An extraordinary person; naturally intuitive & responsive
“Martha did so much to help our family honor my mother’s life with a ceremony that included multiple generations. Martha is an extraordinary person who is naturally intuitive and responsive to each person’s unique story. She came to our home and listened carefully to our feelings, always meeting and responding to our unspoken emotions even when we were uncertain of how to proceed with our grief. She knew the questions to be asked and how to shape the ceremony with a natural flow, always making sure that her words reflected a true picture of my mother. Martha took note of details that were important to me and made sure to include them, while at the same time offering an array of knowledgeable suggestions and possibilities when we asked for guidance.
We requested that a portion of the ceremony be directed to the great grandchildren, ages 2-12, and I was overwhelmed with the tender theme and responsive words Martha chose, using an appropriate tone for children while still engaging the adults. Martha has a remarkable understanding of how to deliver the spoken word with sensitivity, naturally allowing humor and sadness as well as the expression of love to permeate her voice at a pace that showcases her fine awareness of the listener’s experience.
It was so reassuring to know from the start that Martha is a highly educated professional who holds herself to a high standard. We had a clear understanding of what we were asking her to do and what the financial arrangement would be. Most helpful was the timeline of responsibility ensuring a plan of how we would work together to make sure all details were tended to well in advance of the actual date. Once again, Martha knew the questions to ask and how to follow through on all aspects of our plan, and she was available and flexible with her communication all along the way. I feel fortunate to have found Vermont Celebrants and truly enjoyed working with Martha. We ended our day feeling warmth, love, and celebration for the life of my mother.”
-Karen Detterman
At home in each others’ presence
“My mother was like the den mother of an entire town; when she died I knew the tone I wanted, but getting that across was difficult; she was spiritual but not religious; respectful but not exactly pious; kind and loving to all. Martha understood this spirit, and put together the perfect ceremony in the perfect location. She was able to make guests of all ages (3 to 90-something) and all religious backgrounds and affiliations not just comfortable, but at home in each others’ presence, joined in love, memory and song.
My mother's home away from home was the local community theater; they graciously offered the space, and Martha went to work. Always respectful of my needs, she made wonderful suggestions and raised logistical questions - and then offered answers - that would have never occured to me. Music and musicians, schedule, timing, suggested readings and her own beautiful words - it all came together perfectly for the standing-room-only crowd. Dozens of friends and family have expressed their joy and appreciation for the ceremony which captured my mom's spirit perfectly. So much thanks to Martha for guiding us through this difficult time, holding our hands, and being a loving voice in the wilderness.”
- Chris Bull
Down home charm & deep intelligence
“Martha offered to come to my house. Martha knew that listening was important. Martha was able to assess what my family needed to grieve. Martha listens carefully and wisely. Martha suggested readings, music, and order of service. Martha is smart, well-churched and knowledgeable about different types of services. I was impressed with her knowledge of different religious backgrounds. I trusted Martha to offer options and follow through with planning.
The day of the service, it was a rainy day and Martha was undaunted. I cried when Martha knelt to shovel the first dirt to cover Ed’s ashes. Ed’s children (now adults) were equally taken with Martha. It was as though the service was running itself. Neighbors, friends, colleagues (about 500 people) came. Martha didn’t forget a thing - her planning was collaborative and personal and inclusive. Martha shared her broad knowledge and experience. Martha’s service was elegant.
Martha is a unique combination of ‘down home charm’ and ‘deep intelligence’ and respect for the person who died and his family. She has a calm manner, yet she draws people to her with her gentle, persuasive way. My children told me, ‘I remember how lovingly she held dad’s ashes…. I remember how she listened.’”
- Martha Fitzgerald
Respect, inclusion, community, & kindness
“Martha demonstrates a keen sense of respect, inclusion, community, and kindness. She conducted a Celebration of Life that was clear in name and participation. Without platitudes, she acknowledged our loss while facilitating the joy, laughter, and purpose of our loved one’s life. Martha’s spirituality transcends all denominational faiths, thus she is able to include all in the celebration. The Celebration of Life had to be delayed to set up many more chairs and all those people mingled afterwards to share life stories. Martha facilitated that healing process.”
-Michael Benfield and Tara Hengeveld
You have found your calling
“Thank you so much for your part in making… the memorial that the brothers and I wanted. Our family went through a lot of grieving together in the process of creating it. You helped us to focus our energy into making the life celebration that we felt would honor [my husband]. So many people have written or told me how beautiful and meaningful it was for them personally. It was wonderful for the four grandchildren to be able to participate by reading the poems. The length of the memorial was right. The weather, the flowers, the catering, the photos and display boards, the setting… all were really special. You were very helpful in providing the structure and organization for your talk and incorporating the variety of ideas from many different people.
You have found your calling.”
-Ellen
Writes beautifully; presents with the most appropriate tone
“It's been two weeks since my husband's funeral and I'm still feeling grateful for the lovely service we held for him. With COVID there were more challenges than usual; in-person attendance was down while dozens tuned in for the Zoom feed. Through it all--the planning and the execution--Martha was helpful, supportive, and kind. She really listened to me when we met, and she incorporated the stories I shared about my husband seamlessly into a celebration that honored his long life--and our happy life together. Martha does more than listen, though, she writes beautifully and presents using the perfect, most appropriate tone possible. That Saturday Martha exuded calm, joy, respect, and hope. Her words and presence brought me comfort, and her ability to reach those in the room and around the world made me proud.”
-Lee
Calm & caring presence
"Martha's calm and caring presence was a true gift during our pivotal time of deep loss."
-Tricia
About as perfect as it could have been
“Thank you for all your kind words. And thank you for keeping us on track for a year and a half [with Covid delays]!! It does feel like the service was about as perfect as it could have been. Amazing that we so lucked out on the weather with the drenching thunderstorms that came on days before and after. Got to give credit to [our loved one’s] spirit energy for that! Now that all is done and [her] ashes [are] tucked into the earth (I like how you put that 😊), I do feel a peace which I did not before. Again, thanks for all your listening and guiding, recommendations about eating establishments and even photos from the cemetery! Most especially thanks for the suggestion of Rock Point as a venue. I can't imagine a better place for our service.”
-Anne P.
Sensitive, bright, creative, & caring
"Martha was a bright light when we needed it the most after the death of our loved one. Martha is extraordinarily sensitive, bright, creative and caring. Martha sat with us for hours creating the perfect, loving memorial service. We'll never forget the way she cherished our loved one the way she would cherish her own family member.”
- Paula Marden
Warm and heartfelt delivery
“We were so fortunate to have Martha as the celebrant for my mother's graveside service. She listened closely to our needs, maintained great communication and created a wonderful service to honor my mother's memory. Her delivery of the service was warm and heartfelt. She was also very supportive to me and my family during a difficult time. I highly recommend Vermont Celebrants for any event!”
-Rebecca Edelman
Couldn’t be more grateful for your help and support
"Martha, I am so pleased that you are guiding us through this sad time. I feel comfortable having you as our celebrant because both [my loved one] and I always treasured the friendship we felt in knowing you… when we lived in Burlington. Thank you again for everything…We cannot thank you enough for your guidance in helping us through this very sensitive time. Thank you Martha from the bottom of our hearts. Our paths crossed at the exact right moment. We couldn't be more grateful for your help and support navigating this emotional process for all of us.”
Michele, Melissa, and Mary Ann