How Angjolie Mei, founder of The Life Celebrant, is redefining the final farewell

I realised that the funeral industry was in need of transformation, and I felt driven to make a difference. In 2010, I answered a calling to start my own funeral business, The Life Celebrant, with a mission to redefine the way we say goodbye to our loved ones.

Can you share more about the profound experience you had while attending the funeral celebrant service in New Zealand?
This innovative approach to celebrating the deceased’s life was a first for me, and it sparked a passion that I would later bring back to Singapore. The funeral celebrant had masterfully woven a tapestry of stories, anecdotes, and memories that brought her life to vivid colour. The personalised and heartfelt ceremony resonated deeply, and I was struck by the significance of celebrating life and legacy in a meaningful and tailored way.

This experience inspired me to pursue certification as a funeral celebrant and integrate this service into my company, The Life Celebrant. My goal is to provide families with a unique and personalised way to bid farewell to their loved ones, honouring their memory and celebrating their life in a way that truly reflects who they were.

How do you support families during times of bereavement, and what do you believe is the most important aspect of your role?
Supporting families during times of bereavement is at the heart of what I do. I believe it’s essential to be present and supportive during their darkest moments. That’s why I created Showers Of Love, a special service that allows families to participate in the final dressing and makeup for their loved one—a beautiful way to say goodbye and create a sense of closure.

What I think is most important is simply being there for them—alleviating logistical burdens, offering emotional support and guidance, and listening to their stories. Holding their hands and offering a shoulder to cry on is a privilege, as is walking alongside them during their grief journey and helping them create a meaningful ceremony that celebrates their loved one's life.

In your experience, how has the perception of death and funerals evolved over time?
Over time, I’ve witnessed a profound transformation in how people perceive death and funerals. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards a more open and accepting attitude. By embracing this shift, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those coping with loss.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to confront mortality, leading to a greater willingness to discuss and prepare for end-of-life arrangements. This proactive approach allows individuals to dictate their final wishes.

The concept of living funerals, where individuals can share their thoughts and express themselves before passing, is finally gaining acceptance in Singapore. As I always say, ‘a funeral is for the living, but a living funeral is for the living and the soon-to-be departed person.’ I hope more people will begin to view funerals as a graduation ceremony of life, celebrating the person’s journey and legacy.

How has The Life Celebrant adapted to reflect these changes?
Since our inception, our mission has been to inclusively memorialise the beloved, fulfilling the wishes of the departed and the desires of the family. As the appreciation for celebratory elements grows, we have adapted by offering more concepts that cater to these needs.

We’ve expanded our services to empower families to honour their loved ones in unique and meaningful ways. Our funeral celebrant services and memorial events bring people together, sharing stories and memories that celebrate a life well-lived.

Our approach is centred around embracing life’s milestones—even the final one—with love, laughter, and celebration. By adapting to the changing needs and views on death and funerals, we continue to provide support and guidance to those coping with loss.

As one of the few women in this field, what unique perspectives or approaches do you bring to your work?
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, I bring a distinct perspective and approach to my work. I like to think of it as the ‘TLC’ approach - Tender, Loving, Care—which also happens to be the abbreviation for my company’s name. My feminine touch and vision have allowed me to bring a sense of compassion and empathy to the services we offer.

My goal is twofold: to provide exceptional care to the families we serve and to inspire more women to join this industry, breaking down traditional gender barriers and shifting the focus from mourning to celebration. By embracing our differences and perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

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