What people say about us
One of the most rewarding things about working with bereaved families and friends is hearing how our team have helped them in creating memorable and appropriate funerals which bring comfort and express something of the lives of their loved ones.
You may be looking for a funeral director to help prepare a dignified and respectful funeral, so we thought it might be helpful to record some of the letters, emails and messages that we receive from those who, sadly, have been in your position.
If you do find that you need our help, please contact your local branch who will be very pleased to assist you.
Hunnaball of Stanway – December 2023
Thank you so much for the kindness and compassion you have shown for my family during such a dreadful time. On first meeting, I felt like I was in good hands. You’re professional, friendly, informative, and compassionate. I cannot praise you highly enough.
On the eve of my sister’s funeral, you called and went through all the details in such a respectful and informative way. On the day, you and your team showed great professionalism, understanding, and compassion – we all felt looked after. Thank you all for your kindness and understanding.
Hunnaball of Stanway – December 2023
Thank you so much for your help and support after the death of my dear mother. You have been brilliant from the first call, meeting, seeing my mum, and the day of the funeral.
Hunnaball of Colchester – November 2023
Because things were difficult logistically, with friends and family being so far away, I chose the direct cremation option and your team dealt with everything so sympathetically and with immense dignity. You made a sad and potentially difficult experience into an event that we will remember fondly. Thank you.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – November 2023
Thank you for your kindness and the efficient, thoughtful handling of the funeral arrangements for our brother-in-law. You were welcoming and very professional, and you treated us sensitively. You were particularly accommodating with the printed order of service which we really wanted to be correct.
Hunnaball of Ipswich – November 2023
Thank you so much for the work you put in to make the day go by without a hitch. You gave me great comfort and courage to get through what could have been a very difficult day but, in fact, turned out to be a lovely celebration of Mum’s life. I know she would have been so pleased with the way everything went. It takes great professionalism and dedication to make us feel that we are special.
JK May of West Mersea – October 2023
Thank you for the kindness, compassion, and professionalism shown at my husband’s funeral. It made a difficult and sad day so much easier to cope with. And for your help and guidance in the arrangements, which can be quite daunting.
Hunnaball of Colchester – October 2023
Planning a funeral for someone in a care home with no family contact is a very difficult task, but you did everything to make sure it was special, which we really appreciate. A difficult day was made very special and a lovely goodbye, thank you!
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – October 2023
Thank you to you for all your hard work in arranging the funeral, it was nice that he had a great sent off. Everything was just how he would have wanted it; the service was very moving, set a great picture of his life, with a bit of laughter too.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – October 2023
From the moment I stepped through the door I felt comforted, as if by a big hug. I never felt rushed into making decisions and you always had time for me. I thank you for your understanding and kindness. On the day of the funeral, you led us through the process in a professional and empathetic way and were very accommodating.
Hunnaball of Ipswich – September 2023
You and your staff did an amazing job for us. From the first time I met you through to the end of the service at the crematorium, the whole family felt valued, cared for, and comfortable. Thank you for everything. You were all incredible.
Memorials – September 2023
You will never know how much it means to me to have the headstone in place for Heather’s birthday and our Diamond Wedding Anniversary. It means so much. Thank you.
JK May of West Mersea – September 2023
I take this opportunity to extend special thanks from my brother and I for creating a truly memorable day. The mood and smooth efficient format encompassed the right values and would certainly have made our beloved father proud.
Hunnaball of Stanway – August 2023
The service at the Crematorium was conducted with such dignity and was a fitting memory to a wife and mother. I will never forget seeing Mr Hunnaball escort my wife into the building.
Janet C Davies of Kelvedon – August 2023
My family and I would like to thank you and your wonderful team that made mums day so special for us. Graham was so gentle and caring and made the whole day run smoothly without a single problem. Thank you to everyone involved.
Hunnaball of Witham – August 2023
To the team at Hannaball of Witham, special thanks for your kindness. You are very special people and I’m so pleased that mum chose you for her final journey.
Hunnaball of Colchester – July 2023
The whole team are incredible. All of you were so professional and very kind, caring people. You were a credit to your workplace and each and every one of you should be so proud of yourselves. I would highly recommend Hunnaball funeral services.
