General News
18 July, 2025
A respectful farewell
SAYING goodbye to a loved one can be a difficult and emotional time but at Natural Grace the team go to great lengths to ensure you feel supported.
With gentle and kind care, and plenty of time, you will be able to make informed decisions and authentic choices.
Making sure that the wishes of the deceased are met, and that their final goodbye is one of respect and dignity, is high on the priority list for the Natural Grace team.
Karen and Fiona believe in offering natural, holistic funeral care and encourage families to take a gentle approach during what can be a highly emotional time.
The time immediately following the death of a loved one can bring with it sorrow, loss, grief and often an overwhelming sense of ‘what now?’
“We encourage people to go gently,” Fiona said.
“Families can slow down, take their time and breathe. Nothing needs to be rushed.
“We are here to guide and to assist in whatever form that may take. We encourage family-led funerals but can also step in at any stage to support and lead if that’s what is wanted and needed.”
At Natural Grace team members are passionately committed to supporting families, offering natural and respectful care for the person who has died and gentle guidance for the living.
In death as in life, there is an opportunity to express ourselves authentically.
“For some of us, the comfort of conventional funeral care helps us come to terms with our loss,” Karen said.
“For others it’s important to be personally and intimately involved in the care of the person we have loved and accordingly, we are looking for more choice and empowerment in death and funeral care.
“We are honoured to support families in whatever form of care they choose to honour the person who has died.”
The beautiful community room at Natural Grace’s Warrnambool Sanctuary can accommodate up to 80 people.
Alternatively, families may choose to hold a service or tribute in another location that has meaning and meets their needs.
This can be a chapel within a cemetery, a local venue, community hall, local church, graveside or even your own garden.
The options are extensive and personal.
The Sanctuary at Natural Grace enables team members to naturally and gently care for your loved one.
Those who would like to participate in the preparation of the body are welcome to do so and are also welcome to visit and spend quiet time with their loved one.
“The journey to saying goodbye is very much a personal one which is why we lead from behind,” Fiona said.
“We want families to feel they are in control of this process, and we take pride in spending time with families to ensure their needs and wishes are met.”
As experienced end-of-life doulas, both Karen and Fiona are well trained to provide support for those wishing to die at home.
“Some people wish to die at home and we are there to support them and their families through that process and to provide assistance with after-death care.
“Our service is all about respect and honour, both to the deceased and their loved ones.”
For those wishing to discover more about the services available at Natural Grace, Fiona and Karen can be found at 82 Fairy Street, Warrnambool.
Alternatively, phone 5561 1199.
