Every life story deserves to be told.
Pay tribute to your loved one with a ceremony that honours their life, and connects and comforts those left behind.
Hello, I’m Karla.
I’m a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant and ceremony guide based in Saskatoon, Canada, and consulting worldwide. Specializing in funerals and memorials, I am committed to crafting an inspired, thoughtful ceremony that captures the essence of your loved one and supports you on your healing journey.
I also work one-on-one and in workshop settings with individuals who would like to pre-plan their own memorial. Please reach out to discuss!
I start by getting to know you and your loved one, in the comfort of your own home – or wherever you are most at ease. I will meet with designated family members and friends, often for several hours, as you share stories and we pore over photos and treasured mementos. There will be tears and laughter as you reflect on the life they lived, the impact they had, and the unique set of contradictions and quirks that made them – ‘them’. I am experienced and gifted at creating a comfortable space in times of grief and loss.
After this, I spend many hours researching appropriate readings, poetry, music, and rituals, and weave them together with the stories and memories you shared. I work in collaboration with the family to create an exceptional, one-of-a-kind ceremony that authentically reflects and honours the spirit, life and memory of your parent, spouse, child, sibling or friend.
The ceremony is not complete until you have given your final approval.
The ceremony is held at the venue of your choice: at the funeral home, crematorium, cemetery, community centre, home or other location. It can be an intimate or a large gathering. Either way, I will officiate with warmth, sensitivity, and professionalism, delivering a ceremony that inspires and connects those who gather.
Your ceremony will be a touchstone for you as you mourn, and a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Would you like to create a healing and inspiring ceremony to honour your loved one and their unique life story?
Funerals, Memorials, Celebrations of Life
Committal ceremonies (ash scattering, burial, inurnment)
Photo: Jason Long
Photo: Joanna Kosinska
Are you looking for something different?
In addition to the traditional end-of-life tributes above, I also create and officiate:
In locations that hold meaning for you or your loved one
Consider a community centre, clubhouse, favourite restaurant or your family cabin.Witness cremation – ceremony at the cremation chamber (retort) or in a room at the crematorium
Home funerals - I am a home funeral guide, trained through the Home Funeral Practicum©. I work with those who would like to reclaim home-based, family-led funerals, with or without a funeral home.
Living funerals - intimate gathering or celebration of life that takes place before death
Natural or green funerals - back-to-basics, environmentally friendly
Stillbirth or miscarriage ceremonies
Pet memorials - ceremonies to commemorate the life of your beloved animal companion
Community-based observances of loss
Pre-planned end-of-life celebrations
Dedication events - i.e., planting trees or designating landmarks in honour of your loved one
Tribute ceremonies - marking an anniversary of your loved one's death or other significant date
Remembering your loved one well is
a beautiful tribute to their memory.
It is also a gift to those who are left behind as it strengthens the bonds of family and community.
It is a tremendous privilege for me to help you remember your loved one well.
Kind Words
“Through conversations with many members of our family, but led by her own warm and thoughtful personality, Karla found the words to help us create a ceremony that we felt was true to our Mom and focused on honouring her life. Like her, it was down-to-earth yet truly spiritual. Thank you again Karla - and I would say to someone reading these reviews, don’t hesitate, you’ve found the right person!”
“We were unfortunate to lose two family members in a short period of time. We were fortunate to be able to have Karla arrange a memorial for them. She was able to arrange a service that honored both of them equally and respectfully. She worked hard to understand our loved ones and our needs. The service was perfect and no one could have done it better. Thank you Karla!”
Photo: Emily Goodhart
“I feel you expressed the essence of his life in a way that was authentic and respectful of his beliefs.
In fact, I was asked if you were part of the family because you sounded so familiar with him.”
Diane E.
“Your thoughtfulness and professionalism was amazing during this difficult time. You truly are a master of your craft. Thanks so much for the livestream. It kind of made us feel like we were there.”
“You exceeded my expectations. You captured the essence of A.L.. You carry yourself with such grace.”
“Hope you have had some rest since yesterday. Such a full day, but oh so amazing. Again, thank you for your part in making this so memorable and a healing time for all. You are such a special woman.”
“Karla helped us to create such a beautiful ceremony for our son. It was everything we could have imagined and more. She was amazing to work with and made the ceremony very personal and intimate. I would highly recommend her for any occasion!”
“We cannot put into words just how much you did for us, both at the service and in your preparation.”
Don S.
Photo: Hugo Delauney
“The ceremony was everything we imagined and all of our family said how beautiful it was. We appreciated all of your hard work and are so thankful you were able to come to Kelvington. We wish we could have met you on different circumstances but we are so happy you were recommended to us.”
“Thank you for your reverence and skill. You have added beauty to my garden and life. Thank you for your attention to detail so we could honour A.L. with love and grace. Deepest respect and fondness.”
“Karla, I feel that I didn’t properly thank you for the beautiful service you created for my husband, G. I appreciate the number of hours you spent in conversation with family and friends. I feel you expressed the essence of his life in a way that was authentic and respectful of his beliefs. In fact, I was asked if you were part of the family because you sounded so familiar with him. The readings you found perfectly expressed what we were feeling, and you were right about the value of inclusion through ritual. Your work made a tough day easier for me and our families. I can’t thank you enough for that.”
Please contact me to discuss how I can help you pay tribute to your loved one.
I can be reached directly here, or your funeral director can connect with me on your behalf.
For more on how it works to create the ceremony, from start to finish, see Working Together.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here.
