Angela McCormack Civil Celebrant

16/11/2023

I had the privilege today of being part of a very special memorial service at The Grouse and Claret, for a much loved family man.
His family did him proud with their involvement, which included a touching tribute from his son in law, a beautifully read poem by his granddaughter and also a lovely piece of music played on the piano by another granddaughter.
It truly was a celebration of a kind gentle man’s life ❤️

03/11/2023

This morning we said goodbye to a much loved lady who passed away at the age of 58. Luckily the sun broke through the clouds while we laid her to rest at St Drostans cemetery.
This path that I have taken comes with many emotions. I get quite “miffed” when people say I have a depressing job. Yes, it’s sad and emotional at times but us celebrants get to hear the best of people’s lives and we have the privilege of hearing many wonderful, interesting and sometimes funny stories.
As human beings, it’s extremely hard for us in this profession at times, to “hold it together” so to speak.
We must remain professional and focused at all times to deliver a flawless service, but we are emotional wee things at times too!
It is heart-wrenching to witness absolute devastation and heartbreak as a loved one is being lowered to their final resting place, or when the curtain closes, but we must hold back our own feelings.
Then if needs must, the tears can flow in the privacy of the car afterwards.
The uplifting stories and the bond created with families certainly outweighs the emotional times though and I’ll always be grateful for the privilege of such a rewarding job. ❣️❣️

19/10/2023

It’s awful out there, so keep safe everyone 💨
My heart goes out to all who are attending/conducting graveside services today. During such a difficult day, all anyone can hope for is sunshine, but that’s one thing,unfortunately, we can’t control.
So, keep as warm and dry as possible ❤️

08/09/2023

How cute is this Westie tribute. It’s often these details that can make a service for a loved one extra special.
I hope the wee dog and his owner are now taking lots of walks together again 🐾 ❤️

01/09/2023

A moment of contemplation after a particularly emotional day…..

Life is precious and I often gain an insight into how short life can really be sometimes. In the last few weeks I have looked after many families who have endured the loss of a loved one who has been robbed of a long life. Babies, people who are in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Life is for living, it’s about creating memories and stories that will be talked about long after you pass.

I had the privilege of being asked to conduct a close friend’s husband’s service today and it was a true honour to share the memories that his family hold dear to them.

It was evident by the turnout, how well loved he was-such a kind, friendly gentleman who has been robbed of a long life.
But there were happy stories to share and many more I’m sure which will continued to be shared as his friends and loved ones keep him close.
Sleep tight Chic 💚💚💚

10/08/2023

What a send off today for a much loved “true gentleman” who’s life has been cut short at the age of 55. This is only a fraction of the vans that followed him into Brewsterwells Crematorium and what a wonderful sight to see.
He loved his job as a postman and was clearly very well liked and respected.
A big loss to his family and friends 💔

25/07/2023

❤️❤️Always remembered-our angel who watches over us ❤️❤️

18/07/2023

It was a very emotional day today as we said goodbye to a much loved and very popular young man whose family has endured many losses over the years, as recent as the last few months.
He was piped to the entrance of the crematorium then his family and friends listened to AC/DC before his brother, sister and son accompanied him down the aisle.
We also listened to a lovely song called Loch Maree as a tribute to his love of the Scottish highlands, lochs and mountains, then we ended his service with Caledonia.
A truly lovely guy with a heart of gold, taken too soon.

09/07/2023

I recently had the privilege of a chat with Andrew Ramponi who hosts the podcast “Conversations with the Shire”
Please feel free to listen by clicking the link below

Angela McCormack is a civil celebrant; a professional who conducts funerals, weddings and other celebrations of significant life events. In essence, the role is to create meaningful and unforgettable moments that honour and celebrate life's milestones. One of the core principles of the profession

18/06/2023

It’s lovely to see the love shown towards everyone’s dads today but my thoughts are with those who’s dads are no longer with us. 🩵🩵

02/06/2023

It’s a while since I have updated my page as I have had a fair bit going on recently. I have been spending a lot of time with my friends and family and I have also spent a lot of time meeting different families in recent weeks who are enduring the loss of their loved one. Amongst this, I have been supporting families I have met before, who are unfortunately enduring loss again and it is an honour to be asked again to conduct the service.
Lately, I have been explaining my job and what I do, and the perception can sometimes be that it’s a very morbid and sad job.
This is not always the case. It can be uplifting and I feel humbled to hear so many fascinating stories. I learn new things every day and quite often I feel inspired by either the person who has passed, or their families.
The emotions can catch up on you though and as a naturally emotional person who genuinely feels for people it can be hard to keep the tears at bay(as it’s not my place to be upset)
And that is where my own family and friends step in. They provide support, a listening ear and lots of laughs, and I make sure that I make “happy plans” with them-things to look forward to and I feel very lucky to have such a good support system, so in turn, I want to pass on the same support to the lovely people who need it the most during their most difficult time

