had some special requirements to be processed, and one of them was to be taken back to the UK, Stephanie was willingly to deliver and decant at different times, taking into consideration of my emotions, and to prepare the travel document for the urn to be taken back to England.The comments from my husband’s families in the UK were that they were deeply moved by the service, and that they commended that I have engaged the best service and people, also, quote “a most wonderful tribute to a most wonderful man”. Likewise, the people within Australia made the same comments about the service.For a special and personal farewell service, I would highly recommend that Personal Farewells would be anyone’s first choice. Stephanie takes pride in the service they provide, as she understands that each person and their families are unique, hence they provide a personalised tribute to honour the person.Thank you so much Stephanie

Amanda B

1725861385

Stephanie was amazing at helping me to organise a beautiful funeral for my father. She encouraged personal touches that really made a huge difference to the service. Everything I asked for was organised swiftly and without any problem. She is a true master of her job and everyone at Personal Farewells were absolutely wonderful on the day of the funeral. I couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Hayden McLaggan

1723719137

I strongly recommend Stephanie and Personal Farewells for anyone seeking a funeral director! My late father sadly didn't have a plan in place for his funeral. When I enquired for Stephanie's services, she immediately gave me the compassion, coordination, and flexibility that I was seeking to plan his memorial. These attributes enabled the memorial to be truly significant, especially since our request was to have a small and private memorial. Stephanie's professionalism and empathy for our family allowed us to farewell my father with honour. My family and I are truly grateful to have received her services.

Kerrie Carnohan

1722848687

Stephanie is an amazing, beautiful soul who graciously helped us through the recent loss of our beloved mum.Personal Farewells really do live up to their name. Stephanie and her team treated us with the utmost respect, care and compassion before, during and after, to make sure everything was perfect to give our mum the beautiful send-off she would have been proud of.Nothing was too much trouble. Stephanie even managed to 'save the day' by personally getting our booklets printed at the last minute when our provider failed to deliver them on time the day before the funeral!We cannot thank you enough Stephanie! Your genuine, caring nature touched our hearts during this very difficult time and we whole-heartedly recommend you and Personal Farewells to anyone wanting a genuine 'Personal' farewell!Kerrie Carnohan & Lisa Devine

Bradley Wilson

1722500760

I would recommend Personal Farewells to anyone seeking a touching send off for their loved ones.Stephanie took the time to talk to me for an hour to initially find out what our family wanted.She guided us through every aspect of the funeral and made what was a very tough time into a much easier process for us.You wont be disappointed with the service Personal Farewells provides.Thank you Stephanie!

Graham Blake

1722500233

Stephanie provide a sensitive service. I highly recommend her service.

Kezzy W

1721359029

I could not recommend Stephanie from Personal Farewells enough. They went above and beyond for us in making sure our late loved one was honoured the way we had hoped and was such a support to the kids and I through such a hard time. I wouldn't use anyone else I found them exactly that very personal not treated as just another number. I had so many comments after the service of how lovely it was and how it was conducted. Thank you Stephanie and team we appreciate all you did for us.

sarah healy

1720857430

Personal Farewells arranged everything required in order to farewell my father. Stephanie & her staff are very professional, their communication is outstanding and they are compassionate to your situation. Her business is seamless & I could not recommend Personal Farewells enough.

Melt Oliver

1716345202

Stephanie and her team were absolutely amazing - empathetic, and responsive to our needs. From meeting with us to determine our wishes, to finding for us an excellent celebrant, our family cannot recommend Personal Farewells highly enough. The funeral itself went like clockwork and the memorial video and order of service brochure were brilliant. Friendly, compassionate, professional and polished. Thank you Stephanie!

Alexis Kaless

1715319285

We were able to have a smooth running service, with the whole family very happy with everything that was provided by Stephanie and the team at Personal Farewells. We were put at ease immediately upon meeting her. The flowers, service and all other requirements were easily met with wonderful recommendations. While it isn't a service, we hope to use again for a number of years, we would happily recommend them to others going through this event.

