Testimonials
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Just want to say that you and the team at State of Grace is the best thing that has happened to the funeral industry. You give people a real choice of how they want their funeral. We’ve known you on both sides, as a venue and for both my parents. I can’t recommend you more or thank you enough for the amazing service you offer.
- Carolyn -
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I just wanted to send a personal message as well to thank you for your incredible care of our dad and also our family. Your kindness, empathy and support were incredible and we all so greatly appreciated you and all you both did for us. You have an amazing work commitment and created a special funeral in such a short space of time. Thank you so much for your guidance, for doing all you could to accommodate our requests and make Dad’s farewell touching and wonderful. As you know, Dad’s final year and in particular his last week, were harrowing for him and for us all. Thank you for your understanding, for helping us to deal with this in your caring, understanding way and for taking care of him at his journey’s end on Earth. We have a long way to go in coming to terms with what happened and in actually living life with our adored dad – you made it possible for us to make a start.
I can’t truly express in words my heartfelt gratitude for taking care of Dad and our family and for helping us to get through such a difficult time. The world is a better place for having you both in it. True angels.
With love and sincere appreciation
- Melissa -
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I had been to funerals organised by State of Grace so when my husband died my first call was to them. They responded immediately, answered all my questions promptly, took out all the hassle of dealing with the organisation of the funeral and at all times were empathetic, informative and available. I heartily recommend State of Grace to take care of all your needs when you need help when the worst has happened, and you have lost a loved one.
- Michelle, Auckland -
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Thank you for your love, support and care as I farewelled my darling Doug.
It was a wonderful and relaxed time for us all though we were grieving deeply.
Your input and graciousness; allowing us to do it 'our way, has meant that i feel extremely happy with everything we did and wouldn't have changed one thing - even in hindsight.
The extra thoughtfulness of the book and teddies was so very thoughtful.
With sincere appreciation.
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Funerals are always a stressful and sad time, with everything that needs attention, but you made the whole process so easy. Thank you for your expertise, presence and helpfulness. We celebrated mum’s life in the way she wanted and gave her a good send off.
We couldn’t have been more happy with the level of care given by Deb and all the team at State of Grace Funeral Services.
- Margaret O’Carroll -
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To all of you dear ladies at State of Grace,
I want to say thank you. But thank you isn’t nearly enough of a word to express my gratitude towards you.
From that first phone call I knew that you would look after us, and our beautiful Sue. When you came in and said that Sue’s was a ‘good death’ the comfort you gave me in those words was enormous. I nursed Sue at home until she died, with a visit from a nurse at Mercy Hospice each day. I hoped that what I did made her final days as comfortable as possible and you reassured me of that.
The conversation the boys and I had later with Deborah encouraged us to run the funeral our way. In particular it was meaningful to us not to have a crowd around as when we buried Sue.
I had always observed funeral directors as people who quietly “oiled the machinery” and generally made the right things happen. I now know that you do so much more.
We immediately felt that each one of you was our friend. After Sue died the only thing I felt I could do for her was to give her a memorable funeral. You enabled me to do that.
A thousand thank you’s are not enough to express my gratitude to you.
With love,
- John -
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Thank you so much for working with us so gently and simply from the time in the hospital right through to after the funeral. I think of you bringing Amy here on Saturday and then graciously fitting people visiting her unexpectedly at your premises, and your quiet, simple support at the funeral itself which allowed us to not even have to think about the aspects you covered.And thank you for your fairness in preparing our invoice, and for helping us to choose options which we could more easily afford and yet were still fitting. And especially thanks for the willow casket – it has been very very right. It has not been easy but would have been a lot harder without your support.
- Ian and Rachael -
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Deb and Fran We can’t thank you enough for the amazing kindness and respect State of Grace has shown us throughout this very difficult time. Thanks also for looking after our son at the funeral and giving him the lovely book.I know that your generosity comes from the hearts of mothers – you are very special women.
- L and M, parents of a beautiful stillborn girl -
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Fran,Thank you for all your support and time over my recent loss.You gave me your time and understanding but most of all you helped me allow myself to grieve.
I will always be grateful to you for your care when I needed it most.
- A.M -
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Dear Deb, I feel like I am writing to an old friend which is how we all feel I think – you made everything for us so personal – you facilitated putting our and our Dad’s wishes into reality, something that none of us thought was possible.We can’t thank you enough, you were truly amazing from beginning to end. Hopefully I won’t see you for a while (!) but just wanted to tell you what you did for us made the experience into something I will look back on with warmth.
Heartfelt love from all of us
- Mary -
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I cannot praise highly enough your excellent service and sympathetic manner, brightened with a touch of humour. Thank you.
- Liz -
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I wouldn’t dream of calling anyone else because it was like having a member of my family sort everything out with no fuss.My wishes for a very personal and hands-on farewell to Eric based at our home were no problem and the willow casket was just beautiful.I would recommend State of Grace to anyone who loses a loved one because their sensitivity to your needs is very special & it just feels right.
Thanks so much for helping me through it Deb, I couldn’t have coped without you.
- Mels Barton -
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The death of our son was naturally an enormously distressing and difficult time for my ex partner, myself, and our respective families.Deb and Fran worked sensitively with both parents, keeping us informed and supported and listened to our respective needs. They networked to ensure our requirements were met regarding caskets, embalming, cremation etc and went out of their way to be available at all times.Both women were professional and confident in their approach as well as being empathetic and understanding during this difficult time.
I would not hesitate to recommend ‘State of Grace’ as a funeral service for others and I am truly grateful for the genuine care and support that we received.
- Matt and family -
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I am writing to you to express my sincere thanks for the support and care you gave me and my mother in arranging and organizing her funeral.In particular, I would like to thank you both for the way in which you treated my mother while preparing her for viewing. You showed her both respect and sensitivity which helped in our time of need.I wish you both the best in your future endeavours, and if my experience has been anything to go by, then I am sure your business will be a great success.
- Tim -