It’s not a sad and morbid job, it’s rewarding, interesting and humbling. 💕💕💕

25/05/2023

25/04/2023

This is a poem I like to pass on to my bereaved families and it really sums up grief. There are no rules to grieving and certainly no time frame.
This poem epitomises that you should just take each day at a time and that you shouldn’t ever feel guilty for not getting back to what you know as “normal”
I hope this brings some form of comfort to those who are grieving ❣️

19/04/2023

In the midst of busy-ness and being completely invested in work, it’s nice to take a little step back and enjoy time spent with those close to you.
It’s a time to chat and contemplate, find out each others news and have a laugh. People can enter your life for various reasons but I believe that there is always a reason.
Thank you Annie Scrimgeour for your continued friendship, encouragement and kind words and for your company this afternoon 🐝 xx

19/03/2023

Today is a day to celebrate the love we have for our mums but it will also be a very sad day for those who have lost theirs. Our mums teach us so many lessons in life, they nurture us and guide us, they always seem to be there when we take a stumble and they have a good way of picking us back up again.
For those who have lost their mums, be gentle with yourself today and do what’s best for you to help you through the day. My thoughts are with you 🌹 💕

13/03/2023

It’s now 2 years since I took my leap of faith and not once have I looked back. In that time, I have served families from all walks of life and conducted services for every situation imaginable. I have made wonderful friends along the way, in the funeral staff and in the bereaved families that I have met and I have heard some truly inspirational as well as very sad stories.
It will forever humble me when I receive messages of thanks from my families.
Thank you to each and every one of my family and friends for their continued support and encouragement. I love you all xx

24/01/2023

Today we said goodbye to a much loved gentleman who served in the Black Watch cadets for many years.
We were greeted by his regiment who lined the crematorium entrance and a piper who played Highland Cathedral as we entered.
His son and grandson payed tribute to him by placing his Tam O’ Shanter and medals on the coffin, then as we took a moment of reflection his partner and his family placed single red roses with him.
It really was beautiful and such a shame that he should be taken so soon ❤️

11/01/2023

That’s another Christmas and New Year over and I hope that everyone had a nice time. I spent my time with my mum and dad and the kids(when they weren’t out partying!)
My wee close knit family are my world and have always been my support system when needed. I am very lucky and grateful to have them.
I meet so many different families, estranged ones, close ones, small ones, large ones-every family is different. This week sees me on a grand tour of Fife, visiting and conducting services. Yesterday was inverkeithing and Kirkcaldy, today is Dunfermline and Cupar, tomorrow I’ll be heading to Leven then Lochgelly, then back to Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy on Friday.
It’s always an honour to be a part of a family’s life in the time that I am there to assist them and I get to hear some fascinating stories.
I truly love this path that I have been on for nearly two years now ❤️❤️

22/12/2022

I would like to wish my friends and family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2023.
And for all of the families that I have supported within the last year, my thoughts are with you, especially at this time when it’s maybe not so joyous. I hope you find the strength to get through the festive period and I hope that the new year brings you good health
With lots of love, Angela x

16/12/2022

After a busy week on the road, I’m glad of a day at my desk, especially when I see the Winter Wonderland out there!
If you have to go out, please be very careful ❄️

12/12/2022

It’s a busy day today and a tour of the country! Left in plenty time for my visit in Dalgety Bay and luckily the motorway was okay, so it’s a wee pit stop for a coffee. Off to Perth this afternoon for a service at the crematorium and then back to Fife tonight for a visit in Kirkcaldy.
After being caught out in ice rink conditions yesterday, I’ll be leaving lots of time to get to my destinations!
Stay safe everyone and keep cosy 🥶

09/12/2022

We said goodbye to two very special people today, who specifically asked for either no black or bright colours.
So although they were two different service, they were both filled with love and colour.
For the first service, we listened to music played by the gentleman from when he was in a very successful band and the crematorium was filled with his family, friends and fellow band members.
Our second service was for a young girl who’s parents, sisters and children did her so proud. The strength displayed by her teenage daughter was remarkable and she made sure that she did all that she could to give her mum the send off that she deserved.
My gentleman and lady will be both so proud of their families
🎵 💕 🎵💕

