Funeral celebrant in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Compassionate. Authentic. Dependable.
The end of a life is a significant and deeply personal moment. The planning, rituals and celebrations around it can go a long way in helping us with the grief we experience. To support people with this I work in a variety of ways - as a facilitator around Advance Care Planning, as an independent funeral celebrant, and though group sessions held throughout the year.
For 35 years I enjoyed a career as a nurse in the NHS. Much of this was working in palliative care, supporting people and those close to them as they approached the end of life. I've always felt it to be a privilege to be alongside people during difficult and challenging times and I am glad to continue this by guiding and supporting you.
I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming service.
"Vanessa really helped make a difficult day a true celebration and acknowledgement of the value and beauty of life"
Tamsin, May 2025
What I do
Advance planning
Ceremonies - funerals - celebration of life
Life and legacy - thinking ahead with Vanessa Kemp
Death café
About me
I live in Thame, Oxfordshire, with my wife and our dog Jeff. It's just one mile from the border with Buckinghamshire My two much loved adult daughters are finding their way in the world. I play piano and synth, and I sing – on my own, in a duo, and with a band. I also sing with the local natural voice choir Feral Voices. I fell so at home with these people as we sing songs of the earth, peace and the seasons.
Being on my allotment brings me a lot of calm, whether that’s getting my hands dirty or drinking tea and having a chat. Jeff and I often walk there together and he waits patiently while I get on with the weeding.
We've recently discovered the Scottish highlands and oh wow I am in love! The sense of space, the air, the sky ... Yes I drove the Applecross Road, the Bealach na Ba. So much more to explore.
I believe in living this life that we have as well and as positively as we possibly can – with kindness and compassion.
