Rev. Freddy D. Gerow
Sacred Pathways
 

Freddy D. Gerow graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She has worked as a nurse for 40 years.

“My life purpose has been to assist others in their healing process: physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a Registered Nurse, I came to believe the mental, emotional and physical aspects of our lives are intertwined, in fact, inseparable.”  

It was at the time of her husband’s illness and death, that she  knew she was being called to the ministry.
 

Ceremonies for Life and Beyond
Healing-Mind-Body-Spirit
 

I am a Certified Celebrant serving the greater metropolitan Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area as well as all of  SW Washington.

I am no stranger to grief. By the time I was 25 years old, I had lost four significant people in my life.  I have profound compassion for those who grieve.  It is my intention to wrap the grieving in a comforter of confidence that there will be, indeed, a light at the end of the tunnel.  

My hope is that they will look back realizing there were gifts unimagined waiting for them in the midst of the dreaded confusion and sadness as a direct result of going through the steps of “creating a service”.  My wish is that each one experience a deep sense of peace.

What is a Certified Celebrant?

A Certified Funeral Celebrant is a person who seeks to meet the needs of families during their time of loss.  They serve by providing a funeral/memorial service that is personalized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased.  This practice is used widely in New Zealand and Australia.

Why involve a Celebrant?

Many people do not have a church or a clergy person to call on. Others may not be comfortable with a traditional religious memorial/funeral ceremony or may want to have it at home or in an alternate location.  When a death in the family occurs people need spiritual support in dealing with the event and the service.  The important thing is to honor and celebrate each life in a way that is personal, meaningful and comforting to the survivors.

How does using a Celebrant work?

Preparation for the service is a time to sit with family members and others, to recall the memorable and the significant. Each memory is a demonstration of the deceased person's values and Value in the community. This process is beneficial in and of itself.  Meeting with a Celebrant is a part of the grieving and healing process.

The Celebrant will then create or co-create with family  members a celebration that honors and glorifies the life that was.  The day of the service the Celebrant will officiate and direct the celebration.

How do I arrange for a Celebrant?

Ask your funeral home director to contact one for you or you may call a Celebrant directly.

What should I do if my loved one has requested no service be held?

Occasionally a person requests that no service be held.  It is important to remember that the service is for the survivors so they can have closure.  The deceased loved you and would want you to find peaceful resolution.

 A service does not have to be a formal event.  It is possible to share an informal time together to celebrate the life of your loved one.  This may be done at any significant location, such as at home, a private club, or a park.

What people are saying . . .

           "Freddy took the time to talk to each one of us about our Grandmother so her service was a true representation of our deep feelings for Grandma.  At the same time, her calm and concern for us helped get us through the most difficult of moments.  I felt Freddy cared deeply about us and about making sure the service was exactly what Grandma and our family wanted and she did a wonderful job with it."
                         - Kayleen, Milwaukie, OR
 

           “Freddy has officiated for families of mine and has done a remarkable job.  I have heard nothing but praise from my families about her and her caring personality.”
                        ~ Mike, Funeral Director


           “Freddy, people thought you were a member of the family.”
                        ~ Margie, Portland, OR

            Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.