After my last blog which talked about personalising ceremonies, whether they are weddings or funerals, it is my pleasure this week to chat with Jade Pratt from Coop Funeral Care, St John’s Road in Colchester. The Coop has lots of different branches in various towns and cities but Jade’s team really do take on the personal approach as you can see from the pictures included in this Blog. So, with no further ado…….here’s Jade……
Your Name: Jade Pratt
Your Business Name: Co-op FuneralCare
What do you do? I am a Funeral Arranger. I provide compassionate support and guidance to families during on e of the most difficult times in their lives. I help them plan and organise every aspect of a loved ones funeral, ensuring their wishes are respected while offering practical and emotional support.
My role includes arranging necessary paperwork, co-ordinating with crematoriums, cemeteries, and officiants, and assisting with decisions on coffins, flowers, music, and other personal touches. Throughout the process, I strive to offer care, reassurance, and professionalism, ensuring everything runs smoothly with dignity and respect.
What do you love about what you do? What I love most about my role as a funeral arranger is the opportunity to create truly personal and meaningful farewells that step beyond the traditional stereotype.
Every person is unique, and I believe their final goodbye should reflect their life, personality, and passions.Whether it’s incorporating a favourite song, a themed dress code, or an unconventional venue, I take pride in helping families arrange a funeral that feels right for them. Seeing the comfort and gratitude that a personalised farewell brings to loved ones is incredibly rewarding, and it’s an honour to play a part in making each service as special and individual as the person it celebrates.
How did you start out? I started my role part time at Frinton on Sea, this was a very quiet branch, so I decided to become a mobile arranger, travelling around different areas until finally settling at the St John’s Road branch in 2020.
What sets you apart from the rest? What sets me apart as a funeral arranger is my dedication to creating truly personal and meaningful farewells that go beyond the traditional funeral format.
My compassionate, down to earth approach helps families feel comfortable and supported, knowing they have someone who genuinely cares. For me, it’s not just about arranging a funeral it’s about crafting a heartfelt tribute that brings comfort and honours a life well lived.
What do you hate to see in the industry? What I hate seeing in the funeral industry is the one size fits all approach that some funeral providers take. Every person is unique, yet too often, funerals feel impersonal and rushed, that follow a rigid template rather than truly honouring the individual. I also dislike the lack of transparency in pricing and options, which can leave grieving families feeling pressured or unaware of the choices available to them.
What do you love to see in the industry? I love to see that the industry is shifting towards a more personal, meaningful, and creative farewells. It’s inspiring to see families moving away from the traditional, impersonal approach and embracing unique ways to celebrate their loved one’s lives.
Whether it’s eco friendly burials, alternative venues, personalised ceremonies, or unconventional tributes, I love seeing the industry evolve to better reflect the individuality of those we honour. Most of all, I love seeing funeral professionals who genuinely care, taking the time to support families with compassion and helping them create truly special goodbyes.
What causes do you contribute towards or believe in? Co-op FuneralCare support Cruse Bereavement Care, Barnardos and various other community causes throughout the year.
Why do you love working with Celebrants? I love working with celebrants because they bring such a personal and heartfelt touch to funerals, making each service truly unique. They take the time to get to know the family and understand the life, personality, and values of the person who has passed.
Crafting a ceremony that feels authentic and meaningful. Celebrants offer the flexibility to step away from traditional, scripted services, allowing families to create a farewell that genuinely reflects their loved one’s story. Their ability to balance warmth, professionalism, and creativity makes such a difference, and I always appreciate how they help families find comfort in a service that feels right for them.
How can people get in touch with you? Co-op FuneralCare, I am based at 12A St John’s Road, Colchester, CO4 0JW 01206 867430.
