Welcome to
The Last Time
Funerals & Memorials
We are Funeral Directors
We are Funeral Celebrants
We offer after funeral support and guidance
The Last Time Funerals is the creation of Lillian Lyon and Nicque Misa-Richards, both Funeral Directors and Celebrants, who have more than 23 years’ experience in the Sydney funeral industry between them.
As experienced Funeral Industry professionals, based in the Sutherland Shire, we saw a need for providing a heart-centered funeral service that simplifies the process for *the family who may be navigating deep feelings of sadness and loss. We know how hard it is to balance heightened emotions and perhaps exhaustion, with having the arduous task of making the practical arrangements.
We are here to support you, the ones left behind.
Death sucks, we get it. Whether the death was expected or sudden, you will have a lot of questions, and we can help. Questions such as what’s the first thing you do when someone dies? How do I plan a funeral? What are the differences between a cremation service and a burial? And how much does the average funeral cost? What happens after the funeral?
You’ve been through a lot, and perhaps you don’t know where to begin. We will actively listen to you. We are not just here for you, but rather with you.
Please see our introductory video below:
* Family (The Last Time definition):
1. The people who have our backs. Our close relatives; or significant others; our friends.
2. The community we are born into and the community we create.
Meet the Founders
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We would like to extend these respects to all Indigenous people who may visit our website.
Why the Dandelion?
When it comes to coping with grief, many people find comfort in the symbolism of nature.
Dandelions have a great significance in many cultures across the world. The plant is believed to be a symbol of hope, growth, and healing.
The dandelion’s ability to thrive in difficult conditions is a reminder that despite our sorrow, we too can continue to grow and thrive. The dandelion’s yellow colour is often associated with happiness. But for those coping with grief, the dandelion’s yellow can represent the sun shining through the darkness. The dandelion’s simple beauty is a reminder that life goes on, even after we have experienced loss. This humble plant has been used to symbolise light, hope, and healing for centuries.
For those who have lost a loved one, the dandelion can be a reminder that despite the sadness, life does go on, and how we say goodbye can become the foundation of hope and peace that may help us move forward.
Our Services
Please see the services offered through The Last Time Funerals below
After Funeral Support and Guidance
We are planning a series of talks and informal get togethers to discuss practical information about death and dying through open and honest conversation. We will also include articles on the website to answer the questions you have, and the ones you didn’t even know to ask.
NEXT GET TOGETHER:
The next date will be scheduled for mid 2024, exact date, time and location to be confirmed. Notifications are posted to our Facebook page. Please click here to follow for information. Please let us know if you would like to attend, as spaces are limited.
If you have a question, want to suggest a topic, or would like us to attend one of our events, please reach out via email at sydney@thelasttime.com.au
Greg for Nicque
Testimonial for Nicque's role as Funeral Director and Funeral Celebrant
"Nicque,
I'd like to say to you that we couldn't have been happier with the ceremony and the whole process.
The feedback from our family and friends has been overwhelmingly positive, in terms of the warmth of the ceremony, the appropriateness for (my mother in law) and who she was, and the lovely presentation. We give you great credit for helping us come to the choices of the ceremony at home and the wonderful wicker casket. So appropriately feminine, instead of hard, polished, formal, timber more suited to a male head of state.
You were wonderfully appropriate as celebrant... Everything proceeded so naturally and personally, and was full of warm feeling.
I'll never forget your anecdote about my grandson wanting to see inside the casket. That is just so him, he wants to know the ins and outs of everything.
At the end of the ceremony, a jet passed over, not too intrusively, so I whispered to our neighbour, who I often joke with, 'It's Qantas, come to take her soul to heaven'. he laughed, quietly.
Thank you again, very, very much for all your efforts to make (my mother in law's) funeral such a memorable and meaningful event."
Anne for Lillian
Testimonial for Lillian's role as Funeral Director and Funeral Celebrant
"When a loved one dies, it is the role of the family to honour and celebrate their life. Lillian helped my family understand this when both our mother and father died within three weeks of each other. While our emotions were raw and our bodies in shock, Lillian’s gentle questions and supportive manner enabled us to focus on piecing together the elements of their well lived lives. Lillian said that a funeral service can be a time of celebration but also of discovery. Indeed, my parents’ friends and community provided us with new information that enhanced the life history of them. One of Lillian’s strengths was to weave these life segments together and balance each service with dignity, reflection and joy. While it would be one of the hardest things we have ever done, after the funerals we felt satisfied that we had achieved our best - that we had celebrated their lives fully, with humour and respect. With Lillian’s help, now our family has the heartfelt memories to keep our parents’ legacies alive and enduring."