At Falconer Funeral Directors, we believe that compassion and care are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to helping families navigate their grief, and we’re proud to share an important new initiative from our very own Michelle, who has recently qualified as a funeral director.
The Story Behind Star Kids
Michelle’s passion for funeral directing has always been deeply personal. In 2010, she faced the heartbreaking task of explaining the sudden loss of her mam to her then 4-year-old son. She reflects:
“I had to have that difficult conversation with my little boy, and it would have been wonderful to have something like Star Kids to guide us both through our loss.”
Inspired by her experience, Michelle has created Ireland’s first Star Kids Care Packs, designed to help parents explain the concept of death and loss to children. The packs are filled with thoughtful resources that offer comfort and understanding during a time that can be confusing and overwhelming for young minds.
A Career Rooted in Compassion
Before Michelle lost her mam, she had always dreamed of working in the funeral industry. That dream took a backseat after her loss, but it never went away completely. In 2013, she completed a course in embalming, but her true passion was always in funeral directing—helping families through their hardest moments.
Michelle’s journey came full circle in 2022 when she joined Falconer Funeral Directors. She says:
“I don’t know if you can have a favourite part of this job, but mine is listening to the stories families tell me about their loved ones. It’s a little glimpse into their lives, and it’s an honour to be part of that journey.”
Michelle has not only brought her skills as a qualified funeral director to our team but also her incredible compassion, making her a true asset to Falconer Funeral Directors. In June of this year, Michelle completed her funeral directing qualification, marking a major milestone in her career. This award will be presented to her later this year.
A Visionary in the Industry
As a single mother working in a traditionally male-dominated field, Michelle has become a source of comfort for many families. Her warmth and empathy resonate particularly with women who have lost a child or those grieving the loss of a mother. Her presence offers them a sense of connection, knowing she understands their pain in a unique way.
Star Kids: A Gift to Families
The Star Kids Care Packs are more than just a project—they are a reflection of Michelle’s dedication to helping families in their time of need. Each pack is carefully designed to offer guidance, support, and reassurance to children who are struggling to understand loss. Through Star Kids, Michelle hopes to make a difference for families facing the hardest conversations.
A Bright Future
At Falconer Funeral Directors, we’re honoured to have Michelle on our team, leading initiatives like Star Kids that make a real difference in people’s lives. Her journey is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience, and we couldn’t be more proud.
As we continue to serve the Waterford and Tramore communities, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of Star Kids on families dealing with loss.
If you’d like to learn more about Star Kids Care Packs or our services, please reach out to us.
We are here to support you and your family through every step of your journey.