Debra Phillips, Certified Life Celebrant

08/30/2026

08/26/2026

🤍🕊️🤍

08/25/2026

As a celebrant, it’s always an honor to serve families in their grief, but when the family is your own, it hits differently.

Delivering personal anecdotes, sharing cherished memories, and telling stories of a life you were blessed to be a part of makes the experience especially meaningful. It’s a privilege to help honor someone you loved—not only as a celebrant, but as family.

06/30/2026

Historically, the funeral profession has been male-dominated… but that’s changing.

It’s an honour to work alongside the incredible women at Park Memorial Funeral Home as a Celebrant. I’m so fortunate to be in the company of female directors, embalmers, crematorium operators, attendants, and so many others who bring strength, compassion, and professionalism to every family we serve.

I’m grateful to stand with these remarkable women as we support families through life’s difficult moments.

06/24/2026

This weekend, I witnessed firsthand how few people on the roads understand, or blatantly refuse to follow, funeral procession etiquette. Please give grieving families and funeral care individuals the respect deserved. Slow down, don’t make that left hand turn and don’t cut in to the procession. A few moments of patience makes all the difference.

🚨 FUNERAL PROCESSION ETIQUETTE 🚨

Today, during a funeral procession, we witnessed something that unfortunately happens far too often.

Vehicles passed the procession at extremely high speeds, some drivers cut into the line to change lanes, and others seemed unaware of what was taking place around them.

A funeral procession is more than a line of vehicles. It is a family, friends, and loved ones accompanying someone on their final journey. For many, it is the last act of respect they will ever be able to give.

If you encounter a funeral procession:

🏍️ Do not cut into the procession.
🏍️ Allow the entire procession to stay together whenever possible.
🏍️ Be patient. The delay is usually only a few minutes.
🏍️ Show the same respect you would hope others would show for your family one day.

At One Last Ride, we are honoured to es**rt loved ones on their final journey. We understand that not everyone recognizes a funeral procession, especially a motorcycle hearse and a large group of riders, but we ask everyone to take a moment, slow down, and show a little grace.

One day, it may be your family making that same journey.

Thank you to everyone who pulled over, waited patiently, and showed respect today. It never goes unnoticed.

❤️ Experience the Journey. Celebrate the Life

06/23/2026

Today is International Widows’ Day.

While this day was established to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by widows around the world, it also invites us to recognize the profound reality of losing a life partner.

Today, we honour every widow and widower who is learning to carry love, memories, and grief forward into a life they never expected to navigate alone.

We see your resilience.
We honour your story.
And we remember that grief does not end with the funeral. 💚

06/20/2026

What happens when it’s pouring rain and you have a burial after a chapel service? You head to the cemetery and continue supporting the grieving family. Thankful to work with the consummate professionals at Park Memorial Funeral Home as a celebrant today.

06/07/2026

As a licensed Preneed Specialist, I’m often asked about the green burial process and what makes it different from traditional burial options. Green burial is a natural approach that honors both the individual and the environment. It involves no embalming and the use of eco-friendly materials such as linen, cotton, silk or muslin. A simple shroud is used to wrap the individual, and they are placed directly into the earth. No grave liner or vault is used, allowing for a more natural return to the land.
For families who prefer a casket, biodegradable options such as wicker or seagrass are available, offering a gentle and environmentally responsible alternative.
As a certified Celebrant, I can also assist your family in planning and leading a meaningful graveside green burial service at one of the three cemeteries in Edmonton that offer dedicated green burial space. Together, we can create a respectful, personal, and environmentally conscious farewell that reflects your values and wishes.

Aurora Gardens at Northern Lights Cemetery: 15203 Campbell Rd NW
Meadows of Rosehill Cemetery: 1605 141 St SW
Garden of Peace at St. Stephen’s Cemetery: 20303 - Meridian St. N.E.

Comment your preferred disposition: burial or cremation

03/11/2026

I’m so thankful for the compassion that Funeral Directors offer so freely to families we serve 🤍