Marguerite O'Connor

Marguerite O'Connor, LFD, M.Ed., is passionate about helping bereaved families and friends celebrate the life of loved ones. Marguerite writes and delivers the eulogy, and coaches family members and friends who wish to speak or pay tribute in some way. Marguerite has earned the respect of colleagues and families served and thus receives referrals to expand the funeral celebrant concept. Having invested years as a Mortuary College Instructor, Marguerite is comfortable and happy when presenting programs and interacting with students. Marguerite has co-authored two books, Griefstruck: When a Death Changes Your Life, and Leading Change and Navigating Success: Bridging the Gap.

Articles:

Holiday Grief: Personal and Professional Lessons

Who wants more stress? Not me, thanks very much. I enjoy the holidays: giving & receiving, getting together with those I love & cherish, embracing meaningful rituals, appreciating holiday decorations, […]

Finding Hope Among the Global Losses

We have navigated many public losses, from Paris to Orlando to Nice. Some people are very empathetic and feel these losses deeply. Even though they may not have personally known […]

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Hope for the Holidays: Grief Guidance

These are some concerns that have surfaced for others; it is my hope that the conversation is helpful to you. These are guidelines and are not intended to replace counseling, […]

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Inspiring Attitudes and Holiday Help

I have had the honor of working with people who had or have life limiting conditions. When I was prearranging a funeral for a client who had been given a […]

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Gone Too Soon: A Father’s Day Remembrance

Fathers are so important in our lives. To those fathers who are still with us, Happy Father’s Day. To those fathers who preceded us in death, who are gone too […]

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Love, Loss, Planning and Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s is a day when love, chocolate, flowers, jewelry, greeting cards, romantic movies, dinners, drinks and the color red abound. And, Valentine’s Day can trigger those who are not “coupled” […]

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Holiday Grief and Nutrition

The holidays are an opportunity to enjoy family, friends, food, drink and customs, as well as ethnic, religious and spiritual rituals. In addition to joyous experiences, like giving and receiving […]

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Maya Angelou’s Death: Navigating the Loss of a Favorite Writer

I have been positively imprinted by so many wonderful writers that I am also impacted when they die. When Frank McCourt died, my friends & I, all authors, each read […]

Open to Hope is an online community offering inspirational stories of loss, hope and recovery. We believe hope is the bridge between loss and recovery.