Mallon, Maureen

I'm 44 years old and have worked in education and community work for over twenty years. I joined the Humanist Society a couple of years ago when my husband Malcolm and I decided to get married. Since then I've been actively involved, helping out at the National Executive and then training as a celebrant.

I've always had a strong belief in society and humanity and its great to find somewhere to put my beliefs into action.

Being a funeral celebrant is about working on behalf of those who've lost someone to make sure the person who is gone is well reflected on the day. I spend a lot of time listening to family members and friends and teasing out the story of the persons life. I come home and write it all down straight away, going back to edit it the next day before emailing it to the nominated family member to add to and check over.

Everyone has their own unique story, the things they liked as children, the relationships they had with family, friends, their community and workmates and its my job to get their story right as a fitting tribute. We work together as a team, some families know which poetry and music they want, others need advice and ideas.

 I feel honoured to undertake this role and find it amazingly rewarding.