When families come to us during one of life’s most challenging times, it’s clear how loss affects everyone differently, including children. As a parent, I know how hard it can be to find the right words to explain what’s happened and to guide them through such a confusing time. That’s why I created Star Kids Care Packs, a resource designed to support parents and children with care and understanding.
But support doesn’t end there. At Falconers, we’re always looking for new ways to help families and bring our community together. That’s why we’ve recently launched a new Facebook group, Forever Remembered: Tramore & Waterford Notices, which you’ll read more about below. It’s a space for sharing, connecting, and ensuring no one faces loss alone.
These initiatives, like Star Kids and our new group, are exclusive to Falconers and tailored to meet the specific needs of families across Waterford. Whether it’s a comforting storybook for a younger child or a guided journal for a teenager, Star Kids is our way of making sure every family we serve feels supported, not just on the day of the funeral, but in the days and weeks that follow.

Celebrating Three Years of Care at Falconers
This month marks three years since I joined Falconers, and I can’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally. Joining Falconers felt like coming home. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many families in Waterford, listening to their stories, and finding ways to support them during their hardest days.
Being part of this team has given me the chance to create something close to my heart, Star Kids Care Packs. These packs are a direct reflection of my passion for helping children and families find comfort and guidance when they need it most. I’m so proud to see how Star Kids is making a difference in our community.
I want to thank Erich and the team for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and for always encouraging new ideas. To every family I’ve met along the way, thank you for trusting us to support you during such an important time.

A Personal Connection to Waterford Families
Growing up in Waterford and raising my own family here, I know how deeply connected our community is. We look out for one another, especially in difficult times. The idea for Star Kids was inspired by my own experience of loss.
In 2010, I lost my mam suddenly, and I had to find a way to explain her passing to my four-year-old son. I’ll never forget the weight of those conversations and how hard it was to help him understand something I was struggling with myself. Back then, I would have given anything for a resource like Star Kids.
When I joined Falconers, I wanted to create something that would make a real difference for families in Waterford. Star Kids Care Packs are my way of helping parents navigate these tough moments with their children, offering support in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

A New Community: Forever Remembered
At Falconers, we’ve always believed that no one in Waterford should ever face loss alone. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce our new Facebook group, Forever Remembered: Tramore & Waterford Notices.

This group is a space for our community to come together, honouring and celebrating the lives of those we’ve lost. It’s more than just a notice board, it’s a supportive and caring community where we can share memories, stories, and moments that keep our loved ones’ legacies alive.
We’d love for you to join us and introduce yourself by sharing a photo and a special memory of someone you’d like to remember. Whether it’s a funny story, a favourite saying, or a cherished moment, your words can bring comfort to others who understand what it means to miss someone special.
If you’d be interested in meeting up for coffee to connect with others for a friendly chat, let us know in the group. Together, we’re building something new, something that ensures no one in Waterford ever feels isolated after a loss.
Loss touches us all at some point in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to navigate it in isolation. Join Forever Remembered, and let’s create a community where support, comfort, and connection are always available.

A Care Pack for Every Age

One of the things I’ve learned is that children process loss differently depending on their age. That’s why every Star Kids pack is customised to meet the needs of the child.

• Younger children receive storybooks, colouring activities, and simple tools to help them understand what’s happening in a way that feels safe and gentle.
• Teenagers often benefit from journals and thoughtful prompts that allow them to express their emotions privately while encouraging reflection.
• Parents get guidance on how to have difficult conversations with their children, so they feel better equipped to support them.

Each pack is created with the child’s specific needs in mind, making it truly unique to the families we serve. We also support families with children who have additional needs, because ensuring that everyone in our county feels supported will always remain our priority.

How Star Kids Is Helping Waterford Families
Since introducing Star Kids, the feedback from families has been heartwarming. Parents tell us the packs make those tough conversations a little easier, and that the activities give children a sense of comfort and reassurance.
For me, the most rewarding part is hearing how these packs have brought families closer together. Children open up more, parents feel supported, and everyone feels a little less overwhelmed by the situation they’re facing.

A Commitment to Our Community
At Falconers, we’ve always believed that supporting families is about more than arranging a funeral. It’s about listening, understanding, and finding ways to help beyond the immediate needs of the day. Star Kids Care Packs are just one example of how we’re committed to going the extra mile for families in Waterford, and now with Forever Remembered, we’re extending that support even further.

We’re proud to be the only funeral directors in Ireland offering resources like Star Kids, and we hope it’s something our community can feel proud of too. If you’d like to know more about Star Kids or Forever Remembered, or if you’d like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you, every step of the way.

Thank you for letting me share this piece of my journey with you. It’s my hope that these initiatives will continue to bring comfort and care to families across Waterford.

I’ve also recently joined LinkedIn; let’s connect! Feel free to say hello anytime.

Warmly,
Michelle
Funeral Director & Creator of Star Kids Care Packs