Jane Allon

1715066531

I would like to highly recommend Personal Farewells for the caring and professional service offered to my family on the death of our Mother. Under Stephanie’s guidance we were able to plan a wonderful farewell at a difficult time. Stephanie’s ability to accommodate the wishes of family members was gracious and she went above and beyond what we expected. The casket, flowers and the Order of Service were beautifully presented on the day of the service and Stephanie was there to make the whole process run smoothly.The name of the company really does epitomise the type of service offered. It is a small family business and Personal Farewells engages with you on a personal level every step of the way.

hailea Edmondson

1714708591

Stephanie came highly recommended through a close family friend, not only was she so amazingly helpful and heartfelt, she made the whole funeral process so seamless. She went above and beyond to create a truly memorable tribute. Instantly you could feel her warmth and no question or request was too much- regardless of time or day. I could not recommend her enough. It takes a special person to be able to deliver such a personal experience in such an unbelievably heartbreaking time. Thank you Steph and Personal Farewells.

Graeme Hadenham

1711607658

A recommendation means everything, especially when seeking support with big life challenges and to that end Stephanie and her team are at all times attentive, calm and caring.Thankyou Stephanie for being so prompt and obliging when supporting Susan and myself organise our Mother's service.Kind Regards Graeme Hadenham

Nicole Hudson

1711164234

I highly recommend Stephanie and Personal farewells .What a beautiful , empathetic angel that guided me through a very sad and stressful time .From my first email to my last call to the most beautiful service with touches of love and magic that have never been offered by others .I choose personal farewells because of their stand out reviews that are so well deserved .Honestly you will not be disappointed with the way and above service , communication, care.I highly recommend the beautiful doves and Stephanie will be there to gently guide you through your sad and difficult time .Thankyou so much for a beautiful farewell for mum 🕊️🤍

Cathy Abbey

1710052497

The whole experience from first contact to final stage was excellent, professional and dignified. Thank you, Stephanie, for helping to realise our father’s final wishes. We highly recommend Personal Farewells.

Patricia Ruell

1709709181

Arranging a funeral at short notice seemed a daunting task, but with Stephanie's guidance all the details came together quickly and we were able organise a service with personal touches that was what we wanted. The photos were easy to upload and there was no problem with my choice of songs to be played during the service.

Janet Cairncross

1708860339

Stephanie was recommended to me at the time that our dear Dad moved to palliative care and his care facility asked us to nominate a funeral director. It was so confronting. However, my very first conversation with Stephanie put me at ease and she answered all of my questions thoughtfully and compassionately. When our Dad passed away I was so relieved to know that Stephanie was going to support us. She was gentle, reassuring, highly professional and understood that we wanted a celebration of Dads life. We never felt pressured and Stephanie went out of her way to ensure that everything went smoothly. Not only did she check in with us regularly about the details of the funeral, but she also spent time checking in on us to see how we were travelling.The funeral was absolutely beautiful - a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man. As many other people have mentioned - Stephanie is genuine and kind. It is often the little things that speak volumes about a person. For example, when Stephanie collected the garments that Dad would wear we noticed how carefully she placed them in her car. This care and respect was shown by all of the staff who we interacted with at personal farewells. Not only was our Father treated with the utmost respect and dignity, our whole family was well supported during this very difficult time. We are truly grateful and would not hesitate in recommending Personal Farewells to others.

Michael McBride

1708600127

When you are faced with a sudden and painful loss, you need to have someone who genuinely and gently moves you to a Farewell frame of mind. Last thing anyone needs at that point in time is a corporate way of selling a funeral service. Stephanie is an amazing soul who was destined to be in this role, the value and honour was everything a grieving son could have hoped and needed. I would highly recommend Stephanie and Personal Farewells staff. I would say just go and meet Stephanie you'll know immediately Personal Farewells are above excellent.

Petra Allsop

1705542506

We cannot recommend Stephanie from Personal Farewells enough for her expertise in organising my brother's funeral during such a traumatic time. Stephanie was recommended to us, and from our very first conversation we knew we had found the right person who would effectively guide us in arranging a memorial service that my brother so richly deserved. Stephanie is warm, empathetic and very efficient - nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much Stephanie and to your team for your professionalism, support and genuine care in making our highly emotional situation bearable.

