"Jill Caruth was the mother of three girls. She adored travelling with and to see her friends, as well as having them stay with her. She created a home that she adored, as did all who spent many happy hours there with her.
"At my mother's request and organisation before she died, there was no funeral. She asked for direct cremation and a half-day open house as a wake.
"It made a huge difference to myself and my sisters to find Poppy’s who provided direct cremation and made everything simple and stress-free. I had always dreaded the process of organising a funeral and Poppy’s affirmed our wish to not have one.
"My clearest memory from the day was the joy of seeing all Mumma’s friends in her home talking as if Mumma was still with us. There was a lot of laughter. I think my mother would have been so proud of us all.
"My advice to someone organising a funeral would be to call Poppy’s. Talk about you and your family members’ wishes as much as you can. Don’t feel encumbered by conventions — organise the ceremony, day, or event that best reflects the person who has died."
(Photo: Hugh Burnand)