Janet C Davies of Kelvedon – July 2023
We just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of our dearest Dad. At such a painful time, when our world had been turned upside down, our hearts were broken and our thoughts shut down with grief, it was so amazing to have you step in and ease the heavy burden we carried. It was the celebration of his life he would have wanted. We will be forever grateful to you for playing such a significant, professional, and quietly efficient role in this.
From our very first meeting, we knew we were in safe and capable hands, and we thank you all for the roles you played, both big and small, to enable us to make our final farewell to our wonderful dad.
Hunnaball of Witham – July 2023
Thank you for your help during the funeral planning process. We really appreciated all your advice and kind words, which helped make a horrible time a little bit easier. We are so pleased with the incredible service we have received from Hunnaball and the ladies in the branch.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – June 2023
The funeral was absolutely outstanding. When your gentlemen arrived, I thought, “How on earth are they going to transfer the coffin to the sled”, but everything was carried out with grace, dignity, and style, and I could not be happier with how everything went. Mum got the send-off she wanted and more. I can’t thank you all enough for what you have done.
Hunnaball Memorials – June 2023
I visited the grave of my Husband on Friday to inspect the work done on the memorial headstone. I was delighted to see it – in fact the stone had come up so well we could see it from the road. You have done an excellent job on the stone and so quickly.
Hunnaball of Colchester – June 2023
The whole afternoon ran so smoothly and we were very content with the arrangements you helped us make. So many people have commented that it was a wonderful celebration of life and I’m sure he would have enjoyed it too. We all felt that you gave us the support and calmness we needed so that we didn’t have to think or worry. That meant a lot to us.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Spring Road – June 2023
Amazing service from Hunnaballs. Caring, compassionate, organised, and you went above and beyond. Our driver was an incredibly compassionate and caring gentleman, who helped me so much. The arranger was a warm, caring, lovely lady. Always there for me; understanding, kind, and incredibly sensitive to my needs. Our conductor was so organised, professional, and calm. Such love and warmth from someone I had never met. They all made my difficult, painful day so much easier and beautiful.
Hunnaball of Stanway – June 2023
You were compassionate and professional, and everything went exactly the way I hoped. Friendly service, supplying advice with special aftercare. I can’t thank you enough.
Hunnaball of Sudbury – May 2023
Very special thanks to your Sudbury team, for their compassion, help, and kindness during the funeral arrangement process. They turned, for me, a very unpleasant process into something I could both understand and manage. This was a surprise to me, since this is the first funeral I’ve ever had to undertake, especially as it was for my Wife. I will not hesitate to recommend your firm should the occasion arise.
Hunnaball of Witham – May 2023
We received a 5-star service from the ladies at Hunnaball Witham. A special thank you for all the organisation they did to make sure Nan/Mum had the best send-off possible. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Norwich Road – April 23
From beginning to end our experience of Hunnaball was excellent. Our funeral director was kind and friendly, and efficient in all her dealings with us. We appreciated this very much.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – April 23
I’d like to express my thanks to you for the exemplary service we received following the death of my father recently. From the start, your assistance was comprehensive without being at all overwhelming. You allowed us to dictate the speed the process moved at and were always available on the phone, or in person, when we needed additional help or guidance. At an emotional time such as this, your friendly, experienced advice was greatly appreciated.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – March 2023
I would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the way in which you handled and led the arrangements for our mother. From the moment she was taken into your care, to the moment we were all delivered to her wake, you and your team were kind, courteous, and thoroughly professional throughout. You all have a very tough job but, in our time of deep emotion, knowing that everything was being handled with such care gave us strength. It was like having a great big arm over our shoulders.
Hunnaball of Witham – March 2023
I just want to thank you so much for everything you have done and the support you have given. The funeral went very well, and your men were fantastic! The service was lovely, respectful, and dignified, a perfect farewell.
Hunnaball of Colchester – March 2023
Thank you all at Hunnaballs, for the amazing effort. The day was wet and awful and my heart went out to everyone in it… especially the coffin bearers. They did an amazing job under such awful circumstances. Thank you for being so kind to us.
Hunnaball of Colchester – February 2023
Your team were exceptional and so attentive. From collecting my father from home, through the Chapel of rest, to escorting him to his final resting place, your staff have been exemplary. I know it can’t be easy with so many siblings having input, but you managed to put all our minds at ease.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – February 2023
We would like to thank you for the professional manner in which the funeral arrangements were made for our Mum. Your knowledge and expertise helped make the process far less overwhelming. Not only were the team efficient, but they were all very kind at what was a very sad time for the family. Thank you to all involved and for doing such an excellent job.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – February 2023
I just wanted to thank you both so much for all your efforts in making an extremely sad day more bearable and the whole process so much easier for us. I can’t emphasise how invaluable your support has been the whole time and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services to others. There are no words to express how grateful we are and always will be.
