Williamstown’s Anne Young is an end of life celebrant. She helps families plan ceremonies to mark loss, remembrance or new beginnings. Anne says she is passionate about being an advocate for people and their stories. She is also passionate about her home suburb.
What’s your connection to Hobsons Bay?
I live, work and swim in Williamstown.
What do you like about where you live?
I absolutely love and enjoy the community. It has such a village feel and is a friendly neighbourhood.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would encourage civil pride aka litter, abandoned trolleys and graffiti is such a (sad) eyesore. I am (an annoying) avid Snap Send & Solver.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
The Kiosk (d’Asporto) at Williamstown beach on The Esplanade. It is where I go for my daily coffee haunt and doggy fix.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I had my first swimming lesson at age 70!
Tell us about your work as an end of life celebrant?
My role is to be an advocate for those who are unsure/unaware of their options before, during and after death. I support families as an end of life doula as well as guide and deliver personalised funerals and memorials. It is so important to get it right (there are usually no rehearsals) unless someone is very organised, and it does happen, to plan their own farewell.
What have you learnt about death through your work?
There are many choices and I am continually endeavouring to ‘educate’ people of options without blowing the budget.
What advice do you have for anyone approaching the end of their life or the life of a loved one?
If time permits, encourage people to talk about their wishes especially having an Advance Care Directive in place (so important) and eliminates much angst for the person and their family. Have THE discussion sooner than later. We plan holidays, weddings, birthdays etc – why not our end of life plan?
