Sharon Toner

0408 586 442

Sharon Toner

Funeral Celebrant — Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens & Central Coast

A calm, caring presence to honour a life with dignity and heart.

Urgent? Please call 0408 586 442 and I’ll prioritise your family.

Prefer to start quietly? Book a quick call.

Urgent? Please call 0493 893 000 and I'll prioritise your family
Book a Quick Call

Hello, I'm Sharon Toner

I help loved ones remember their person with warmth, accuracy, and respect. When a loved one dies, you shouldn’t have to carry the ceremony as well. I listen carefully, shape the story with care, and lead a service that feels true to the person you’re honouring.

Check my availability

What I handle for you (so you don't have to)

Thoughtful storytelling that feels personal, not templated

Structure and timing that work in real chapel schedules

Reader coaching (mic technique, pacing, breath marks)

Order of Service: running order, readings, and cues

Music cues and liaison with AV

Clear, timely communication with your director and family

Gentle management of last-minute changes

Clear, timely communication with your director and family

A gentle funeral process, at your pace

My job is to make this as simple as possible for you and loved ones.
1

The planning visit (about 60–90 minutes)

We meet at your home or a quiet café. I guide a compassionate conversation—not a rigid questionnaire—to learn about your loved one:

  • Early years, family and milestones
  • Community, career and achievements
  • Loves, hobbies, quirks, values
  • Relationships, pets, favourite stories and moments
2

Crafting the Ceremony

I shape your memories into a warm, authentic tribute and confirm:

  • Order of Service (what happens, and when)
  • Eulogies and readings
  • Music and photo/video tributes
  • Ritual elements (candles, keepsakes, petals, military or cultural moments)
  • Logistics (chapel, chosen venue, graveside, or a combination)
3

On the day

  • I arrive early to test audio, greet the director’s team, and settle the space.
  • I take a quiet moment to acknowledge your person, then guide arrivals, speakers, and music cues.
  • Chapel, venue, home, graveside, or a combined service — I keep the flow calm and clear.
  • If helpful, I assist the director’s team with transitions between chapel and graveside.

Pricing

Starting Price

$550

Includes planning meeting, custom ceremony writing, liaison with your funeral director, rehearsal of cues, and officiating on the day.

Optional add-ons (quoted on request)

Order of Service booklet

Design & print coordination

Photo-tribute video

Professional preparation

Extended services

Additional time or travel

Ready to check a date?
Phone 0493 893 000

What Loved Ones Appreciate

Story-led, not template-driven:

I invest the time to understand your person and reflect them faithfully.

Clear, organised process:

Drafts to review, a shared order of service, and a simple run sheet for your director

Flexible formats:

Chapel, venue, graveside, memorial only, or "chapel + graveside" combination.

Kind, steady presence:

Compassion without theatrics. Calm guidance when decisions feel heavy.

Trusted by directors & referred by families:

Many bookings come from word-of-mouth after a ceremony.

Where we can hold the service

Chapel or venue service (typically 30–45 minutes)

Graveside (standalone or after chapel)

Memorial (no coffin present; flexible locations)

Home farewell / vigil (by arrangement)

FAQs

Yes. I can work with any funeral director, or refer an independent director if you don’t have one yet.
Most chapel services run 30–45 minutes. Combined chapel + graveside typically runs 60–90 minutes door-to-door.
Happily. Tell me what’s meaningful, and I’ll honour it with care.

Yes. I coach readers on mic technique and pacing, and I can provide marked copies with breath cues if needed.

I can — on request and subject to turnaround. I’ll quote once I see what’s needed.
Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Coast and surrounds. Travel beyond local areas by arrangement.

Ready when you are

Call Sharon now
In a hard moment, clear guidance matters. I’ll keep everything organised, honour your wishes, and tell your loved one’s story with grace and truth.
Ready to check a date?
Phone 0493 893 000

What families say

“Sharon handled my father’s funeral with such grace and sensitivity. She took the time to really understand who he was, and the ceremony felt personal and meaningful. I can’t thank her enough.”

— Emma R., Newcastle

“Professional, warm, and incredibly organized. Sharon made a difficult time so much easier for our family. The service was beautiful and captured Mum perfectly.”
— James M., Hunter Valley
“As a funeral director, I always recommend Sharon. She’s punctual, prepared, and her ceremonies are thoughtful and respectful. Families consistently give positive feedback.”
— Sarah K., Funeral Director
“Sharon helped us include cultural elements that were important to our family. She was respectful and made sure everything felt right. The ceremony was exactly what we needed.”
— Michael T., Port Stephens

Sharon Toner

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0408 586 442