We have received some humbling feedback from our clients. We’re very happy that these people found us, and can speak of our experience together in such positive terms.
Thank you to those who have wanted to share your stories to help inspire others. Here are some of their experiences, thoughts, and reflections:
“Just to say enormous thank you for everything you have done to make Lulu’s departure as gentle as it could be. Lulu would have thoroughly approved of the minimum fuss approach – although I know there must have been a lot of things going on behind the scenes to make the day seem so effortless. Your quiet efficiency throughout gave us complete confidence that everything would go smoothly – perhaps you even arranged for the sun to shine!”
– Jane, October 2022 – Woodvale Crematorium
“I just wanted to say thank you to you both for an amazing ceremony and celebration of Julian’s life. I loved every minute of it, it was so personal about Jules and so respectful of all of his life. I can’t really put into words how grateful I am to you both for all you have done to make Julian’s passing as good as it could be. I miss him so much but watching the funeral and having it saved to keep watching means so much. I really can’t thank you enough.”
– Lin, September 2022 – Woodvale Crematorium
“My wife, Sue, died a month ago after a very long illness. I am so pleased that we asked The Modern Funeral to make the funeral arrangements for the service at the crematorium. After our first meeting with Tora, shortly after Sue had passed away, we knew we had made the right choice. Tora handled the meeting sensitively, gave helpful suggestions, there was never any pressure to do things in one particular way, but she helped us to make the decisions we needed to make. They always responded quickly to emails and phone calls with information and advice. Our vicar, who conducted the service itself, described them as “amazing”. Although it was obviously a sad and stressful time for us, they were a pleasure to work with and I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Tora and The Modern Funeral.”
– Howard, July 2022 – Woodvale Crematorium
“My brother passed away after a very short and aggressive illness, and his was the first funeral I had had to arrange; Paul was quirky and quite alternative, and it is really difficult to know where to start when organising something that will take in such a wide spectrum of friends family and colleagues and of course my brother’s wishes. Tora guided me so supportively through the many things that had to be considered including the difficulty of making financial decisions. She spoke beautifully at his ceremony which was simple, environmentally friendly and incredibly moving. It was a great comfort to me that everyone who attended spoke of it being the most fitting and lovely funeral they had ever attended. Thank you, Tora. With gratitude.”
“Tora is the Modern Funeral and Celabrant! It is her life mission to enable the celebration of life and death. She does this with her nurturing, mindful, open and honest approach. The Modern Funeral is a refreshing safe place to embrace undoubtedly the most delicate and challenging emotions that arise when a person dies.
We are a complicated family as are many. So when my mum suddenly and unexpected died my siblings and I were in absolute shock. Tora was the perfect antidote. She was able to patiently and lovingly guide us through the turmoil and together create the most perfect send off for our mum. It was beautiful, personal, honest and above all embracing of everyones different back grounds and faith.
Tora went above and beyond, collecting our mum from the IOW, looking after her in Brighton, working out the details of our send off in every last detail. Tora even encouraged and supported us to decorate the coffin, providing us with the space in which to do it. This was the most ingenious suggestion as we are a creative family and found this to be very healing.
8 month on and Tora is still supporting us by holding space for our mums ashes until we are ready to lay them. I know mum will he happy there for now.”
– Helen, November 2021 – Woodvale Crematorium
“I was absolutely delighted with the service from The Modern Funeral. I approached them with some fairly difficult and unusual requests, at very short notice, and they were able to provide everything we needed and went above and beyond the call of duty at every stage. On top of this they were extremely reasonably-priced and the whole family felt supported and informed throughout. Most importantly we never felt stressed or overwhelmed by the process and we always felt in full control and secure in the knowledge that we were in the safest possible hands, we could not recommend The Modern Funeral highly enough”
– Tobi, June 2021 – Woodland Valley
“I cannot speak highly enough of The Modern Funeral and Tora who worked with us on my stepfathers funeral. The support that she gave in organising everything was amazing and at all times she showed compassion and empathy. She helped to organise every step and always guided us and took time to really understand who my stepfather was and what was important to us and to him. She was then able to suggest and advise on aspects of the service which I would not have thought of but made the service perfect. On the day she was there for all of us and gave the eulogy beautifully and with feeling and supported us when we spoke. The prices were so reasonable and she worked with us to meet both a budget and the perfect service for Peter. Thank you so much for making such a hard, stressful and emotional time so much easier for us all and for delivering a wonderful service for Peter.”
