Testimonials

Many of our client families have taken the time to share their experience of dealing with Manning Funerals at this special time with their loved ones and these are a few of those.

Our mother died on Day 3 of the most recent lockdown in August. Whilst it was what she wanted, we had only just contacted Martha-Louise that morning. She was able to gather Mum up, help the staff who had been caring for her and sort out all the necessary tasks.

Given we couldn't be with Mum, Martha-Louise was an excellent stand in for family , some of whom are offshore - taking care of her, readying her for cremation, providing flowers from her own garden and going above and beyond, so that we were able to feel comforted by the dignity and humanity Mum was provided with. Thanks so much Martha-Louise.

Jane Hanley

I would not hesitate to recommend Martha-Louise and the Manning Funeral Cottage. Martha- Louise guided us through the tragic death of my children's father (my ex-husband). She listened to us and let us talk about how we were feeling. Marth-Louise was fabulous in how she included the children in the decision making without them feeling overwhelmed. Her honest and calm approach was what we needed.

Georgiana, Harper and Henry

Now what do you get from Manning Funerals? No, the reason question is "what do you get from Martha-Louise?".

Let's see if I can answer this with any justice.

My experience with Martha-Louise after the passing of my wife "Li" has been such a pleasant time. From my first call to Martha-Louise, telling her my thoughts on the matter, her professional guidance, knowledge, to her blissful and genuine caring personality. To me you can't fake this type of care, from suggestions that I help dress my wife, personal photos, thoughtful final goodbyes with beautiful Hawaiian music she found online - PRICELESS!

So I would invite anyone to find a more positive experience as I have had with Martha-Louise at Manning Funerals.

Aloha Nui Loa and John Matsuoka

My daughters and I were so glad we were recommended Martha-Louise in the preparation of my husband's funeral.

Martha-Louise directed us through every avenue of making this difficult time an easier process for us. From the moment we met her, we all felt a sense of relief as her caring, compassionate nature made us feel nothing was too much trouble. My grandchildren were all made to feel a part of this by Martha-Louise's family orientated approach of involving them to draw pictures and sharing their memories of their granddad. She treated us all with respect, including my husband.

I would highly recommend Martha-Louise again and again.

Hazel Hague and family

My mother was precious and graceful and I wanted the best for her once she died. I sought a funeral home that was reflective of that. Martha-Louise was there for us with Manning Funerals. A "home" it was, right from the sincerity and passion displayed throughout, to her harmonious environment where our mother lay.

I wished for compassion, support, guidance, a friend in time of need and our whole family were treated to that with Martha-Louise. She kept in contact throughout, reassuring and strong.

Mum couldn't have been in safer hands. The funeral was described by one of my friends as "the best funeral I've been to". It was Mum all over and Alice, the celebrant, was absolutely perfect. We know Mum would have loved it.

Martha-Louise gives service that could only come from the heart.

Lynne Abbot

Martha-Louise didn't enter our life by choice. When our only son died suddenly, my partner and I were thrown into turmoil, with no family or anyone in New Zealand to support us. Martha-Louise was recommended to us by a lady from Victim Support. From the moment I spoke to her, I felt that she could be trusted and that everything would be taken care of in a respectful and quiet way. We couldn't foresee that it would turn out to be done in a most caring and loving way, so much so, that in the end Martha-Louise felt like a family member whom cared for us deeply.

Deciding to drive to the funeral cottage at the last moment, we didn't expect to enter into such a warm, homely and beautiful place, full of flowers, art and candles. Even a lovely big dog by the name of Stella welcomed us at the door. The whole experience surpassed our expectations by far and has considerably eased the heartache we experienced through our tragic loss.

My partner and I would highly recommend Martha-Louise to anyone. We feel extremely privileged that she has crossed our path at this most difficult of times.

E & M Lyons

Martha-Louise and her team at Manning Funerals gave us amazing support and advice earlier this year when Merv, our dear husband and father died.

We were given valuable consultation and support in arranging the funeral service, including flowers, order of service sheets with photos and wording (of which many people commented on the professional quality of these), help with selecting music and arranging DVDs for the service, plus putting us in contact with our intuitive celebrant. This definitely eased the stress for us as a family at this very sad time.

We found the funeral home to be a peaceful and serene haven which gave us much comfort that is difficult to put into the right words to give it justice. We were all so impressed with the kindness and respect shown to our loved one that went beyond our expectations.

We warmly recommend Manning Funerals and the team without hesitation.

