WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following website may contain images and voices of deceased persons.

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info 10:15 Sorted! platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up to download the speakers kit!

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Join the Critical Info Community
and be Rewarded!


Sign up to be one of the first users of the Critical Info 10:15 Sorted! platform when it’s released in early 2025 and receive a lifetime 10% discount.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Podcast Page - Banner Title

No Rules, No Rush: The Last Hurrah’s Philosophy on Modern Funerals

Listen, watch, follow
Apple Podcasts
Podcast Page - Podcast Preview
17th October 2024

Listen now

 

About this episode

Ever wondered what it's like to plan a funeral in a golf course or use a combi van as a hearse?

Today, we're peeking into the world of personalised farewells with Mon Jones, a funeral director at The Last Hurrah.

Mon's journey into the funeral industry was unexpected, but it's clear she's found her calling. The Last Hurrah isn't your average funeral home - it's a family affair that's reimagining how we say goodbye to our loved ones. From cardboard coffins that families can decorate together to funerals held in unconventional venues, Mon and her team are breaking the mould of traditional services.

What sets The Last Hurrah apart is their commitment to truly personalised farewells. Mon shared fascinating insights into their process, from the initial family meeting to the final ceremony. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about listening intently to every story, every throwaway comment, and weaving these details into a ceremony that genuinely reflects the person who has died.

Show notes

Guest Bio
Podcast Guest - Image
Mon Jones

Funeral Director at The Last Hurrah Funerals

Today we have Funeral Director and doer of many great things Mon Jones with us. She is a Funeral Director at The Last Hurrah.

The Last Hurrah’s mission is simple: First, to offer reasonably priced funerals and uniquely personal farewells and end of life rituals that reflect each individual’s authentic original self. Second, to offer a gentle and secure circle of support to those grieving a loss. 

Mon joined The Last Hurrah in 2023, drawn to the ethics of their model of care and community.  She is Nastassia’s sister and shares the same values, Mon is driven by those values to support whanau in times of grief. 

Mon has many years of experience working in hospitality and values helping people as they navigate difficult times.  An organisational expert, she also has extensive experience as a logistician with a Diploma in International Freight Forwarding, so she brings attention to detail, ensuring funerals are planned with care.

A career creative, Mon studied jazz piano.  She is the founder of Butterjoy Kitchen – a catering business that honours the classic antipodean celebration good.  A food adventurer, Mon has walked the Camino de Santiago and travelled extensively across South East Asia, revelling in new flavours and foods.  She is currently learning Thai to further this passion.

Summary

Key Takeaways:

  • The importance of slowing down the funeral planning process - there's often more time than families realise
  • How The Last Hurrah incorporates children into the funeral process, including decorating coffins and creating quiet spaces at services
  • The value of transparency in pricing and offering affordable options like cardboard coffins
  • Creative ways to personalise funerals, from unconventional venues to unique rituals
  • The annual tree planting event that keeps families connected long after the funeral

Mon's advice for families facing a loss is simple yet powerful: take a breath, slow down, and remember that there's no 'right' way to do this. It's about creating a farewell that feels true to your loved one and helps you begin your grief journey.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

Transcript

1
00:00:01,640 --> 00:00:05,130
A lot of people apologize to
me for not knowing what to do.

2
00:00:05,130 --> 00:00:06,390
Okay, what do you know what to do?

3
00:00:06,420 --> 00:00:10,920
Like, hopefully you haven't done
many of these before, and most often

4
00:00:10,920 --> 00:00:12,659
it's the first time, and that's fine.

5
00:00:12,749 --> 00:00:13,779
That's what we're here for.

6
00:00:13,799 --> 00:00:17,579
So I'd say don't f ... Read More

Resources

 

  • My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?

Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.

 

  • Support Services
    If you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.

Share

View free guides:

Download our free guides to help you navigate your end-of-life planning! Icon
Podcast Icon

Recent Episodes:

Post Image
Ghosts, Graves, and Gossip: Uncovering Sorrento’s Haunted History
Ever wondered what it’s like to chat with ghosts for a living? Join me as I sit down with Jenny...
Post Image
Cheating Death: The Cryonics Revolution in Australia
Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up 200 years in the future, in a young, healthy body...
Post Image
No Rules, No Rush: The Last Hurrah’s Philosophy on Modern Funerals
Ever wondered what it’s like to plan a funeral in a golf course or use a combi van as a...
Podcast alternate logo

Keep in touch

Stay in the loop with the latest Critical Info updates, events and podcast episodes.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.