I slept and dreamed that life was happiness, then I awoke and found out that life was service.

I served and found out that in service, happiness is found.

Rabindranath Tagore
Stephanie Longmuir

A New Chapter: From Funeral Celebrant to PhD Researcher

In 2025, I will begin a PhD in Arts at the University of Melbourne, exploring the impact of direct and no-service cremations on deathcare practices and family experiences—an area that is becoming increasingly relevant in our changing funeral landscape.

I’m incredibly grateful to be joining the DeathTech Research Team, working under the supervision of Prof. Tamara Kohn, Dr. Bjorn Nansen, and Dr. Hannah Harewood Gould. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful research alongside such accomplished scholars and experts.

After 15 years and more than 2,000 families, I’m hanging up the black dress, parking the heels, and stepping into the next chapter—life as a PhD student. Guiding families through life’s toughest moments has been the most purposeful, rewarding, and, at times, hardest work I’ve ever done. While I’m navigating the demands of this new role in early 2025, leaving it behind is bittersweet. However, I hope to find ways to continue serving families in the future, in whatever capacity I can.

I especially appreciate your patience & tact in listening to us all, helping us to sort things out & celebrating my sister’s life in a way she would have loved not some generic, canned procedure.

Annie S.

Many people have commented on your role – how wonderful and heartfelt you were. The ceremony was so perfect.

Sandi F.

You understood the situation well, and I can’t think of how any one else would have done it better.

Brian H.

My Dad was just amazed by your efforts, and attention to detail... I think you have an amazing way with words and everything fitted together perfectly

Sharon W.