With warmth, grace and deep respect I give voice to your story, and your family’s, at times when words are hard to find
Magdalena Whiteman Funeral Celebrant
Adelaide & Surrounds
Honouring lives with warmth and dignity
I am an experienced funeral celebrant dedicated to helping families and friends create ceremonies that reflect each life’s unique story. I offer warm, respectful support to guide you through every step of planning a farewell that is authentic, personal, and dignified.
I work closely with funeral directors and families to ensure every ceremony is delivered with sensitivity, care and attention to detail. At a time of great sadness and confusion, my goal is to ease the burden for families while creating a meaningful and memorable tribute.
Why work with me?
• Calm, compassionate presence during a difficult time
• Professional, reliable service
• Clear and warm communication with families and funeral directors
• Flexible to honour cultural and personal traditions
• Always LGBTQIA+ friendly
If you’d like to discuss how I can support you and the families in your care, I warmly welcome a conversation.
Hi and welcome to my website. Everyone calls me Magda and you’re welcome to do the same.
Personalised Funeral
& Memorial Ceremonies
Celebration of Life
& Graveside Commitals
Ashes Interment
& Scattering Ceremonies
Every person has a story worth telling. I consider it a privilege to help honour that story with care and authenticity.
My Approach
Telling Their Story
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”
– Jamie Anderson
The end of a loved one’s life is always a difficult time. Notwithstanding the practicalities of funerals, burials or cremations there is an emotional, mental and spiritual path to navigate. There is the challenge of honouring and celebrating the life of the one you’ve lost in a way that reflects their character and resonates with the mourners. In a time of immense loss, sadness and confusion a steadying presence is needed to plan and deliver a compassionate, authentic and uplifting funeral service.
My commitment is to approach each service with a willingness to get to know the grieving family and learn all I can about their loved one. This enables me to write as much or as little of their life story, whilst coordinating with the other speakers. I consider it a true honour to be entrusted with this role. I aim for the highest levels of customer service operating with sensitivity, kindness and patience.
Latest Blogs
Click to Read More
Stoic philosophy on grief
“It is better to conquer our grief than to deceive it. For if it has withdrawn, being merely beguiled by pleasures and preoccupations, it starts up again and from its very respite gains force to...
What if we Don’t Want a Funeral?
Can we celebrate in another way? The funeral industry calls this “NSNA” – no service, no attendance. Your funeral director takes care of the legals and you may choose a private cremation or burial....
Do I Need a Celebrant for a Funeral?
You’ve experienced the loss of somebody close to you, or its impending. Before you meet with your funeral director this question may pop into your mind – taking up space with all your feelings of...
Testimonials
Shared with Gratitude
Magda, On behalf of my father, brother and I, thank you for your wonderful services as a celebrant at my mother’s funeral.
Your professionalism, care and compassion in a difficult time for our family was exemplary. Your advice and co-ordination on the order of service made the celebration of her life wonderful. On the day you spoke beautifully and managed late changes calmly with agility.
We have received such beautiful feedback from family and friends. You were a special part of creating the best send-off.
Funeral for SH (February 2025)
How blessed was our family to have Magda as our celebrant at our Uncle’s funeral held in June 2024.
From the moment Magda introduced herself to us, we felt a sigh of relief and knew that the requirements and preparations for the Testimonial would not be difficult.
Our communications were comfortable, friendly and of a relaxed nature. Magda’s address at the Service was warm, compassionate and professional.
Funeral for JJ (June 2024)
Thank you for all your support and kind words. Thank you for conducting the service in such a caring and understanding way.
I really appreciate the work you have put in and for the presentation copy of the service.
Funeral for KS (June 2025)
Hello, you gorgeous human being.
I will never forget yesterday for as long as I live. From the bottom of my heart, thank you…
With gratitude and love (because the world needs more of it),
J and M (April 2024)
Thank you for making our mum’s funeral so special and for the copy of the presentation ceremony.
The day went very well, and we were pleased we could spend it with you.
Funeral for MS (June 2025)
Thanks Magda, we really appreciate how you took us through the process and all the kind words you shared.
Funeral for JM (September 2024)