Our Celebrants

Lesley Sanderson

Saying farewell to someone we love is one of the most difficult times in our lives, and a funeral service that reflects that person, and pays respect to who they were and what they meant to us, can help us to reflect on, and honour that life, and so begin the process of healing.  Hello, I’m Lesley and my role as your funeral celebrant is to work with you in partnership with your funeral director to craft a service based your departed loved one’s stories, beliefs and values. The insight you give me will allow me to bring the story of their life to family and friends with love, laughter, dignity and pride.  A funeral service gives us the place to open ourselves to our grief and sorrow, allowing us to share that grief, so that little by little we can let go of our loss, but never our love.  I am privileged to work alongside the wonderful team at Mason Park as we work together to craft a beautiful adieu that will bring you comfort – always and forever.

Christine Capewell

Saying goodbye to someone who has died, regardless of age can often be difficult and bewildering. Like birth, death keeps its own time, whether we are ready or not, and often we are caught short.

An integral part of saying goodbye is the funeral ceremony.

Funeral, Committal or Memorial ceremonies are important rituals for us as human beings. So, it is vital that the ceremony is well done ns sensitively crafted to accurately reflect the life and legacy of the one who has died.

The ceremony also brings comfort and expression for you who are left behind.

Often, it’s hard to know where to begin.

As a qualified and experienced Funeral Celebrant, Christine becomes a confidante, a keen listener, a writer of life stories, a counsellor and really the guide who, with sensitivity and care, will lead you through the ceremony planning and delivery on the day.

Darren Lamotte

I have a strong link to the Wangaratta area having lived and worked there for over 5 years, I am now based in Melbourne but am very willing to travel anywhere. People describe me as warm, friendly and empathetic, with a strong desire to always show compassion, respect, and integrity. I am a down to earth person known to enjoy a sense of humor, and to find a way to relate to a wide cross section of the community.

My professional life has afforded me extensive personal and professional growth experiences. All have been fundamental in identifying my strengths and abilities, shaping who I am today, and ultimately discovering my passion to help families at their hardest times.

A mature professional with a skillset that includes public speaking, writing, and communication. I have a strong focus on meeting the needs of others, it is never about me. I am a very relaxed person with a strong focus on detail, but who is not flustered by sudden changes or situations.

My journey into the role of a Funeral Celebrant has been interesting, challenging but very enjoyable. I feel very privileged to be doing this role.

Jennifer Broadbent

Honour your loved one with a personally prepared and unique civil funeral.  Together we will prepare a service which will be delivered with warmth, compassion and sincerity. Grieving family members need encouragement to express their views and ideas and I see my role as a celebrant to ensure that everyone’s needs and feelings are respected. Family members are invited to pay their own tributes and special consideration is given to the use of music and poetry throughout your loved ones service. I have been a celebrant since 2007 and have officiated at many Funerals and Weddings. I am comfortable at both large and small intimate services.

My values are based on: Integrity, Honesty, Inclusivity, Humour, Joy and Confidentiality.

I am based in the Goulburn Valley and am happy to travel within Victoria and NSW.

Rosemary Steele

I have lived in the Wangaratta community for almost all my life and love it. I am married to Des and we have five children and eight grandchildren between us. My background in teaching and in Aged Care with the Uniting Church has prepared me well for officiating meaningful funeral services. I am honoured to have worked alongside Mason Park for 15 years and I feel privileged for the connections I make with families as we prepare services for their loved ones.