Hunnaball of Colchester – February 2023
Thank you for all your support and care, from the very beginning. We had absolutely no idea what we were doing and you gave us help and advice and we can’t thank you enough. The memorial is perfect and we were glad we attended the interment.
Hunnaball of Colchester – January 2023
Everything was just amazing on the day. As sad as the day was, and it was, Hunnaballs did just the most amazing job with the service. Not just the actual service, but every single member of the team was nothing short of absolutely amazing! From the man who I first met and took my dear Mum away, to the arranger, the lady at the chapel of rest, and the conductor on the day. All of you have been just amazing! I cannot thank each and every one of you enough. You’re all a true credit to your company, to the whole process, and to someone who is grieving. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. x
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Norwich Road – January 2023
Thank you for everything you have done and for all your hard work over the past few weeks. It has been just the most unimaginably painful, upsetting, and heart-breaking time, but everything you have done has helped make it just a little bit easier. I’m just so glad that everything went beautifully as it was the last thing that I could ever do for her. I’m just so thankful that it went perfectly. All of you at Hunnaballs are such kind, kind people.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Spring Road – January 2023
Our whole experience from start to finish was excellent, in spite of the circumstances. From our first visit to the last we felt reassured and supported, but also heard, which is different from being listened to. The ladies at Spring Road were approachable, professional, but also warm and caring. You have a great team, who have kept in touch and we have never had to chase them for anything.
It was as painless as it could be and we are telling everyone how supportive, professional, and human you are. You have a fabulous team.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – December 2022
You gave the service dignity and your sincerity and kindness were a great comfort and to us all. A great team.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – December 2022
Thank you for your support and special care in the organisation of the funeral. Everything went to plan, despite us arriving late in Manningtree due to traffic – much stress! I was so proud of my sons, together with family, carrying the coffin. It made everything so much more personal. Every step of the way you have supported us.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – December 2022
A huge thanks to you all for the wonderful service and professionalism. A calm, quiet, supportive approach was what we needed.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Norwich Road – December 2022
It was perfect and in accordance with her wishes. The organisation was impeccable, and we were really pleased that it ran so smoothly. It took the pressure of what could have been a stressful day. Thank you once again for your first-class services.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – November 2022
Thank you for the beautiful service you provided. Everything was faultless and you most certainly did our Mum proud. The celebrant was just perfect, the conductor was so compassionate and professional, and both made a difficult day into everything we wanted for her.
JK May of West Mersea – November 2022
We wanted to thank you personally. We were very impressed with your professional and sensitive approach. You thought of everything and so the funeral went smoothly, with minimum stress and sadness.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – October 2022
All your staff were extremely professional, caring, and compassionate. Not once did your very high standards drop. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services.
Hunnaball of Witham – October 2022
A special thank you for making this awful time so much easier to cope with. I was so grateful when I walked through the door, for your compassion, thoughtfulness, advice, and professionalism at a time when I was completely lost. Please thank everyone for making my son’s funeral go so smoothly and as painless as possible for us all. You did us proud.
Hunnaball of Chelmsford – October 2022
I just wanted to say thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to giving my mum the most beautiful send-off. Your kindness has helped me navigate this time with some sense of purpose and peace. Thank you for taking such good care of her. I’ll be forever grateful.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – October 2022
I can’t thank you enough for how warm and truly caring you are, with so much compassion. The whole team are the best of the best… thank you so much!
Janet C Davies of Kelvedon – September 2022
Thank you to everyone at Janet C Davies for your professionalism and care at such a sad time for us all.
Hunnaball of Sudbury – September 2022
Heartfelt thanks for all the help you gave us after losing our mother. Everything was dealt with so beautifully, kindly. and respectfully, just as our wonderful mother would have liked. Nothing, no matter how small or trivial, was a problem, and the day of the cremation and celebration of her life went seamlessly, thanks to your excellent planning and organisation. You are all a credit to Hunnaballs.
Hunnaball of Stanway – September 2022
Thank you for all your help. You made a very difficult time so much easier and it was very reassuring to know the funeral arrangements were left in such capable hands.
