Celebrancy

  • As a celebrant, I work with families to craft a funeral or memorial that reflects the life, relationships, values, and individuality of the person being remembered.

    I provide emotional grounding and gentle guidance during one of life’s most difficult moments.

    Each service is written from the ground up and shaped through conversation, storytelling, and collaboration with those closest to the deceased. As a non-denominational officiant, I welcome the inclusion of prayers, readings, music, poems, and rituals from a wide range of faiths, cultural traditions, and secular perspectives.

    Whether traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, each ceremony is thoughtfully and collaboratively shaped to reflect the uniqueness and complexity of a life lived.

  • We will begin with a phone or video call where I will gather basic information and answer any questions you might have.

    From there, we'll meet — in person or virtually — to gather the meaningful details that will shape the ceremony.

    Then, I will write the ceremony, creating a service that feels thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective of the person being remembered. The script will be shared in advance for review, edits, and final approval.

    Additional offerings include:

    • Eulogy writing and delivery

    • Incorporation of spiritual, secular, or cultural elements

    • Collaboration with clergy for hybrid services

    • Coordination with funeral homes or venues

    • Officiating and emotional support on the day

    • Steady guidance and a grounded presence throughout the planning process

    • Honoring of cremains (starting at $225) - A simple, thoughtfully written ceremony for cremains retrieval or ash scattering — shaped by a brief conversation and the moments worth remembering.

    • Graveside services (starting at $425) - Ideal for ceremonies that take place at the site of burial, including traditional and green burial services.

    • Funerals, Memorials, and Celebrations of life (starting at $525)

    • Living wakes (inquire for a custom quote)

    Please reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.

  • I had the opportunity to work with DeDe Drake following her completion of the Modern Memorials Celebrant Training Program, when she officiated a funeral service for a Ukrainian family in New York City.

    DeDe approached the service with great care, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. She took the time to understand the family, honor their traditions, and ensure that the ceremony felt personal and meaningful.

    She was dependable, compassionate, and respectful throughout the entire process, providing the family with a steady and reassuring presence during an incredibly difficult time. I was proud to have DeDe represent Muldowney Memorials and would confidently recommend her to families seeking a caring and thoughtful funeral celebrant.

    — Jennifer Muldowney, Founder, Muldowney Memorials

  • When I asked DeDe to write and deliver the eulogy for my best friend Shay's Celebration of Life, I knew I was trusting her with something incredibly important. I wanted someone who could capture my friend's spirit, her humor, her strength, and the enormous impact she had on the people who loved her.

    DeDe did that and so much more.

    She took the time to truly listen to our stories and understand who Shay was, and she transformed those memories into a beautiful, heartfelt tribute. Her words captured Shay in a way that felt deeply personal and authentic. She made us laugh, she made us cry, and most importantly, she made us feel like Shay was right there with us.

    During an incredibly difficult time, DeDe brought compassion, thoughtfulness, and genuine care to something that meant so much to our family and friends. I will always be grateful for the way she honored Shay and helped us celebrate her life.

    I cannot recommend DeDe highly enough. She has a remarkable gift for telling someone’s story with warmth, heart, and authenticity.

    Christina, Grand Rapids, MI

  • "DeDe's grounded presence and calm leadership put me at ease during the ceremony she officiated for me. The ceremony itself was crafted beautifully and with careful attention to detail, and everyone in attendance was really moved by how personal and intentional it was. "

    -Charlotte, Leadership Coach

  • "DeDe has made such a huge impact on our patients and their families during their end-of-life hospice journey with us. She goes above and beyond to care for our patient’s spiritual and emotional needs by offering a comforting presence and helping families along the way with whatever needs they might have."

    -Holly Salas, Volunteer Coordinator, Emmanuel Hospice

  • "The level of commitment and loving care that DeDe provides for my husband with advanced dementia, as well as her support of my need for a caring ear has been invaluable! I always know that he is safe and his needs are met whenever she is with him, allowing me peace of mind."

    -Vicki, veteran and retired nurse

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