A Home Funeral
Jill Millar - see previous blog - became a friend after she chose a Leafcocoon for her mother back in 2013, and then moved to Chagford, where I lived. She decided to order a shroud for herself, for her own funeral.
She wrote:
“Death is going to happen to us all. In some ways I feel privileged to have a diagnosis of an incurable disease as it has given me time to prepare for death and see as much of my family and friends as possible…. I feel that I have had a good life. The thing I feel sad about is not being able to see my grandchildren grown up. But beyond that, I do not feel frightened. The idea of death is not scary or mysterious…..
Jill decorating her shroud cover with her granddaughter
We have decorated the shroud with symbols that represent my life and what is important to me. The central motifs are a tree of life representing my family connections; the Aesculapius rod for my medical career; and honeycomb for my beekeeping. I invited friends and family to help - some embraced the opportunity immediately, while others were initially hesitant (but later became enthusiastic participants). I have lost count of how many people have helped; some people have sent material contributions from far and wide, and we have done collaborative sessions with half a dozen people felting at the same time.
Summer 2025
It has been very lovely and affirming to have so many people coming to contribute and spend time with me, creating the shroud. Most of the time it has been a very joyful experience. It has also allowed me to create and facilitate conversations about death - something which is still so sensitive and taboo with people.”
Many friends and family contributed to the cover.
Jill died in January and I was called to settle her body in the Leafcocoon. Many people came each day to spend time with her in the space. For her and her family it was appropriate and comforting to have her at home, giving everyone time to sit quitely in rememberence, or share memories with friends.
Her funeral was in Jubilee Hall in Chagford, and then her children took her up the hill to the Epona Natural Burial Ground.
We wrapped Jill in her Leafcocoon (packed with ice) and she lay in her cellar surrounded by the fruits and products of her garden, and beekeping equipments. Friends visited daily to spend time with her in this gentle and loving space. She was buried in a natural burial ground in the village on February 1st, 2026.
Click on the button above to find out more about kits to decorate a shroud or coffin cover, using a simple needle felting technique, embroidery, applique or other.