Hunnaball of Colchester – August 2022
I just wanted to thank you for the help provided leading up to the funeral and burial. Particular the Funeral Director, he and his team were both discreet and attentive at the same time – a rare skill indeed! At a very distressing time – you were a voice of calm! I really did appreciate your help.
Hunnaball of Witham – August 2022
You have made it as easy as possible for us, during this difficult time, showing an amazing amount of care, attention, and support to the whole family. Everything went perfectly. I would like to thank all involved for their help, kindness, professionalism, and support, making the day so special.”
Janet C Davies of Braintree – August 2022
Heartfelt thanks for all of your assistance in helping us arrange dad’s funeral. Your advice and help were calm and informative, and passed on with great understanding. As for the day itself, it passed smoothly, mostly due to the wonderful service provided by your team. They showed so much respect and tenderness and were immaculately turned out. The Hunnaball company should be rightly proud of their first class staff and service.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Spring Road – July 2022
You have been fantastic. The day went so well, and we cannot thank the team enough for their excellent care and attention to detail. Please thank everyone involved because it is a team effort and one that has made a huge difference to this family. It will be a day to remember as a celebration of mum’s life and one we will remember with a smile, not sadness.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Norwich Road – July 2022
Just a quick note to express my gratitude at the way you handled all aspects of my mother’s funeral. The professionalism, respect, compassion, and warmth you showed towards all of my family was fantastic. Your ability to tune into my family’s warped sense of humour at our first meeting should also be acknowledged as truly remarkable.
I was particularly moved by the kindness and comfort you gave to my father before and after the service. Always attentive but never intrusive and exceedingly well judged in terms of recognizing his emotional state.
Janet C Davies of Kelvedon – July 2022
A BIG thank you for your services over the last few weeks and the seamless job done today at the thanksgiving service. It is much appreciated. Please, thank the whole team who were all so kind, considerate, and totally professional.
Janet C Davies of Braintree – June 2022
Thank you and your team for everything you did for us and S on her final journey. You were so kind and caring, nothing was too much trouble and your attention to detail was meticulous. You made a very difficult and sad time so much easier to bear and for that we shall be forever grateful.
Hunnaball Memorials – June 2022
With regards to my late wife’s memorial stone, to all concerned with the work, my sincere thanks for a wonderful achievement. I visited the cemetery yesterday and was awe-struck. A stunning piece of workmanship and a great tribute.
Hunnaball of Sudbury – June 2022
Your team are so professional, in-charge, and in control. Thank God we chose you because we have been to lots of funerals and you stood out as the best.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Spring Road – June 2022
I can’t think of anything you could have done better. Thank you so much for making this whole process as easy as was possible at such a stressful time.
Hunnaball of Colchester – June 2022
Thank you for the great organisation and professionalism shown by your whole team in ensuring Mum’s funeral went perfectly. You certainly ensured that much of the stress was taken out of the day and, to be honest, the team could not have done any more.
Hunnaball of Stanway – May 2022
Thank you for your care and attention, from taking mum into your care until after the funeral. Also to the team for their meticulous attention on the day of the service and finding a subtle way to involve mum’s great-grandsons to pay their respect before we left for the service. At a time of sadness it was always reassuring to have these arrangements under control.
Geo Paskell of Manningtree – May 2022
We would like thank you for being professional, very caring, compassionate, helpful and extremely kind and thoughtful. We would also like to thank the coffin bearers and funeral conductor who were all very sensitive to our feelings on the day. Thank you to everyone involved, it made our very sad day a lot easier.
JK May of West Mersea – May 2022
From the very first telephone call on a Saturday night, through to the final interment of his cremated remains, I have been comforted and reassured by the help and support you have always shown. I really thank you for your professionalism, but most importantly for the compassionate care and guidance you have given me.
Hunnaball of Witham – April 2022
I want to thank you for all your help with Mum’s funeral. Everything went like clockwork. Graham was a real treasure, very attentive and helpful. Mum would have loved the silver hearse, which was a lovely surprise.
Hunnaball of Colchester – April 2022
To the lovely team at Hunnaball! We just want to share our appreciation with you for the beautiful service you provided for our sweet little angel baby, K, and thank you for all your support caring for him. It was reassuring and helped us get through this difficult time to know that our baby boy was in good hands. It is so heart-warming to know there are services like yours made available to our precious angel babies. Thank you so much, for K’s Mummy, Daddy, and big brothers.
