A PERSONAL AND LOVING FAREWELL

For funeral director Yvonne Reichrath, a meaningful farewell begins with care, respect, and genuine attention for the people involved. Throughout her work, one belief has always guided her: “What connects us matters more than what separates us. The moment people truly meet one another, things like language, background, status, or postcode quietly fall away. What remains is the importance of sharing a moment that feels real and unforgettable together.”

Yvonne says: “The way we live shapes the way we hope to be remembered by the people closest to us. A farewell that truly reflects someone’s character can help those left behind carry the loss in a gentler way. After many years in the corporate world, I consciously chose a completely different path. Working in funeral care allowed me to combine creativity, communication, and practical organisation in a way that felt deeply meaningful. A serious illness confronted me with how vulnerable life really is. It changed my perspective and led me towards work centred around the human side of life rather than the commercial one. Every farewell I guide receives my full commitment, with warmth, care, and attention for every detail.

Today, this work no longer feels separate from who I am. Every funeral carries its own atmosphere and character. Some are quiet and understated, others full of stories, music, and laughter. One funeral that has always stayed with me was that of Jan’s wife. I met him the day after she had died. Almost immediately he said: ‘My wife never wanted one of those formal funeral halls…’

Out came the folder of things that had been put aside for later, and before long the conversation was being shaped by traditions, expectations, and a few sensitive family dynamics. The funeral should not become overly emotional. The laying out would happen in the funeral home around the corner. No visiting. A minister would lead the ceremony. The funeral cards and newspaper notices needed arranging. And one thing was made very clear: Aunt Marie was absolutely not to speak. Jan spoke with certainty, but underneath it I sensed something else entirely. This gentle and grieving man seemed to be hiding behind a kind of armour made up of practical decisions and ideas about how things are supposed to be done. So I asked him quietly: ‘What would Sofia herself have wanted?’

The room fell silent for a moment. Then Jan said: ‘You will probably think it sounds strange, and maybe people do not really do this… but she wanted to stay at home with friends around her. Sofia never wanted her farewell to feel like some formal meeting where everyone sits politely waiting for speeches to finish.’

Once Jan realised there was space to create the kind of farewell that truly suited her, everything slowly shifted. Together we cared for Sofia and laid her out at home. Over the following days, friends and neighbours came by constantly, bringing stories, warmth, flowers, and comfort. On the day of the farewell gathering, Sofia rested in the garden room, surrounded by her paintings and favourite flowers while soft French music played in the background. The living room became a welcoming place where family and friends could eat, drink, and spend time together naturally. Beautiful food and wine were served, conversations unfolded gently, and memories were shared freely.

Now and then, someone would stand up and speak about Sofia. Others preferred to sit quietly beside her for a while with a glass of wine in hand. Some wrote messages in the guest book, while others simply stayed close together in silence. Later that afternoon, in the presence of everyone who wished to remain, Sofia was laid into her coffin. Jan closed it himself before everyone said their final goodbye. Surrounded by the people who loved her most, she was carried from her home to the funeral car that would take her to the crematorium. As she left, everyone stood outside and waved her farewell… and in that moment, everything felt exactly as it should have been.

For information or to record your wishes

If you would like to know more about what is possible when arranging a funeral, or if you have personal wishes you would like to explore, you are warmly welcome to get in touch. An introductory conversation is always without obligation.