Sharon Wood - Funeral Celebrant

11/02/2026

Such a beautiful story…

He called because he had seen me post about wicker basket caskets for humans.
His voice was quiet. Careful. Like every word hurt a little to say out loud.

He told me his dog was dying, not someday. Soon.

He said he kept looking at photos of those wicker caskets and couldn’t stop thinking about how peaceful they looked. Natural. Soft. Like something that belonged in the world, not separate from it.

Then he asked, almost like he was afraid of the answer…“Do they make anything like that for dogs?”
I told him yes. They do.

There was this long pause. The kind where you know someone is crying but trying not to.

Then he said, “I just want it to be gentle. He’s been my whole world.”
That’s the part that stays with me.
Not the products, not the logistics. The love.
People think aftercare is about containers and choices and paperwork. But most of the time, it’s about someone trying to figure out how to honor a life that changed theirs forever.

Sometimes it looks like a basket. Sometimes it looks like hands holding fur one last time. Sometimes it looks like someone just wanting the goodbye to match the love that came before it.

And honestly… that makes perfect sense to me.

11/02/2026

We know the lead up to next weekend will be challenging for so many in our community who are missing someone special in your life.

Here is some guidance from Cruse about how to cope this year.

We hope this helps, but please know you are not alone and we understand. ❤️

We have many specialist charities, groups and peer support organisations under our umbrella who can help.

Pls see our website for signposting to services that can offer comfort at this difficult time of the year. ❤️

www.thegoodgrieftrust.org

26/01/2026

Be kind to yourself and each other.

05/01/2026

There’s a lot of talk about today, Monday 5th of January, being the day everything goes ‘back to normal’.

But normal looks different for everyone doesn’t it?

For some, a new beginning doesn’t start in January at all, it arrives with spring.

For some, the chaos of Christmas was normal, and now, today feels strange.

For others, December was no different to any other month, so nothing really changes today.

And this feels very similar to grief.

After loss, people talk about going ‘back’ to normal.
But that isn’t possible.

You don’t go back. You aren’t who you were before the loss of your person. We are never the same person we were, even without the loss, we evolve daily.

Life asks you to find a new normal after death, and that takes time, honesty, and space.

So whether today feels like a fresh start, a heavy one, or just another day…

Whether you’re carrying loss, stepping into a new year, or simply getting through…

I hope your day is whatever YOU need it to be.

Your normal doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Your joy, your grief, your pace, none of it needs comparing.

What’s normal to you is allowed to be yours.

What does ‘normal’ really mean anyway?

Happy Monday folks ❤️

31/12/2025

The start of a new year can bring a mix of emotions for those of us that are missing a loved one. While it’s a time of hope for many, it can also be a painful reminder of who’s missing. Let’s say their name and cherish the memories as they live on in our hearts. 🤍

29/12/2025

As the month and year are drawing to a close (although, like most, I’m not sure what day it is!) I’m reflecting on a busy December…

The privilege of leading some very beautiful ceremonies; tying sprigs of rosemary from the garden with purple ribbon in preparation for the Memorial and Carol Service at Cromer Crematorium, and the privilege of leading this service; a trip to The Hippodrome Circus with some of the regular attendees of the Grief Café; precious time with family and friends…all bringing the strong sense of hope and joy existing alongside grief and sadness.

Rosemary is symbolic of remembrance; of constancy, of devotion and of memories of loved ones. The purple ribbon represents hope and strength.

These thoughtful words written by Jameson Arasi come to mind (with credit to him).

‘So, let the tears fall when they come.
Let the laughter rise when memories bring warmth.
Let grief and joy coexist
For they are not opposites.
They are simply love in different forms.’

25/12/2025

Sending love to anyone missing someone this evening, to miss someone is to love them. Another moment with them, in our memories, in our hearts we’re never truly far apart. To those we cannot see, I miss you, I love you and my gosh do I wish you could be here ###

06/12/2025

An interesting collection of beautiful tracks about grief and loss.
Music can play an important part in the grieving process. ♥️

05/12/2025

This Grief Awareness Week, we're shining a light on The Good Grief Trust - a truly remarkable charity making a difference for thousands of people across the UK.

From helping people connect with support services, to running Good Grief Cafes where anyone can meet others who understand, they're there every step of the way. Their Good Grief Cards provide practical guidance, and their work campaigning for better bereavement support is changing lives nationwide.

The Good Grief Trust shows that grief doesn't have to be faced alone, and that support can be accessible, welcoming, and compassionate. ♥

If you've been inspired by their work or found their support helpful, feel free to share below - it may help others too.

18/11/2025

17/11/2025

A reminder that if you would like to see a photograph of your loved one(s) displayed during our Christmas Carol Service, these need to be sent to cromer@westerleighgroup.co.uk by the 25th November.

Thank you🎄🕊️

02/11/2025

I always appreciate the great team at St Faiths and enjoy working alongside them.

🔦This week's celebrant spotlight falls on the lovely Sharon Wood. Always a pleasure to work with Sharon.🔦

Since 2016 I have been an innovative Independent Celebrant here in Norfolk, crafting meaningful ceremonies and celebrations of life. I always enjoy working with the supportive professional team at St Faiths.
I worked as a dedicated registered nurse for some 30 years. Having come to know profound grief in my own life, I was inspired to pursue a new career supporting the bereaved. My passion for creative writing led me to working alongside families and individuals to prepare and deliver thoughtful and person-centred goodbyes.
I’m often told I am known for my warmth, friendliness, and empathic listening skills. Learning about people’s lives is a privilege, and I strive to tell these stories with authenticity and attention to detail. I meticulously craft ceremony scripts that are cherished and remembered, ensuring each ceremony feels deeply personal. As a progressive celebrant, I embrace new ideas and approaches to farewell ceremonies.
Born and raised in Norwich, I spent several years living in London and overseas before returning to this beautiful county. Life outside my work is always lively, filled with the demands and joys of family, a house full of pets, and my enthusiasm for film and theatre. I also lead a weekly Grief Café in Mundesley, supporting those experiencing loss, and run a small memorial jewellery business from my home on the North Norfolk coast'.
Sharon Wood
Independent Celebrant
sharon@sharonwood.co.uk
07795 462939