Hunnaball of Ipswich, Norwich Road – April 2022
My dear husband passed away recently. My heartfelt gratitude to your staff, both on the day of his funeral and the numerous occasions I was in contact, both to make all of the small (but hugely important to me) things happen, and the comfort given on my visits to see him while he lay in rest.
No words can portray the difference you made in my ability to deal with the heartache and loss experienced. From advice given to me, to the understanding and compassion shown. All of these things have made a huge contribution. Our driver attentively checking we are all ok, Sam leading our procession with great dignity and presence and then, at the graveside, her guidance and words of comfort. Whilst this could be taken as just a professional attitude, to me, it went much further and for this reason I wish to say a huge thankyou. You are a credit to your profession.
Sudbury, March 2022
Thank you to Zena, who was phenomenal and showed mum such respect. Nothing was rushed and everyone was commenting to the family about the way the funeral was conducted. The service was beautiful and just as mum would have wished.
Thank you to the men on your team, they also showed mum such dignity during this time.
Thank you to Jackie, for her kindness and the cups of tea we shared with mum in the Chapel of Rest.
Ipswich, Dove House, March 2022
I wanted to thank you profusely for the extraordinary service you provided to us at this very difficult time. Your thoughtfulness and kindness made the process much less difficult for my aunt, and for me as I was negotiating an unfamiliar system with severe time constraints.
The service itself was beautiful. My aunt had sent the video link to my family abroad and they all appreciated the dignity and solemness of the service. I think my uncle would have been very happy with it.
Janet C Davies, Kelvedon, February 2022
From our first meeting, all the way through to Mum’s funeral, and arriving back home again after the service – you were all amazingly supportive, caring, and helpful. Thank you for making a hard day go so smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for anymore.
Ipswich, Spring Road, February 2022
Perfect! Your help at this time, a most difficult time, was much appreciated and your care and attention to detail made it more bearable. My husband worked in funerals for over 45 years and certainly knew what he wanted! Your impeccable professionalism, with a personal touch, shone through and he would have admired the way it was conducted.
Throughout the initial contact of the first call, to the committal and beyond, we found everyone to be understanding, sincere and dignified in their dealings – thank you all.
Also, special thanks for my dear husband at the chapel of rest in Colchester. He looked at peace and for that I am eternally grateful.
Chelmsford, January 2022
I want to thank you all for the beautiful and caring way my son’s funeral was arranged and carried out.
The service and celebrant were perfect, just what Steve would have wanted. It gave us all great comfort.
Sudbury, January 2022
We see many funeral directors come and go when collecting the deceased from the Care Home where I work, but Hunnaball always stand out in their presentation and manner and the Hunnaball first response team are always beautifully dressed. That’s the reason we chose Hunnaball.
Geo. Paskell, Manningtree, November 2021
Thank you for guiding me through the loss of my mum with sensitivity and care. We couldn’t have been better looked after. I felt very safe with you all and you didn’t let me down.
Colchester, York House, November 2021
This is a very belated, but heartfelt, thank you for all you have done for us in organising first mum’s and then dad’s funerals. We are so grateful.
The funerals were both splendid and exactly as we wanted them. Both conductors were marvellous, the floral tributes were amazing, the music was spot on – both funerals were perfect. Thank you so much.
Stanway, October 2021
I would like to thank you personally for your service regarding my late husband. You were so kind, caring, and thoughtful, as well as being very professional. You certainly made what was a difficult time much easier.
Janet C Davies, Braintree, October 2021
Thank you so much for the very kind and professional way in which you managed arrangements for my mum’s funeral. We all appreciated your calm and courteous approach, and your sensitivity in managing us through this difficult time. I believe Mum would have been very touched by your care and would have appreciated your success as an all-female team too!!
Stanway, September 2021
I am grateful for everything you have done to ensure my husband’s funeral was a perfect tribute to him and I would be especially grateful if you would thank to Trevor for personally taking charge of proceedings [on the day]. I was honoured that he should do this for me and his presence made it even more special.
JK May, West Mersea, August 2021
Thank you so much for the superb way that John’s funeral was organised and carried out. The care and attention to detail made a very difficult time much easier for us.
