Isobel Whittaker Funeral Services

10/06/2026

⛪️ Venue spotlight: Stafford Crematorium ⛪️

In 2026 we want to share some of the wonderful locations that you can host a funeral or celebration of life service. 🤍

Stafford Crematorium is our closest Crematorium and one we visit regularly with families. Here are the key points we hear from families who have chosen Stafford Crematorium as the venue for a loved ones funeral.

🪶 The chapel has a large waiting room and can accommodate a large attendance of mourners but is also a bright intimate space for small services
🪶 The TV screen can be used to display photos and videos during a funeral service
🪶 There is a cafe and florist on site for mourners (https://www.facebook.com/heartsandflowerscafe)
🪶 The Book of Remembrance can be found online here: https://stafford.bookofremembrance.uk/

Is there a location you would like us to look at next? We’re here 365 days a year for when you need us most 🤍

www.iwfuneral.co.uk
01785 336722
60 Pirehill Lane, Walton, Stone, ST15 0JN

01/06/2026

We recently shared the wonderful news that we’ve been nominated for the 2026 Good Funeral Awards!

So many of you have kindly asked how you can support us, and we are incredibly grateful for that.

If we have had the privilege of supporting you or your family, and you felt cared for during that time, we would be deeply thankful if you would consider nominating us for The Good Funeral Awards 2026.

Hosted by Association of Green Funeral Directors, these awards celebrate compassionate and meaningful funeral care, and being recognised by the families we serve is the greatest honour of all.

Your continued trust and support mean the world to us. 🤍

Nomination link below:
🔗 https://www.agfdgoodfuneralawards.co.uk/2026-nomination-forms

29/05/2026

DEREK JOLLEY ❤

Suddenly but peacefully passed away on 14th May 2026 at Royal Stoke University Hospital, Derek aged 89 years. Beloved Husband of the late Ann, treasured Dad to Karen, much-loved Grandad to Jodi & Bill, special Father-in-Law to Darren, cherished Brother-in-Law to Phyllis, Kath, Linda & John and a special friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

For service details, please visit:
https://iwfuneral.co.uk/notices/

27/05/2026

Should the curtains be open or closed at the end of a funeral service?

This is something we’re often asked, and it’s completely understandable; many people don’t realise there’s even a choice.

At most crematoria, you can decide whether the curtains remain open, close during, or at the end of the service.

There’s no right or wrong decision here, it’s a very personal choice, and one that can bring up a lot of emotion.

If you’re unsure, here are a few gentle things to consider:
• For some, closing the curtains can feel like the goodbye has come too quickly. You may wish to allow time for a quiet, private moment beforehand.
• Others find that the closing of the curtains provides a sense of finality, making it a little easier to leave the chapel.
• You might also want to think about those attending, would you like everyone to have the opportunity to say their goodbye as they leave? Keeping the curtains open can allow for this.

If you’re finding the decision difficult, that’s completely natural. Often, one option may not feel quite right and that’s okay. In those moments, it can help to gently trust your instincts and choose what feels most comforting for you and your loved ones.

If you’d ever like to talk it through, we’re always here to help 🤍

18/05/2026

We’re incredibly honoured to share that we have been nominated for the Association of Green Funeral Directors 2026 Good Funeral Awards!

To be recognised in this way means so much to us, especially in a profession built on trust -we are truly grateful to every family who has placed their trust in us.

Your support and kindness continue to mean more than words can express. Thank you. 🤍

15/05/2026

MAUREEN WHITTAKER ❤

Peacefully passed away on 7th May 2026 at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, Maureen aged 87 years. Beloved Wife of Geoff, treasured Mum to Neil, Simon & Elizabeth, much-loved Nana to Emily, Oliver, James, Rebecca & Jorja, special Great Nana to Tristan, caring Sister to Barbara & Michael, cherished Mother-in-Law to Sharon & David and a dear Auntie and friend to many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

For funeral details, please visit:
https://iwfuneral.co.uk/notices/

Rest in peace, Maureen ❤

14/05/2026

Looking for something a little different to do? Or do you have questions about burials and funerals?

Friends of Stafford Cemeteries are hosting a free open day at Stone Cemetery on Saturday 16th May 2026, and everyone is welcome!

It’s a great chance to explore the beautiful grounds on a guided tour, discover some fascinating local history, and visit graves of interest along the way.

We’ll also be there on the day, so if you have any questions about funerals, burials, or anything related, feel free to come and have a chat, we’re always happy to help.

Whether you’re curious, interested in heritage, or just fancy a peaceful walk, we would love to see you there!

12/05/2026

A truly beautiful way to remember the loved ones that we no longer see, but are always in our hearts ❤️

Thank you to Stone Carnival Week for hosting this heartfelt event ❤️

💜 WALK TO REMEMBER 💜
Stone Carnival Week 2026

Some people may no longer walk beside us… but they walk forever in our hearts. 🌸

On Saturday 7th June 2026, we invite the people of Stone and surrounding areas to come together for a very special **Remembrance Walk** around the Meadows at Westbridge Park.

This isn’t about speed.
It’s about memories.
It’s about names we still say.
Faces we still miss.
And love that never leaves us.

🚶‍♂️ 1.2km remembrance lap (up to 3 laps if you wish)
🕊 Free Dove Ribbon for every participant
💜 Raising funds for local charities including Katharine House Hospice
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families, friends, schools, Scouts, Guides & community groups welcome

Whether you walk for a parent, partner, child, friend, or someone gone too soon — every step tells a story.

We would love people to share photos, memories, or simply the name of the person they’ll be walking for in the comments below. Let’s fill Stone with remembrance, love, and community spirit. 💫

If your youth group or organisation would like to take part in our Sponsorship Challenge and compete for the Stone Carnival Charity Shield, get involved now.

📧 To register or request sponsorship forms:
[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Please share this post — someone out there may really need this walk right now. 💜