Watershed Publishing
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Watershed Publishing
by Deborah Brandt
A Compassionate Guide for Planning a Funeral was created to walk beside you in that space.
Written by funeral celebrant and grief practitioner Deborah Brandt, this guide offers steady, clear support during one of life’s most tender moments. Drawing from more than fifteen years of experience working closely with grieving families, Deborah shares the insight she has gained from those who have gone before you, many of whom have said, “I wish I had known this before walking into the funeral home.”
This is not a book filled with pressure or urgency. It is a resource designed to help you take one step at a time.
Inside, you will find:
• Clear explanations of what happens after a death and how to begin the planning process
• Guidance for choosing a funeral home and understanding your options
• Support for writing an obituary or life tribute that reflects the person you love
• Gentle insight into the emotional experience of grief and the many ways it can show up
• Thoughtful direction for planning a meaningful ceremony or memorial service
• Practical tools, worksheets, and checklists to help you stay organized without overwhelm
• Guidance for navigating family dynamics with care and clarity
• Support for including children and honoring their experience of loss
• Next steps for handling responsibilities after the funeral
Throughout the guide, you will also find space to pause. Grief does not move on a schedule, and this book respects that. It offers information without rushing you, and support without overwhelming you.
This guide is for anyone who is:
• Facing the immediate loss of a loved one
• Preparing in advance for end-of-life planning
• Supporting a family member or friend through grief
• Wanting to create a service that reflects love, meaning, and dignity
At its heart, this book is not only about planning a funeral. It is about honoring a life, supporting those who are grieving, and creating space for remembrance in a way that feels genuine and human.
You do not have to have all the answers right now.
This guide will help you take the next step.
Funeral celebrant and grief practitioner supporting individuals and families through life’s most tender transitions.
Deborah Brandt is a funeral celebrant, grief practitioner, and speaker who has spent more than fifteen years walking alongside individuals and families through loss and change. Known for her thoughtful listening and steady presence, she helps people honor the lives of those they love while navigating the emotional and practical realities that follow a death. Through her work, Deborah is committed to making grief more speakable and creating spaces where people feel supported, understood, and less alone.