Ipswich, Dove House, July 2021
You and your team have been absolutely incredible. You have looked after our boy as if he was your own. Everything on the day ran like clockwork – you could not have done anything more, it was an incredible day (if a funeral could be described like that). It was one of the hardest days of our lives especially leaving him after the committal… I knew that would be my most difficult moment. But the people lining the street, and in the churchyard and the pub, was beyond words. Everything went so well. I have woken this morning feeling absolutely shattered, but the love we have felt for our son has been immense and I could not be prouder of him. Thank you so much for making it work.
Chelmsford, June 2021
Just to say a big thank you to you all. Your professionalism and genuine kindness yesterday, especially to Mum, was greatly appreciated.
You have helped to make an incredibly difficult time less difficult. For this, the family will always be grateful.
Many thanks from the family of John O S
Ipswich, Dove House, April 2021
Dear Helen
I understand from Graham that you were the very kind member of the team at Hunnaballs that helped the family with all the arrangements for Linda’s funeral yesterday.
I know from personal experience that it is a difficult task with many decisions to be made along the way and that you have sensitively guided Graham and Sarah through the process. The ceremony yesterday was very moving and your team, I believe Sam was our Funeral Director, made sure that proceedings went to plan with their discreet presence.
I feel that the expertise of professionals such as yourselves is sometimes overlooked during these times and I just wanted to put in writing my sincere thanks to you all.
With grateful thanks for all your assistance
Barbara, Linda’s sister
Ipswich, Dove House, April 2021
Dear Helen, Zena and the team at Hunnaball,
On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you all for everything you have done for us, and making my father Robert’s send off so special and sincere. I don’t think we could have asked for more.
My mother would like to mention how special Zena made her feel on the day by being so perceptive to events that were going on and guiding us through – the small gesture at the end with the single red rose really made it for her.
She would also like to give thanks for all of Helen’s close support, listening and suggestions she has made over the past weeks. The pallbearers and drivers and all the members of the team have consistently been professional. We wouldn’t be in such strong position together as we currently feel if not for all your work.
Thank you for making everything run so smoothly and giving Robert and us so much dignity and respect.
With love from us all,
Gin, Andrew, Charlotte, Emma.
Colchester, April 2021
Thank you so much for the funeral of my mum (Maureen), everything worked by clockwork. Care, respect, and attention was 100%. And thank you for looking after mum while she was in your care and bringing peace to the family.
Grateful thanks,
Marie
Colchester, April 2021
Every step of the way the Hunnaball team was there for us! I was so worried about going to see Mum at the Chapel of rest-as she had been in hospital for 4 weeks, but she looked perfect. The funeral was dignified and so much respect for Mum and our family. I would highly recommend Hunnaball.
Thank you to all the team.
Ipswich, Dove House, April 2021
Dear Sue,
Thank you doesn’t seem enough to say to you for all your kindness and caring that you have shown me these recent weeks. You have always been patient and understanding with my many queries!! We have enjoyed a laugh, even in these sad circumstances. You are a true asset to your vocation and I for one truly appreciate all you have done for my dearest mum and me.
With love,
Leo
Memorials, March 2021
Dear Jennie,
Thank you so much for finally managing to get the headstone re-erected. I do understand that the situation in this last year has been very difficult, and admire your good organisation in holding all the work together in-between lockdowns. For our family, it feels as though Ann and Dad are ‘secure’ now in the surety of being able to be located when they go to Maldon to visit. I can’t emphasise it enough and would never have known it would be so difficult. So please pass on our most grateful thanks to all who were involved in this complicated job with its added stress of the covid.
Yours sincerely,
Virginia
Janet C. Davies, Braintree, March 2021
Dear Caroline,
The family and myself would very much to thank you for all your kind help, patience and assistance with the funeral preparations and arrangements of Vincenzo yesterday and our special thanks to Louise and the rest of her team for taking such good care of us, especially my mother-in-law Rosa from the time of pick up to the service at the graveside and back home afterwards, we could not have been in better hands. It helped that the weather held and it did not rain.
Also, Father David, it was a great comfort and pleasure having him conducting the service and doing a prayer reading in Italian was a lovely touch.
In the meantime, many thanks
Rosa, Pina and me, Allan
J.K. May, Mersea, March 2021
We have lived on Mersea for 36 years, have only ever heard good reports of the care and courteous nature of the Mersea team. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they were so helpful in the planning stages, always made themselves available for us to speak, and my family and I, at such a vulnerable time, felt safe and secure in their hands.