Michelle Andrew

1704710233

We cannot speak highly enough of Stephanie and Personal Farewells. Her warmth, empathy, understanding and guidance helped us plan the perfect farewell for our husband and dad. His passing was very sudden and unexpected yet her gentle nature and professionalism gave us a sense of calm and reassurance during what was a traumatic time for our family. From our first meeting, we knew Personal Farewells was not only a business name but the very nature of Stephanie. Her ability to understand someone's life, to ensure they have the most perfect and fitting farewell is amazing. Stephanie'shelp, support and follow up both during the planning of the service and afterwards meant so much and we cannot thank her enough for helping us have positive memories of what was the most difficult time of our life.

sue sommerville

1701248942

We are so grateful that we chose Personal Farewells which is local and family run. Stephanie has been amazing, professional, kind, compassionate and so so helpful.We cannot speak more highly of the personal and special service provided by Stephanie and Personal Farewells and highly recommend them.Thank you Stephanie!

Allan Ismay

1701143209

We are very happy to send this review, along with our sincere thanks to Stephanie and her colleagues at Personal Farewells.Her professionalism and genuine kindness was exceptional, and nothing was missed in preparing for our dear mother's funeral.Every aspect of the ceremony was covered and things were explained clearly to us when we had questions.My family and I would have no hesitation in recommending Personal Farewells to anyone looking to give their loved one a caring and thoughtful farewell.

Isis Khalil

1701102796

It is with deepest appreciation that I write this review for Personal Farwell Funerals. Stephanie Kelly, Farewell Director, ensured everything was organised efficiently and with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that can only be found in a family-run business that places its clients at the center of everything they do. Always courteous and professional, Stephanie took the time to listen and understand what we wanted to express and the atmosphere we wanted to create to honour our loved one, and then caringly guided our thinking so that our wishes were realised. From the moment we met Stephanie we knew she was the best person to entrust with our loved one’s funeral. and she went above and beyond our expectations.I hope this review serves to both thank Stephanie and Personal Farewells for standing beside our family at one of the most difficult times of our lives and provides others the opportunity to benefit from the service and care of this highly professional and independently run family business.

Sandra Reis

1699953828

After the loss of my beautiful Mum I wanted to go with a small family run funeral Directors business .Personal Farewells didn't disappoint, Stephanie took care of what was needed and I could get in contact and ask her anything I needed. In those hard times it's so important . I would recommendPersonal Farewells.🌻

Dean Crabb

1698465225

Our friend referred Stephanie to us after her own father passed away. We were grateful to have Stephanie's help during the difficult time after my mother-in-law's passed. She is a very compassionate, kind and helpful funeral director. She was generous with her time and explained the entire process to us. Her personal touch and care really meant a lot to us. We highly recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking for an excellent funeral director. Thank you so much, Steph!

Kathy Vo

1695383038

Stephanie arranged our Mother's funeral. We couldn't be happier that we chose Stephanie/ Personal Farewells it was one of the best decisions we made in a difficult time. Stephanie was professional and caring, she was genuine and authentic professionally and personally. She made the process easy and comfortable , she is experienced and knowledgeable and responded to us kindly and promptly. She made great suggestions and everyone at the service loved the finishing touches of Personal Farewells eg beautiful visual tribute, lovely quality printed service booklets. Thank you Stephanie for making our Mum's farewell an extra special event.

Joanne Raisa

1695163043

Stephanie was a standout choice for us. From seeing the 5 star reviews we totally understand why she deserves every one. It was such wonderful experience to have contact with the one person from our initial enquiry through to the conclusion of the service. The whole experience was made that much more special by Stephanies caring and gental nature. This is a small business and it was a personal touch. We could not offer any area for improvement because it was just perfect! Could not fault one thing. Thank you Stephanie. x

Michele Goltsman

1693461566

Our family was very happy with the attention to detail and honest sincerity that Stephanie showed us in planning for our Mum's funeral, while we were still in a state of shock at her passing. Everyone said after the funeral it was a beautiful ceremony, and we feel we gave her the best possible goodbye 'until we meet again'. Stephanie is a wonderful person for whom nothing is too much trouble. Personal Farewells is highly recommended.

