Memorials, Legacy, and Support
Honoring Lives Well-Lived
Pre-Planning Memorials & Officiating Funerals
As a retired Unitarian Universalist parish minister, grief counselor, and Spiritual Companion, I feel a deep calling to funeral and memorial work. I believe every life is precious and unique—and that every loss deserves to be honored in a way that reflects the true spirit of the person who has died.
Planning a Memorial or Funeral After a Loss
No two lives are alike, and no memorial should be either. I take time with families and loved ones to ensure each service is authentic, personal, and deeply meaningful. Together we share stories, remember moments, and lift up the qualities that made your loved one who they were. This process not only helps shape the service—it also becomes part of the healing, offering comfort and connection in the midst of grief.
With many years of experience crafting services, I strive to:
Honor the fullness of a life well-lived
Express the unique spirit of each person
Provide a space for healing, remembrance, and hope
I am comfortable weaving in traditional elements from your religious or cultural background, or designing something entirely custom to reflect your loved one’s life and values. My work has included memorials for interfaith families, blended families, unchurched individuals, children, and those lost to tragedy, including suicide. I also guide individuals who wish to plan ahead for their own memorials—lifting some of the burden from family and ensuring their wishes are honored.
If a funeral home is involved, I collaborate closely to create a seamless experience, including arrangements for music and other meaningful details that can feel overwhelming in the early days of loss.
Every memorial I help shape is an opportunity to honor life, express love, and bring healing to those who gather in remembrance.
Ethical Wills
Pass on your wisdom, values and blessings
At Soul Grove, I offer support and guidance for writing an Ethical Will—sometimes called a legacy letter. In just a couple of sessions, you can create a meaningful document that captures your values, blessings, life lessons, hopes, and dreams for the future. Unlike legal documents, which handle material matters, an ethical will paints a portrait of your heart, mind, and spirit to be shared with those you cherish.
It is a life-affirming reflection written with care and clarity, meant to bless and inspire—not to revisit old wounds. An ethical will becomes a legacy of love and guidance, a way for your wisdom and presence to continue shaping the lives of those you hold dear.
Why write an Ethical Will?
It gives you space to reflect on and articulate your deepest values.
It ensures those values live on in the hearts of your loved ones.
It encourages you to consider life’s fragility so you may live with greater meaning now.
It passes on the treasures of your heart, mind, and spirit—far beyond material wealth.
It helps you reflect on the story you’ve lived and continue to tell each day.
We all leave something behind. An ethical will ensures what you leave is rooted in love, wisdom, and the values that matter most. I can help you shape yours—whether in a traditional format or something more creative and personal.
Short-Term Grief Counseling
At Soul Grove, I offer support and guidance for writing an Ethical Will—sometimes called a legacy letter. In just a couple of sessions, you can create a me
It passes on
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spiritual direction or companioning? How is it different from counseling or therapy?
Spiritual direction is not therapy or problem-solving. It is a practice of deep listening, reflection, and support as you explore your relationship with meaning, spirit, and life itself. Counseling often focuses on mental health or specific life issues, while spiritual companioning nurtures your inner life, values, and sense of connection.
Do I have to be religious to seek spiritual direction?
No. Spiritual direction is for anyone—whether devout, questioning, interfaith, or non-theist—who desires deeper connection, purpose, or spiritual renewal.
Is this tied to a particular faith tradition?
No. My practice is interfaith and inclusive. I honor and welcome people from every background, whether rooted in a specific tradition, many traditions, or none at all.
What happens in a typical session?
A session is a calm, confidential conversation. You share what’s stirring in your life, and I listen deeply. Together we may reflect on values, explore gentle practices such as silence or journaling, and notice where life invites renewal and growth.
How often should I meet with a spiritual director?
Sessions are usually 50–60 minutes. Shorter introductory sessions are available if you’d like to try companioning before committing to ongoing work.
I feel disconnected from my spiritual life—can this help me reconnect?
Yes. Companioning provides space to explore your longing, rediscover what gives you life, and gently realign with your deepest values.
What if I don’t know what I believe anymore?
That’s a common and honest place to begin. Spiritual direction welcomes your questions, doubts, and searching—it’s about supporting your authentic journey, not providing answers.
Is everything we talk about confidential?
Yes. What you share is held in confidence and with deep respect, creating a safe and trustworthy space for exploration.
Do you meet in person, online, or both?
Both. I offer sessions in person in Marietta, Ohio, and online for those farther away or who prefer meeting virtually.
Can spiritual direction support me through transitions like grief, career change, or retirement?
Yes. Companioning can help you navigate seasons of change with presence, courage, and a sense of connection to your deeper self.
What’s the difference between a one-time session and ongoing companioning?
A one-time session can provide clarity or support around a particular question. Ongoing companioning creates a steady rhythm of reflection, guidance, and renewal that unfolds over time.
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© 2025 Hilary Krivchenia - All Rights Reserved. Soul Grove, Sustenance and resources for our relationship with Life itself.