– Angela, April 2021
“Having Tora as our funeral director was a happy accident – she was recommended by the second company we tried that had turned us down because they were too busy! (Covid Times)
However, right from the start, Tora was understanding, responsive and accessible on the phone and via email. She didn’t pressurise and was an excellent listener, explaining options clearly. I ended up changing my mind on a couple of details, pleased that she gave useful advice that enabled me to do so. She was patient when I couldn’t give quick answers without consulting with my siblings. The willow coffin was exactly what my sister and I wanted for my mother – and my brothers came to agree (to their surprise!) On the day itself, she played a reassuring but discreet role. It was good to be dealing with The Modern Funeral at such a sad and traumatic time: I would wholeheartedly recommend Tora for her great communication skills, professional handling and flexibility.”
– Judith, March 2021
“Tora looked after my brother in laws funeral and it was simply stunning, beautiful and so personal.
“Firstly a huge thank you to Tora, for all her support over the last few weeks. She was amazing and Steve’s funeral wouldn’t have been the same without her help and guidance.
So many people commented on Steve’s funeral being the most personal and creative funeral they had ever been to and that was down to the supportive planning offered by Tora. Together, the family and Tora organised for his coffin to be decorated with hundreds of photos, personal messages, poems and images. It even had a Chelsea flag and an air fix model on it. It felt like we had created a box of love to send him away in and it meant so many more people could be involved than the Covid funeral restrictions would allow.
Several people thought Tora was a friend rather than the funeral director, which I think is a compliment!”
– Anna, September 2020
“I am so pleased we used The Modern Funeral to arrange the funeral for my dear sister Phyllis. Throughout the whole process from initial contact to the funeral service, they were so caring, considerate and patient, nothing was too much trouble. They were brilliant.”
– Chris, August 2020
“I can’t thank you enough for all your help, support and guidance during such a hard time. It has been so refreshing to meet a company of undertakers who really listen to what is required by the family and no matter how difficult the circumstances strive to achieve a fitting funeral for that individual.”
– Sarah, August 2019
“Thank you for your help and support through this difficult time. You did an excellent job of reading on Friday morning – delivering the pun lines perfectly! You’ll be highly recommended to anyone who may need your services. Thanks again for a good service and send off for my mum. I really appreciated all your help and guidance.”
– Shane, April 2019
“Thank you so much for today, it was just perfect. I really appreciate all you have done for us as a family. We did her proud an everyone said what a beautiful service it was – her all over it…”
– Sandy, April 2019
“Thank you for your arrangements yesterday. It was a beautiful service. You did very well.”
– November 2018
“Tora and her team at The Modern Funeral met all our requirements. You listened to what we needed, gave good advice, provided a clear, detailed estimate without any opaque extras and delivered everything we expected in a calm, professional and caring way. Dealing with you was a pleasure and made such a difference in a difficult time. We were lucky to find you and I have no hesitation in recommending The Modern Funeral most highly. Thank you so much.”
– Rob, July 2018
“I can’t thank you enough for arranging an extremely personal funeral for my mum. Sadly she passed away quite young so I knew no-one that had already been through the process of arranging a funeral for a parent and was incredibly overwhelmed, but once we met I was so comforted to know I had your help. I felt like you quickly understood my mum and our family as your questions were tailored toward getting to know us, rather than talking about ‘packages’ and practicalities. No question we had was too big or too small, and you helped us navigate options we hadn’t even considered, without putting too much on our plate!
You kindly facilitated my choice to decorate the coffin before the funeral, and this was the most cathartic and fitting process to spend some extra time thinking about everything that was important to mum.
Everyone who attended the funeral said they had never been to a service like it before, and they found it unusually personalised and touching – exactly what mum would’ve wished for.
Even beyond the service you have continued to support me in arranging an urn and the supporting paperwork to take my mum’s ashes to Australia where she lived as a child. I simply couldn’t have asked for a more human, thoughtful team of people to guide us through such an alien process. I’ll never forget what you did for us, and for me on a personal level. I just wish mum could’ve met you too.”
– Ellie, June 2018
“After obtaining quotes from various funeral directors in Brighton, myself and my brother found ourselves frustrated at the cost of the potential funeral for my late father. The Modern Funeral provided us with an affordable service that was conducted with dignity, care and great respect for our late father.
I am so grateful to Tora and her team for their support and the wonderful service that was provided. I would urge anyone who is looking for a funeral service to speak to Tora before committing to any other provider.”
