Tony Williams:
Tony Williams (pictured) is principal director and founder/owner of Dignity Funeral Care. He grew up in a funeral practice “Williams Undertakers” learning the art of funeral directing through his father Tony. Further experience was gained through voluntary placements in JJ Burgess & Sons, and CJ Field Funeral Directors, London. His career has been very diverse with experience in healthcare, mental health, well being, forensics, voluntary work, fundraising, consultancy and mentoring.
Tony is a Psychotherapist Counsellor specialising in supporting those who struggle with depression, anxiety and grief. In his own words: “life is an incredible journey where sometimes all we need is a hand at our back to know, you’re not on your own – and as a funeral director I’m privileged to offer that hand to so many”
Geraldine Bane
Geraldine Bane joined Dignity Funeral Care, Loughrea in September 2018. Geraldine’s background is in healthcare with experience in advocacy and public relations. In 2019 she completed her Certification in Funeral Directing with distinctions, as accredited by the Irish Association of Funeral Directors. Geraldine admits that some of the most valuable insights she has gained in her role as a funeral director were through observing and listening to Tony Willams.
‘Talking to Tony, watching how he works and the standards he values, gave me a powerful insight into Dignity Funeral Care. I am very aware of the incredibly responsible and privileged position you are in, when a family choose you to guide them through organising their loved one’s funeral’
In 2020 Geraldine trained with the Irish Institute of Celebrants and qualified as a funeral celebrant.
This puts Dignity Funeral Care in a unique position, in that they can offer the services of their in-house celebrant to the bereaved, should they wish to have a civil service.
“Celebrants work very closely with the bereaved to create a service that reflects the beliefs, the life story, the philosophy and the personality of the one they have lost. A civil service can be full of stories, music, song and prayers, depending on the preference of loved ones. A family will always receive a copy of the service, which can often be a source of comfort to a family in the days following the funeral.”