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This book is a first-person account of my many years of practice as a funeral director. The stories are from my own person experience within the funeral industry and in no way reflect upon how any specific Funeral company operated. They are my praticular recollections of the events contained in this book. I have written in the spirit of openness, so that you will come to understand the many options and the range of possiblites, available to you when the time comes to arrange a funeral.
Joanne Scott on Amazon
Rita-Marie Lenton has written superbly in this heart-warming, and often humorous, book—part memoir, part how-to-guide—to demystify what happens when someone dies, and what to do next. She gently takes our hand and guides us through the many requirements, and the available options we have, so that we can create a fond farewell, whether we are arranging it for someone we love, or even for ourselves. Lenton brings her considerable experience as a funeral director and crematorium manager to bear and writes in language the average person will feel comfortable with. Creating A Fond Farewell provides an insight into the life experiences that shaped Lenton as a funeral director, presents a snapshot of the world of funeral arranging, and offers a step-by-step guide of what to do when someone dies. I recommend this book for everyone because, let’s face it, we are all going to die one day.
In this book, Rita-Marie is looking at her journey and her experiences, which has become her story. In it she has included helpful information and insights which hopefully helps you on your journey when the time comes.
I have watched her develop and grow throughout the years we have known each other. May she continue to grow and bloom in her future.
Nerida Thompson
Former Funeral Director
July 1984 to December 2016
I have known Rita-Marie since childhood; she has always been very thoughtful and empathic towards others. I am extremely proud of Rita-Marie, and her lifetime of supporting family, friends, and the wider community in their darkest hours.
I only wish I had read Creating a Fond Farewell prior to my Mother-in-law’s death in January 2021. Under the influence of difficult family members, and not wanting to upset others, my husband and I ‘put-up’ with the arrangements made. It sure will be different when we go!
Congratulations to Rita-Marie, on writing a long-overdue and informative book to help people negotiate the worst time of their life. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and read it again and again. It is written in a simple, explanatory style, and I’m planning on putting a copy aside with my requests to help my children when the time comes. Hopefully they won’t have to suffer the same heartache I did.
Raelee Painter (née Black)
formally of Winton, Queensland
Miss Sweetie finds a Home and becomes the heart of a family is much more than a charming story about an adorable rescue cat who finds her fur-ever home. Rita-Marie Lenton has deftly woven a delightful narrative around her own experiences with her beloved cat, Miss Sweetie into a story that will delight young and old alike.
The storyline follows Miss Sweetie's Journey from life at the Peninsula Animal Aid rescue shelter to finding the family who needs her special skill set the most. She quickly becomes a cherished family member. Miss Sweetie is a Healer, psychologist, diva, office manager, comedienne, editorial, assistant, and loving pet. Miss Sweetie will have you laughing, crying, and loving every moment in between.
I have been privileged to read ‘Miss Sweetie Finds A Home’ about Rita-Marie’s beautiful cat, Miss Sweetie, and the characters she comes into contact with.
It is also a delightful story about the relationship between animals and humans, and the respect and love they have for each other.
I would recommend this book for anyone who loves their cat, to read about the ups and downs their families have around them.
Albina Porracin
Author, Help Me! My finances are a mess
Financial Counsellor and Coach
‘Miss Sweetie Finds A Home’ is a lovely read. It provides an insight into the behavioural patterns of our fur-babies, and how privileged we are when they choose us to share their lives with us. This comes across really clearly through the antics of Miss Sweetie. I love that she is referred to as a nurse, because cats are also amazing ‘service’ pets, and are really in tune with our emotional needs, even if we are not. A great read for anyone wishing to learn more about feline fur-babies before adopting them and returning to their new ‘forever’ homes.
Peta-Ann Wood
Holistic Coach,
Author, What happens when they don’t grow back: The upside-down view of life after a bilateral mastectomy
Following on from “Miss Sweetie finds a Home”
and becomes the heart of the family. Rita-Marie continues to chronicle the life of the family pets.
“Diamond the Wonder Dog” emerged in her own story as we continue the journey with the family pets of
the “Lenton Family”.
Diamond is a wonderful dog who lives with her fur-ever family. Her family includes her big fur-sister “Tia the cat” who has travelled to some amazing places.
Her Mum and Dad and big sister Ruby and big brother Hunter.
The extended family spreads far and wide and this story is about the adventures and relationship Diamond has with them all.
INTERESTING … MEMORABLE! That’s how I would describe Rita-Marie’s latest book, Diamond the Wonder Dog and her family. As an Early Childhood Professional of thirty years, I loved the book, and so did the children I read it to.
This story led to a lot of discussion at group time about dog and cat making friends, about how we make friends, who are the people in our family, and about their pets. Congratulations, Rita-Marie, on another great story for young children, and what a wonderful way to give your children and grandchildren a lasting memory of their childhood and their family members.
Raelee Painter (née Black)
Early Childhood Professional
formerly of Winton, Queensland
The story continues. And what an instalment. After introducing us to Miss Sweetie last year, Rita-Marie
invites us to be a part of the most delightful gaggle of extended family members in Diamond the Wonder Dog and her family. It was wonderful meeting newcomers, Tia and Diamond, and feel a part of their playful adventures, visiting and travelling Australia and New Zealand. Rita-Marie writes with such joy; you cannot help but feel part of the extended family and their overall adventures. Can't wait to see who we meet the next time!'
Peta-Ann Wood
Author, International Best-Selling & Indie Reader Approved
Soulful Intuitive Mentor & Soul Coaching® Oracle Reader
Blog | http://elegantrebelponders.com/ Web | peta-annwood.au
If you are looking for a wonderful, warm children’s story, then stop right here. Witty, kind, and inviting, this book is a gentle reminder to young and young-at-heart readers about the value of having pets in your life and the joy and delight they bring to everyone.
Diamond the Wonder Dog steals not only her human’s hearts, but the heart of Miss Sweetie as well.
She will likely steal a little of your heart too.
Di Riddell
Author, Speaker and Confidence Coach