Jan O’Connor | Funeral Celebrant

I work around the North Wales, Chester, Wirral area but I am more than happy to travel throughout the North West.

Having moved from Crosby in Liverpool and leaving my job, I had the opportunity to try something new and decided to follow my dream to become a Funeral Celebrant. My only son is old enough now to be carving out his own path, so what better time to change career and focus my own goals.

I am an honest, straight-talking person. I have a wicked sense of humour. I like to leave people feeling better for having met me. My fiancé says I chat too much occasionally, but I know he loves me really!

I love visiting the theatre, mostly to see Strictly Come Dancing related shows. I enjoy getting away in our motorhome, visiting new and exciting places throughout the UK. Dining out is another passion of mine, as is reading and meeting up with friends.  I do a little gardening but with two puppies running about digging up my plants, I’ve decided my efforts are currently in vain.

Caring for and helping others has always been an integral part of my life. In various ways, I have fulfilled this need and desire through family commitments and job roles, yet I have always felt there was more to do.

From Managing pubs to being a Civil Servant for 20 years, I have gained a wealth of experience. I’ve delivered presentation across the UK to hundreds of people, on many issues, including Mental Health Awareness and Dealing with Cancer. I have managed Sickness Absence in the workplace and ensured that staff were looked after correctly throughout their absences. I’ve also been a Carer and a Personal Assistant to a visually impaired lady. All my roles have been focussed on people and its fair to say, I am a people person.

Sometimes just being with someone is all that’s needed, but to listen with empathy, care and to help make someone smile and feel connected during a particularly difficult time, is so important.

I believe that being able to meet with you, to listen and understand your loss and create a beautifully personal ceremony that reflects your love, is the ultimate way to help. The death of your loved one is such a difficult time in your life, and it would be my honour and privilege to help you to be able to say your final farewells with a tribute that reflected the essence of your loved one’s life and that shows how truly cherished they are, because love does not die with death.

I pride myself on my professionalism, listening and writing skills, attention to detail, punctuality, dependability, and being fully prepared. I am flexible, resourceful and more than capable of thinking on my feet. I have been trained to the highest standards to create a personal, bespoke ceremony with your loved one at its centre and I will help guide you through this extremely difficult time.