– Carla, June 2018
“Thank you so much for leading the funeral as you did. The fact that you called my son’s death a tragic death put something into words for me which I had not been able to articulate, and has also helped me when I have to tell other people about it.
Our meeting with you was also extremely helpful, as our discussions up to that point had been marred by disagreements.
We valued your sensitive and personal approach throughout our contact.”
– Bridget, March 2018
“Thank you for all your help and wonderful personal service and support. This enabled me to plan the best funeral I could for my brother who we sadly could not save. I would not hesitate to recommend The Modern Funeral to anyone planning a funeral in the future.”
– Karen, March 2018
“Thanking you for a wonderful service for Alison, a wonderful celebratory happy one. You did a wonderful job for my Sister the service was lovely and uplifting for all as well as sad. All went without any hitches or problems. It certainly opened my eyes and mind about Funeral Directors… Love your business idea, and good luck always.”
– Steve and Toni, February 2018
“I just wanted to write to say a huge thank you for the service that you did for Richard on Friday. It was just perfect. You did an amazing job of pulling it all together and I am so grateful.
The service went so well, I was so pleased, it was just full of love. I loved all the quirks that made it different to any other funeral I’d been to but was just so perfect for Richard.
You managed to capture all the different elements of Richard’s life and bring together all the stories you had been sent in a really cohesive way but delivered with perfect professionalism and yet somehow there was a relaxed atmosphere too.
Thank you once again, I shall never forget what you have done for me and my brother.”
– Justine, October 2017
“Just to say thank you for yesterday going so well. The service was just the right length and everything fitted together well. I would certainly recommend your firm to anyone.”
– Ray, September 2017
“Following the unexpected death of my Mum in recent years, I contacted three local funeral directors in Brighton. All that I contacted seemed okay, but I chose Modern Funerals because from the very moment I first made contact, Tora and her team were sensitive and practical at that very difficult time. I would not hesitate to recommend Modern Funerals. At times like those it’s individual people that make the difference, and Tora and team certainly did. Thank you for the very lovely send off that you gave my Mum.”
– Mags, July 2017
“Tora and her team at the Modern Funeral gave us the most beautiful and bespoke funeral we could have asked for. We had a tight deadline and she made the impossible happen. We cannot thank you enough for your kind professionalism and refreshing approach that made planning our first funeral as a young couple together so much easier. You were supportive and informative throughout the entire process. Having a fitting and personal funeral will make all the difference in the years to come as we look back on that day. You are a wonderful human being, with a beautiful heart!”
– Jazmin, July 2017
“Tora’s sensitivity to my needs in a difficult time (my mother’s death) was much appreciated. Along with her warmth and caring professionalism. I felt she was patient and listened to me and I am grateful for the service she and The Modern Funeral provided.”
– Julian, March 2017
“Thank you for getting me through the shock of my late sibling’s death, from start to finish nothing was too much trouble, acting with dignity professionalism and humility at all times you certainly did your industry proud, and at such hugely competitive rates. It was so refreshing not to deal with the stereotypical “Undertaker” top hat, sideburns charisma by-pass attitude one grunt for yes two for no and a twitch, you are both young, enthusiastic keen and quirky, and I am sure Raymus for one would have described “The Modern Funeral Co” as absolutely tailor made for the send-off he wanted… I wish you all the luck for future, keep up the good work and if you are still practising when I pop my clogs, I couldn’t think of anybody better to make me look presentable for him upstairs.”
– Dave, March 2017
“Thank you for all your arrangements for Friday’s funeral. Everything about the way you and your colleagues handled things was just so perfect for Raymus. I felt we were all truly part of his small band of friends, saying goodbye to one of life’s most cherished eccentrics. I know David and Sue were also very pleased – and indeed everyone there just found it all “right” in every way.”
– Cynthia, March 2017
“I lost one of my best friends recently and The Modern Funeral where recommended to me from another friend that had recently used their services. Once we met Tora, all issues of stress and the complications involved disappeared. The Ladies from Modern Funeral allayed our fears and treated us as friends rather than customers. I cannot recommend them enough although i also hope i never meet them again Ha Ha. Wonderful service, wonderful people. Top Marks for everything provided. Thank you Tora.”
– Julian, February 2017
“Thank you very much to you and your colleagues for all your help and support during the last weeks and also at the time of my mother’s death. Your professionalism and your kindness helped me greatly. I am pleased to have found you just at the right time and I shall send an email to The Carer’s Centre, in whose newsletter I saw your advertisement, to recommend your services.”
