Our story

Who are White Feather Funerals?

White Feather Funerals Ltd is run by me, with the support from a team with over 30 years experience in the profession. My name is Lucy Atabey and I am a mum with two sons who has lived in Heathfield for many years since 2002. I have been very much involved with local community activities over that time. Serving on pre-school and school PTA’s; involved with local churches; parish councils; volunteering for speed watch and litter picking groups; editing a local village magazine and trying to support local community events, whenever I can.

I am very interested in people and their stories, which is why I find this job so rewarding. Working as a funeral director was a long term ambition of mine and after a long career in marketing & events I was propelled to act on it when a dear friend around my age, died suddenly.

My inspiration Adrian Spooner

I lost a much-loved friend, suddenly. His funeral was a transformative experience, which truly matched how he lived his life, with lots of details that were unique and special to him. It showed her how funerals could be. Perfectly tailored and poignant ways to say goodbye to someone we love.

Here to listen

I know what it’s like to lose someone you love and how challenging it can be to have to make decisions when you are grieving. I am here to listen carefully to you, ask the right questions and to make all the choices that are open to you, clear. I will advise what you need to have a simple funeral and then it is up to you what you would like to add to that, to personalise your loved one’s funeral.

You don’t have to stick to the traditional crematorium or church if that isn’t what suits your family. A funeral can take place anywhere and over the years we have created funerals in people’s gardens, homes and other alternative venues. We have created a Harry Potter themed service in a venue similar to the Great Hall with the funeral director and bearers all in character; had art installations & live performances of music & poetry at the crematorium and much more.

What makes us different

We are an independent funeral service in Heathfield, East Sussex.

We believe that everyone has the right to say goodbye to the person they love in the way that truly suits them best.

We provide a modern, transparent, female-led service. We personally look after your loved ones on our premises in Heathfield, caring for them until their final journey. Just as women have being doing for their loved ones from the beginning of time. We will not ask you to fit into a standard package, instead we’ll help you create the bespoke funeral you want. That means listening to you carefully, supporting you fully and guiding you compassionately.

We’ll do it in a way that’s kind and caring, fair and true.

Why white feather?

White feather symbolism has a long history among people all over the world as being the symbol of peace, pacifism, spiritual unity and enlightenment. Many people grieving for loved ones are encouraged & uplifted upon finding a white feather.

It can feel like a message from that person to remind the one left behind, that they are still with them. Whatever you believe, it is a beautiful example of the natural world and the circle of life.

Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.
Emily Dickinson

Get in touch

The Barn, Station Approach, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8LG.

Our guide

If you’ve lost a loved one, find out what to do next.

Step-by-step guide

Call

When you’re ready to talk, give us a call on 01435 408650 (24 hrs)

Call

Email

You can reach us at this address. hello@whitefeatherfunerals.com