Judy, Mike, Paul and Lynda Dawson

Manning Funerals was friendly and welcoming. Martha-Louise gave us great personal service, attending to all our needs in a way that we felt really comfortable in the lovely surrounding in Newmarket. Her beautiful dog, Stella, provided us with entertainment that had us in stitches as she refused to sit in her bed, insisting on joining in the conversation. Funniest of all was when she shook her head and a large piece of saliva seems to drift in slow motion across the room and land on my sister's shoulder (not everyone's cup of tea, but we are dog lovers!). On the day of the funeral, Keith conducted a beautiful service just right for our family.

Thank you Martha-Louise for helping us to farewell our Mum.

Karen Schaumkel

Dear Martha-Louise

Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the respectful and loving care that you bestowed on our beloved mother from the time of her death until her farewell ceremony and the trip to the crematorium.

Not only were you impressive with your kindness, warmth and empathy, but you also took care of our family. We all noticed. We all felt the same appreciation of our good fortune to be in your hands.

We can only hope that others will find their way to you and your professional care when they have a death and funeral to arrange.

We wish you all the very best. Your service is not only outstanding, but unique.

Kind regards.

Sharyn and Rob Sim (Urry) and Johny and Chris Urry

My much loved and sadly missed partner passed away recently, and like a lot of families, we were not sure where to now. Although he had been unwell for a while, we were not really prepared for the practical, financial or emotional side of the hereafter. We need not have worried, because from the moment we contacted Martha-Louise from Manning Funeral Cottage, all our concerns dissipated. Everything was handled in a dignified, professional manner; nothing was too much bother, even though we had the funeral over a holiday weekend, and at our home. It did take expert organization, but with Martha-Louise's patient, caring, warm smile and approach to all our wishes, and ever sensitive to our immense grief, we had an amazing day for my partner, father and grandfather. Thank you Martha-Louise.

Jan Donaldson

We were fortunate to have Martha-Louise recommended to us when our father died recently and her involvement in the preparation for, and the funeral itself, was outstanding.

Martha-Louise met with the family shortly after our father’s death and attended to all the arrangements that had to be made, from the placing of the funeral notice, the catering, flowers, burial plot, death certificate and the funeral arrangements themselves.

We wanted our father to be taken home before the funeral and she arranged this for us at no extra charge. Nothing was too much trouble for her.

Martha-Louise was very sensitive to our needs and was especially sensitive to the needs of the young children in the family who had never attended a funeral before.

Her memory for the names of our family members was phenomenal. She was so kind and caring that we have all been left with a special place in our hearts for her. Her efforts and affection really did make the difference to making this sad occasion a celebration of our father’s life and we are very grateful to her for that.

Martha-Louise has a passion for what she does and is experienced and professional. We have no hesitation in recommending her to you.

Miriam Russell and family

As a family devastated at the loss of their beautiful mother, we felt so lucky to find Martha-Louise. Manning Funeral Services were caring, thorough and humble. The chapel was gorgeous and calm, and Martha-Louise was warm and inviting to all the people who wanted to come and say their good byes. We adored the homely feeling and location so close to home, and the knowledge that our mother was kept safe and cared for at all times. Nothing was ever too much for Martha-Louise to provide for us – cups of tea and tissues always on hand. Martha-Louise and her pets (dog and cockatiel) became favourites with all the grandchildren and I can’t imagine how much harder our grief would have hit us without her care and love.

Thank you so much,

Lisa Bates

Thank you so much for the amazing job you did as funeral director for Paul Buchanan – my mother’s partner. You were so supportive and kind at a time of terrible personal strain for Mum, and I really appreciate the support you gave to me too – and before you’d got the job! Your empathy and care, even over the phone, but particularly in person, is palpable. Thanks so much for your support of Mum throughout. I really appreciate the time and effort you gave.

Leila Boyle

Thank you for taking such good care of our darling wife/mum/nana and all of us as well. From the moment we met you, you have made this journey easier for all of us. Thank you for the hugs.

Max, Maxine, Jessica, Todd and Cassandra

A big thank you for all your encouragement and support for Paul, Leila, Jenny and myself. I don’t know how I would have managed without you. Love and best wishes for the future.

Wendy

Thank you once again for your friendliness and kindness in looking after Jodie and dealing with our family in a most difficult time.

Lorraine Cotterill

Thank you very much for all the help you have given our family over what is never an easy time. Your care was much appreciated by us all and I felt Dad was blessed to have you organize his last journey.

Virginia Hewin

My sister and I would like to thank you and your colleagues at Manning Funerals.

Your natural warmth and caring enabled us to get exactly the funeral we wanted for our Mum.

With your experience and professionalism, everything fell smoothly into place. We had complete confidence in you which definitely took the edge off such a stressful time.

We would be very happy to recommend you. Thank you so much.

Sheryl and Janis