– Robert, February 2017
“Thank you again for all you and Sarah have done, your kindness and compassion has been so appreciated. We feel as a family that you did the best you could have done for Greg, so thank you so much.”
– Jo, January 2017
“Thank you so so much for the lovely service you provided for my mum. Also for making the process easy for me during a difficult time. Very grateful for all your help and support. Could not recommend you highly enough.”
– Tracie, January 2017
“I would just like to say a massive thanks for everything last week, It think it all went very well and that is in no small way down to your assistance and in particular the unique way you approach the funeral. On behalf of Marc’s family, friend and myself, thank you so much.”
– Toby, November 2016
“Thank you so much for everything you did for us. Yesterday went really well. Words can’t describe how appreciative we were that you were able to give us an affordable funeral and yet still such a beautiful one.”
– Angela, October 2016
“Faced with the sad task of choosing a funeral director, I felt completely overwhelmed and confused by the range of services and packages available until I came across The Modern Funeral website. Everything was laid out in a clear and simple way and it was such a relief to see what was and wasn’t included in the package. Tora visited us at home at our convenience and had a lovely reassuring way about her. I get the feeling that she likes to ‘know’ the deceased person so that she can honour them through the funeral and I really appreciated this. She also happily accommodated my mother-in-law’s more traditional requests alongside my more unusual ones. To me, it felt like a friend was guiding us through my wife’s funeral plans which was a great comfort. Tora also went out of her way to assist me with a few details after the funeral and I am very grateful.”
– Lucy, August 2016
“It has been such a pleasure working with Tora on the arrangements for our mother’s funeral. We were very worried and stressed that we could not afford a respectful and thoughtful send off that would have been a celebration of her long life. Tora was so kind and supportive in explaining how we could keep the costs of the funeral within our budget and still feel we were doing the best for mum. As a family we wholeheartedly thank Tora for her professional, respectful and caring approach to such a difficult subject.”
– Elizabeth, August 2016
“I was totally unsure what to expect when planning my close friends funeral. When I met Tora within minutes I knew I was in safe hands. With her vast amount of experience as well as a caring thoughtful personality I knew I could trust her to organise someone so dear to me a respectful fair well. A*** service.”
– August 2016
“Tora, Just to say a big thank you for helping mum and us get through this difficult and emotional time, for all your committment going over and above your official role.”
– Lorraine, Andy, and Mick, July 2016
“Hi Tora. Firstly I want to say a big thank you for the invoice and the pictures for Mum, they mean so much to her as you can imagine. As for you, two weeks ago when Dad passed away we thought we had an impossible task ahead with no light at the end of the tunnel, then I found you, you showed us the way forward and helped us plan a service that was truly beautiful for Dad and very supportive for Mum. We could of not given Dad a better send off than what we did yesterday, it’s a real shame that Dad didn’t get the chance to meet you in life, he would of loved you. The compassion you have in your work is so sincere not just in your words but can be seen in your eyes, all my family love you for what you have done for us, you truly have a gift and people need you. I had a lovely one to one chat with mum last night about everything including what you have done, and if it helps you and other people plan the way forward you have my family’s consent to use the service we had for Dad as an example to show others what can be achieved, I only ask one thing and that is please don’t change the names as we want our fathers name to live on in any way possible. With what I wrote, I tried to say what needed to be said but at the same time show Mum that she has the support of the family, when I heard mum laugh I new we had achieved what was needed, the way you delivered our words was wonderful and from the heart, thank you darling. If ever I can help to promote what you do I will be glad to. I feel that whilst saying farewell to Dad I and my family have gained a friend.you are a unique lady with a unique gift, we are all very proud of you, and you should feel very proud of yourself. Please say the biggest thank you to the 2 lovely ladies that helped yesterday, I didn’t manage to catch there names, had a lovely chat with the lady from Iceland, and you will all be getting a invite to our next family dinner party, it would be lovely to see you all again but in happier times. Love to you all and thank you so much.”