01/12/2022

Today we said goodbye to a lady who absolutely loved Disney, Tinkerbell, love stories and fairytales. She also loved everything purple and glittery so her family arranged a fairytale send off for her, complete with white horses, purple plumes and carriage and a stunning glittery purple coffin. They bravely wrote their own tributes and delivered them straight from the heart. I know she would be so proud of her family 💜

18/11/2022

Sadly, Sunnyside Cemetery in Alloa didn’t live up to its name today.
I know we can’t do anything about the weather(except moan) but a day like today just adds to the sadness of having to lay a loved one to rest.
It couldn’t have rained any harder this morning as we said goodbye to a lovely lady who is now reunited with her husband and she is also with her son who passed away in July. Such a hard time for her family, but they know that she will be at peace now 🦋

11/11/2022

Sadly it’s been a busy week, with families having to say good bye to their loved ones and left now wondering how on earth they are going to get through life without them. It’s a very familiar feeling for anyone who has lost that major part of their life.
You can only take one day at a time and not put pressure on yourself to “get better”
You have to do what feels right for you and try and enjoy the company of those who are there to support you.
The pain and grief never go away, but time does heal slightly.
My thoughts are with all of the families I have supported this week 💔

01/11/2022

For all the broken hearts and I hope there’s not too many!

Grief-“intense sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death”

But grief can also play a part in your life through the loss of a friendship or relationship. You still go through the same “process” which includes anger, hurt, sadness, blame, guilt and it’s a slow process before you can start to feel ok again.
Someone doesn’t have to die, to feel that overwhelming sense of grief. Life as you know it, suddenly changes but it’s only you who can find the strength to get through it
💔

20/10/2022

WORDS…….
Words are important and go a long way towards how you make someone feel. Some words can be cruel whilst others can be so kind.
In my day to day life, words are paramount and it’s my job to offer words of comfort, words of reassurance and words of kindness.
After a service I conducted today, the grieving widow, who was going through a terrible time, said 5 words to me and she probably has no idea how much they meant:
“I’m glad it was you”

These words will stay with me for a very long time 💕

28/09/2022

It’s a while since I posted but that’s because I was on a wonderful trip to Sorrento with my mum, and to visit my long standing friend who lives there. It was great to see her and her family and we had a really nice, relaxing time. Just what the doctor ordered!

My first service was today, when we said goodbye to a little angel who didn’t get a chance at life. His mummy and daddy created a loving, heartfelt service for him while his 2 brothers released balloons in his honour.
It was a very touching service and as he left us, he was surrounded by love from all of his family.
His mummy and daddy did him proud and he will always be remembered 🦋

25/08/2022

This morning we said goodbye to a beautiful soul who despite challenges with her health she forever remained positive, upbeat and lived life to the best of her ability.
Her family did a wonderful job of giving her a well deserved send off, complete with a magenta coloured sparkly coffin and a floral tribute in the form of the Loch Ness Monster. It really was quite a spectacle!
May she be at peace now and my thoughts are with her family 💕

12/08/2022

Spending some peaceful time, reading my notes before a service at MacDuff Cemetery. And I just happened to come across this bench. The note made me smile 🐝

12/08/2022

01/08/2022

Some broken hearts can’t be fixed and after spending the best part of more than 65 years with someone, for them to then be taken away, must leave that person wondering how on earth they can live a life without their loved one.
For those who are left behind the devastation experienced when 2 loved ones pass away so close together is indescribable. There’s an awful feeling of deja vu and a sense of disbelief, that you are enduring that pain again. In some cases, they can’t go on.
We must draw comfort from the hope or knowledge, (how ever you wish to look at it) that they are reunited and that their separation has been brief. ❤️

25/07/2022

Time does heal, but you never forget. You learn to live your life a different way to how you would have expected, whilst always wondering what could have been.
I know Lee would have been a great uncle to my 3 and he certainly lives on in the boys. There are many similar traits and characteristics in them.
He’s thought about everyday, not just today, 26 years later. And I like to think that he’s looking after us all (when he’s not too busy on the golf course!) ⛳️
Ps-I loved this jumper!!

07/07/2022

The sun is shining for my lady today and what a beautiful place to be laid to rest 💕 🌺