Our Blog

Jackie
Jul
31

Jackie

Jackie joined State of Grace last year and she has quickly become a key member of the team.

After 16 years as a midwife, when Jackie thought about changing career she felt becoming a funeral director was the most natural transition for her.  Some told her these careers are polar opposites but it just seemed natural to Jackie that they flowed. She sees her work as similar, as in it is all part of life’s journey.  She believes being a funeral director suits her personality and it is important for her to be able to support families.

Jackie has proved that her caring and kind nature makes her approachable.  She will listen with an empathetic ear so she can do as much as she can for grieving families, and always keeps in mind how they must be feeling at such a difficult time.

Jackie’s number one idea of fun is spending time with her family.  She and husband Dave are ‘empty nesters’ and there are no grandbabies yet but she would like some.  She also enjoys travel and is an ace op-shopper.  She loves to browse and she has an eagle eye when it comes to a bargain.


Jun
01

Wendy Richardson

Wendy applied for the position of funeral assistant and we are so glad she did.

She is a happy, warm, practical and caring person and fits into our team so well.

She lives locally to the Albany branch with her husband of 20 years – Darryl – and their two children – a boy and a girl.

They have a small farm with cows, chickens, a dog, a cat and two budgies! They live an active family life enjoying travelling, hiking and biking.
Wendy’s previous experience was in signwriting so this is a real change of direction for her.

She is a keeper!


May
03

Sarah Cannon

Sarah joined State of Grace in October 2020.

Her background as a Registered Nurse, working at Hospice ended in 2016 when she left to spend more time with her 4 children and tending to her lifestyle block in Karekare, while she contemplated what was next for her.In 2019 Sarah had a dear friend die suddenly in an accident and was integral to the family to navigate this huge loss, working closely with State of Grace, she realised what her next step was to be.

Sarah has a great passion for working with families, and ensuring their loved ones get the best possible send off, she shows great empathy and kindness to everyone. She feels that working with families at this time is both a privilege and an honour.

Sarah has attended extensive workshops on grief, and counselling, during her time as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospice.

Sarah is married to Eyan, they have 4 school age children, who keep them constantly busy!

Sarah immerses herself in the raw west coast as frequently as time allows, and enjoys yoga, gardening, cooking, hand crafts and a good book.


Jun
25

Ian Sugden

Car Valet & Cleaner

Ian joined State of Grace in Feb 2015 and works every Thursday. Besides being diligent he has a great eye for detail and we can rely on him to keep our vehicles, office and grounds in tip top condition.

Ian keeps busy with 2 other jobs – he is a support worker helping persons with a variety of disabilities to attain more independence in their lives.

He also teaches English to ESOL students in an evening class & does private tutoring.

These jobs really suit Ian as he is patient, kind, and very friendly.

As well as keeping physically fit  grooming our cars, Ian keeps in shape running and hiking and when time allows he enjoys mellowing out with a great book.

He lives with his partner Anne and has a teenage son attending Auckland Grammar School.


Jun
19

Sue

Sue joined our team in April 2015 – she is in charge of all of the administration, accounts, and also is a source of comfort for any families who pop by unexpectedly – a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear…

Sue is a very kind, loving, empathetic, patient, creative, caring and trustworthy person with a wicked sense of humour and everyone loves her. She is modest but we can tell you that she is a very talented artist, and can turn her hand to any crafts. She is a mum to Steph and Ben and a loving nana of four. Sue and her husband – Kona – live in Mt Albert and are building a second home in Niue for their retirement.


Jun
07

Michelle Page

Michelle joined us at State of Grace in March 2016.

Her background was previously in Media and Marketing and although she was passionate about her role within this industry she felt a need for a change and a chance to use her life experience to help others. She had been to previous funerals that State of Grace had been involved in and loved the way we worked with the families and so put pen to paper to introduce herself to us – at just the right time.

Michelle has compassion when working with families who are dealing with great loss. She steps in to assist them with deciding how they would like to honour and say goodbye to their loved one.

She is authentic, compassionate, kind, intuitive, professional and positive. Michelle will go out of her way to help our families.

Michelle feels that working so closely with families is a true honour and feels very fulfilled by this.

Michelle is married to Tom and they have two grown children. Her son has a career in acting and her daughter has finished her degree and is now living in Australia – she is very proud of them both!


Oct
07

Fran Mitchell

Mum to  three gorgeous girls, Fran Mitchell enjoyed an early career as a legal secretary, followed by training in architectural draughting. Fran enjoys Auckland’s West Coast and is a Volunteer Lifeguard at United North Piha.

In 2003 when her sister was terminally ill, Fran’s life took a dramatic turn as she decided to care for her at home.

“My sister’s illness and subsequent death really was a life-altering event. It caused me to seriously question traditional death care and funerals and consider whether there were any realistic alternatives. I just wasn’t comfortable with what was on offer, and felt I should be able to honour my sister in a far more personal, meaningful way,” Fran says.

Fran participated in the Jerrigrace Lyons’ Home Funeral course organised by Deb Cairns in April 2005. The move to creating State Of Grace was a natural progression.

“It is a privilege to be able to support grieving families to care for their loved ones in such a respectful and loving way,” she says.

Fran has completed her Certificate in Grief Counselling which has provided her with a more thorough understanding of the grief process.


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