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REASON FOR BEING

Sovereign Departures, was born out of a desire to support people in the reclamation of their sacred end-of-life journey.

 

For the last 100 years, we have outsourced our death to the medical and funeral industries and we are poorer for it, and not just financially.

Imagine if we approached our end-of-life phase and death with as much care, love, acceptance and preparation as we do for the arrival of a new baby.

 

Your end-of-life transition is as sacred as your birth.

 

I'm here to help you understand your options, decide how you want things to be, support you in important discussions, advocate for your wishes, walk with and support you and your loved ones before, during and after death.   

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Love

MY APPROACH

I offer a range of services to support individuals and families before, during and after the end-of-life.

My primary focus is to support you and your family's needs and wishes, to support the conversations that need to be had and to do whatever is practical, helpful, meaningful and needed - in each moment.

I can help you explore your options, record your wishes, establish plans and support you to communicate these with your loved ones or medical and support teams. 

 

If you would like extra support, I can walk beside you and your family throughout the dying process, lending practical assistance, emotional and/or spiritual support and gentle reassuring guidance throughout the active dying phase.

As a funeral guide who 'does things differently' I can work with you to create a financially accessible, genuinely personalised and deeply meaningful TO YOU living celebration, funeral, ritual or memorial service.   

ABOUT ME

None of us is getting out of this alive and when our time comes, we don't need meaningless platitudes, avoidant conversations and the peddling of expensive and unnecessary products and processes.  

 

Down to earth, straight up, holistic and real is how I would describe myself. I have over 25 years experience as an executive coach, leadership development trainer and HR & Culture Consultant. Within this time I have spent my career helping people connect better and have courageous conversations. Through my experience of supporting dying friends and loved ones (and attending over 30 funerals), I've felt empathy for families who want to care for their dying loved one themselves but who lack the confidence or supports to do so. I've felt disappointed for families who experienced rushed and impersonal, cookie-cutter farewells that didn't authentically reflect their loved one.  I've felt disgust (and a bit of rage) at seeing vulnerable families misinformed and led blindly into long-term debt over things they didn't want or need but chose because they were only presented with a curated list of options. ​

 

THIS IS NOT OK and IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!  

So here I stand, with an open heart ready to help people talk about, plan for and experience an empowered end-of-life journey and more meaningful, affordable and authentic farewells.

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I had no one else who could give me the anchored, experienced support that I needed during my mum’s last days on earth. I was lost, dense, and confused—so very confused.
A lightbulb went on: Sherie from Sovereign Departures. I had followed Sherie for a while and remembered, in my time of need, how passionate and mission-led her work was. I reached out, and from our first call, Sherie placed me at the very center of her heart, her service, and her presence. From there, I was held closely. Any questions I needed answered—and there were some hard questions—Sherie answered with the deepest care and wisdom.
Right till the end, Sherie was there like a warm hug from angel wings.
It’s rare to see someone with unconditional love for their mahi. I’m so pleased Sherie has a calling to do this work. She will help and support so many, just as she did for me. Not shying away from any part of the death and dying experience—a very gifted and special woman, and Sovereign Departures is her gift to the world and the people.
I hope you find your way to her at your and your loved ones’ time of need.
Ngā mihi nui, Saxon.
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