Kathryn Lai

1693440158

Stephanie from Personal Farewells led us through the process gently & expertly, providing a beautiful, simple Memorial Service for our husband & father. Everything was better than I could have wished. I highly recommend both Personal Farewells & their celebrant Jacqueline Dee.

Shayne Beaumont

1693277987

Stephanie is the person you want for your loved ones service. Amazing, calm, kind and compassionate.Stephanie an absolute professional with our planning and was a clam face in a highly emotional time.I can’t recommend her enough. Your loved one is in good hands.

jillian morgan

1690174464

Plunged into the unfamiliar territory of organising a funeral service for our father, my sister and I felt immediately at ease after contacting Stefanie. She was extremely professional and empathetic. She gave us excellent guidance and encouraged us to express our wishes with regards to the service and happily encorporated our ideas. With Stefanie's help we had a lovely funeral for our father. Thank you Stefanie and Personal Farewells.

Kim Brooks

1689976503

Gemma Doherty

1689924652

After the sudden passing of my father I was very shaken with grief & left heart broken.Among all the confusion & unsure what to do first, I reached out & made the difficult phone call to Stephanie.From the moment Stephanie answered my call she has been nothing but compassionate, caring and her gentle nature during this extremely stressful time.Once myself & my family had arranged to meet with Stephanie to start planning dads Service it was very clear we had to use personal farewells. We all smiled at each other outside the office and said‘ yes ‘ we have found our lady!Stephanie constantly kept in contact with me along the way, helped me with dads visual slideshow presentation ( which I had no idea how to do) , the order of service Card & organising the flowers and the memorabilia for Dads Memorial table. Everything was stress- free and just went so smoothly. The service was so beautiful, dad would have been really impressed. I cant recommend Stephanie highly enough.Stephanie definitely takes the added pressure away and knows exactly what she is doing.Because personal farewells are family owned and operated with their clear honest pricing we could give dad the send off he so deserves not worrying about financials in a time filled with sadness & grief.From the bottom of my heart Stephanie myself & my family want to Thankyou for your ongoing support before, during and after Dads Service you have been truly amazing. We will reach out to you again in the future x

Veronica Morgan

1689836722

Stephanie was a breath of fresh air at a difficult time. She was understanding, helpful and kind. We didn't know where to start and she guided us smoothly through the entire process. I think the name of her business is perfect - it felt personal, every step of the way. Thank you Stephanie. We're so glad we stumbled across you.

Court

1681382938

Stephanie was wonderful right from our first meeting.  She was incredibly empathic, professional, and supportive in all aspects of our mum’s funeral. Highly recommend.

Elizabeth La Camera

1678695330

Wonderful and empathetic: first class.Stephanie organised my mother's recent funeral. She immediately made us feel at ease and went out of her way to help us with everything… nothing was too much trouble. Stephanie showed great warmth, empathy and professionalism and thanks to her the funeral was lovely – exactly as Mum would have wanted it.Stephanie truly cares, and it shows. We cannot thank her enough.

Alexandra Poole

1677368400

I recently engaged Stephanie to assist with the funeral arrangements for my father. From our first phone call through to the funeral itself, she was a reassuring guide in this difficult process. Stephanie went out of her way to make things easier for my family in a myriad of different ways and we found her to be caring, professional, hardworking and reliable. Stephanie managed a very tight timeframe extremely well and she and her team were an inobtrusive and supportive presence on the day of the funeral. Everything went exactly to plan and I know that my father would have been so pleased with his final farewell.

Liz Nevin

1676367973

We used Personal Farewells to arrange my Dad’s funeral, which was a beautiful and fitting tribute and a wonderful celebration of his life. I would highly recommend Personal Farewells, as they make this painful process so much easier. Stephanie is an absolute delight, and her team of suppliers were brilliant to work with as they guided and supported us during a very difficult time. They were compassionate, thoughtful and fully transparent with pricing and service.

katrina sue tully

1675145016

It is always a pleasure to see #personal funerals providing the ultimate of attention to detail. Accompanied with the personal service that I have observed.