Hilary Steel - Celebrant

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Hilary Steel - Celebrant

Hilary Steel - Celebrant Independent Funeral Celebrant in Kent telling life stories properly. Warm, real and never one-size-fits-all. Grief Practitioner and author.

11/04/2026

Yesterday I found myself in a quiet corner of South East London, supporting a family at Eltham Crematorium 🤍

It’s a place that fascinates me and I always arrive early to have a wander around. Opened in the 1950s and set within beautifully kept gardens of remembrance, it’s known for its peaceful rose beds and calm, reflective spaces…and a lot of work has been done on those spaces recently.

Every service is different. Every family brings their own story, their own love, their own way of saying goodbye. And it’s always a privilege to help shape that into something meaningful.

While Kent is firmly home, my work takes me wherever I’m needed. From local crematoria I know like the back of my hand, to places a little further afield like Eltham, the aim is always the same… to create something personal, warm, and truly reflective of the life being honoured…as well as capturing characters…and all their quirks!!

Hilary 🤍

10/04/2026

A celebration of life doesn’t have to be ‘traditional’ and funeral directors will also advise you on different options available.

This week I led a service for the lovely Trish Abbott at The Lakeside near Charing. A self-proclaimed ‘tree hugger’ it was the perfect setting!

The celebration of life was held in an intimate space with stories shared, photos shown and music that truly reflected her…warts and all! 🥰

As a celebrant, there’s no limit to the creative possibilities making sure each person receives the care and the celebration right for them!

Thanks Trayc Randall for asking me to be part of this and yes…there are my trademark Converse hidden behind the lectern. You truly did do your mum proud!!

🩷🩷💝

01/04/2026

Today we said goodbye to the lovely Val who I first met six years ago, when we did the service for her husband Pete.

We stayed in touch and as she loved dogs…I used to take Spud to visit her. A few weeks before she died, I took him into the Hanningfield Care Home in Sittingbourne where she made such a fuss of him.

Today, Spud came to the service I led for her, dressed appropriately of course!!

Every celebration of life is unique! ❤️

22/03/2026

Sometimes, Spud comes with me to visit a family and although he isn’t officially a ‘therapy dog’ he does know how to make people smile!

18/03/2026

This popped up as a memory from six years ago!

In funeral services music is often chosen for the sentiment and significance it has for a person or those they leave behind.

I’ve chosen the music to be played at my funeral…and am pleased to say that it makes me smile when I hear them.

17/03/2026

Today I went to Memoria Faversham & Mid Kent Memorial Park & Crematorium - meet chapel attendant Harry. He’s brilliant at making sure everything runs smoothly and when I asked him to take a couple of photos to use on my ‘work in progress’ revamp of my website…this is what he came up with!

R High and Sons Funeral Directors

24/02/2026

I’m coming up to the 1st anniversary of a close family member’s death - which has been playing on my mind.
This is a poem I wrote called ‘A Knock on Memory’s Door’ set to music telling a little story from my point of view about anniversaries.

Grief is as unscripted as I was when writing this in one go! 💝

29/01/2026

Tuesday was all grey skies and rain.
Yesterday brought sunshine, warmth, and a feeling of ‘spring’ at Love Lane Cemetery in Faversham.

It’s a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there can be light, gentleness, and unexpected beauty.

26/12/2025

I watched these two for ages when I was early for a family visit!
A simple moment that made me think about what is truly important in life!

Sittingbourne, you have no idea how much you inspire my writing 💝

24/12/2025

A poem I wrote for a memorial service put to music. I can only take credit for the words ❤️

17/12/2025

Here’s part of the song inspired by the poem ‘A Light That Does Not Cease’ that I wrote for the R High and Sons Funeral Directors memorial service in November.
❤️❤️❤️

Many of the poems I have written (that aren’t personal) are being put to music. This is just a demo 💝

Address

Maidstone

Telephone

+447802495066

Website

http://www.kentfunerals.co.uk/

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