– Andy, July 2016
“Just to say a big thank you once again for all you have done for us and mum hope you liked the flowers coz we would not have got to where we are now without your help and consideration for the whole family especially the way mum was feeling thank you thank you Mick xx” – July 2016
“After my father passed away unexpectedly I looked into the options for the funeral. I knew we didn’t want anything too traditional, and I found a natural burial site in the South Downs near to where my father had lived. Searching on the internet, I came across Tora, and immediately knew she would be right for our family. As we were not living locally, Tora assisted us through the process and choices through regular emails, phone and Skype conversations before we arrived. She helped us craft a very moving graveside ceremony, and spoke very eloquently at the touching service with a eulogy that Tora, my sister and I wrote together. The ceremony felt very appropriate, natural and human, and in hindsight we wouldn’t have done anything differently. Above all else, what shone through from Tora was a deep sense of compassion of the life of my father and those touched by his life. It was very clear that the work Tora does is driven by a passion for helping those in need and offering a thoroughly personalised service that I believe would be very hard to find elsewhere.”
– June 2016
“Had I do it again, I wouldn’t have done anything differently.”
– Shane, June 2016
“Thanks again for yesterday – everyone said it was lovely.”
– Sarah, June 2016
“We … just wanted to say how much we appreciated being there with the family last Tuesday. The natural burial was so much more uplifting than a mournful church service – and it couldn’t have been better conducted or organised (even the rain holding off!). Billy’s reading of that poem moved us greatly – absolutely speaking from the heart but with something of Ronnie’s panache in delivering the lines.”
– June 2016
“Thank you so much for organising Ray’s funeral and your caring attitude to him and us – it was greatly appreciated”
– Dave and Iryl, May 2016
“A total honour and privilege to be part of today’s ceremony with Tora Colwill of The Modern Funeral. Tora really is blowing the myths out of traditional funerals and allowing families and loved ones have the funeral and ceremony as they wish. When it’s my time to pop off, it’ll be Tora leading my family and friends to my send off. All respect for what you are doing you amazing woman.”
– May 2016
“Hi Tora, thank you so much today. Everything was perfect and everyone has been raving about the service.”
– Hannah, March 2016
“We found Tora whilst searching for an affordable, dignified Funeral Director. Both of which we found and so much more. Throughout our time working with Tora we not only felt looked after and listened to but enlightened as many of our meetings ran overtime due to discussions about the lesser discussed options we all had surrounding the funeral. Enthusiasm is not a word commonly associated with Death and Funerals but after working with Tora it should be – as it was her enthusiasm and passion for her work that was one of the few things that got us through such a dark time. I cannot express how important it was to us to have a funeral director that showed an equal amount of respect, care and commitment to the family member who passed away as she did to us. Anyone who is looking for a refreshingly sincere, warm-hearted and efficient funeral director need look no further than Tora Colwill.”
– Hannah and Matt, March 2016
“Thank you so much to you both for coming to meet with us today – it was a pleasure to meet you, and both Simon and Nadya were completely reassured that you will do everything that they want for their mum. They were both so impressed with you (I told them they would be!) and Simon, who works in advertising, said that he would hire you on the spot to teach people about customer service. We are all huge fans of what you are doing… Thank you again so much for saving us!”
– Nadya, March 2016
“Hi Tora, I just wanted to thank you again for your generous supportive assistance helping us plan an appropriate farewell for my mum. I’ve sent a photo of a weaving I’ve made using strips of my mums clothing which was very therapeutic to make. It even smells of her and I know she’d love it.”
– March 2016
“Thank you so much for this, and for everything you’ve done for us – I know it was a rather unusual case, but you were absolutely brilliant!… and I would recommend you to everyone in the world who wants a simple but customised and fitting funeral – what you are doing is fantastic and I really hope it takes off for you, as there are clearly people out there who don’t want all the bells and whistles, and also who don’t want to feel coerced into something they don’t want.”
– Andrea, March 2016
“Thank you for making David’s send off so lovely, everyone was saying how lovely it was, you are one lovely lady.”
– Carole, February 2016
“Tora is caring, personal and patient. She will go the extra mile to help you during a difficult time.”
– Julie, February 2016
“Elaine and I are lucky to have found you. We so appreciate all your good work dealing with our Dad… You’ve made the process bearable and affordable, thank you so much.”
– Fiona, January 2016
“Thank you for overseeing my Father’s path to the other side. We really appreciate your friendly and considerate professionalism.”
– Elaine, January 2016
“Tora made our Nan’s funeral very personal. She is such as understanding, caring person with great expertise and knowledge. She is open to all opinions and is able to guide and advise in all areas.”
– Jen, June 2015
“You were like an angel, sent from Davy.”
– Flavia, June 2015