Everything was as we would have wished – the bearers, with friendly and caring dedication at all times, were almost inconspicuous. My family were so impressed with the serene friendliness of everyone – and especially Joe, who made us feel so special on the day of the funeral and guided us through.
Please extend my thanks to the JK May staff, for making this occasion so memorable for us in such a caring way.
Heather and family
Colchester, March 2021
Hello Megan,
It was lovely to speak to you yesterday Megan but I just wanted to email you with my thanks for all the wonderful work and support you have given to me, Nick and our wider family throughout the whole process of arranging John’s funeral.
From the very start you have shown kindness, caring and thoughtfulness with us, for which I am truly grateful. You were so patient when I couldn’t make decisions and gently guided us through the process and helped us to get there in the end. Constantly showing respect for our beloved John along the way.
I would also like to mention that every single person I have had contact with at Hunnaballs has been kind, helpful and respectful. Nothing seems to be too much trouble. I am amazed at you all, from the gentleman that first took John into your care from our home, yourself, Vicki and Maxine, just to mention the names I can recall. On the day of the funeral Mark was brilliant and of course the Piper, John Young, deserves a special mention as he was amazing. Please pass on my thanks to him from our whole family, who enjoyed every note!
Thank you again for all your kindness and assistance. I’m sure we will be in touch again over certain matters in the future and I look forward to speaking to you then.
Kind regards
Jane
Stanway, February 2021
I wanted to express the grateful thanks of all my family for the wonderful care and support you provided along with your professional services.
From the initial contact with Tracy, to the funeral service with Joe, we were treated with enormous courtesy and kindness during a very difficult time. Tracy was utterly approachable, sensitive and professional. I am hugely grateful for her kind, calm and reassuring manner.
The team at your Chapel of Rest in Old Coach Road were fantastic. We were treated with courtesy and respect and allowed plenty of time for our own private farewells. My mother was afforded enormous dignity, and for this we are all truly thankful.
There were no surprises for our family on the day of the funeral, Joe made certain we were all aware of proceedings and his calm presence at the crematorium was reassuring. Even when he was unable to deliver a small request (under Covid regulations), he was pleasant and very sensitive. The compassion and humanity meant the world to us and we will not forget the gestures made to us all by your amazing team.
Ipswich, Spring Road, February 2021
Dear Sue and Zena and all the Team,
A short note to thank you for giving Michael, Richard and me such a seamless journey in arranging Mummy’s final farewell. I cannot emphasise the amazing customer service, nothing was too much and we must have sent you bonkers at times with the instructions for the Order of Service.
I am so glad we had the service beamed “live” around the web. From as far away as Zanzibar and Australia to all corners of the UK friends and family “tuned” in. I am going to try my hand at downloading!
Everything was perfect, Jenny, the timing and even the wake. We held our mini social distanced wake in the Seven Hills Car Park, coffee, Cornish Pasties and Cake off the back of a truck in the snow and easterly wind. The gooey flapjack was rock solid and the chocolate icing needed a sledge hammer to cut due to being frozen!
Thank you again, we loved the unpretentious coffin with its rope handles, the dignity of Zena who looked after us so well on the day and of course you Sue who kept us up to date with progress and answering all queries before Mummy flew with her angels.
With best wishes,
Susie
Ipswich, Dove House, February 2021
Dear Helen, Sam & Zena
Thank you so very much for the wonderful support you’ve given me these past few weeks.
Without doubt, you’ve guided & reassured me in the most understanding & compassionate way.
I was just telling my daughter yesterday how I burst into tears one morning when speaking with Helen & it was all the squirrels’ (living in my loft) fault! The giggle helped us through our day.
Amy & I felt spirited, being led by Sam up Anglesea Road, as we followed Auntie June on her last journey.
Sam, you did a fabulous job, professional with an emotive essence. Your dedication to the meaning of your task was received with respect & love. My goodness, you looked the part too, you should be very proud.
Amy & I felt blessed Auntie June had chosen you to look after her in those last moments. She knew her mind & had already given me your leaflet way back last summer!
It’s been a very different experience than I had with another funeral directors when arranging my father’s funeral last May.
Dealing with everything alone was never going to be easy but you all helped in ensuring a steady pathway with clearly written (in the most beautiful italic fonts) signposts for me.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your due care, kindness & support in navigating me through this difficult time.
With my very best wishes
Kelaine
Ipswich, Dove House, January 2021
Hi Helen.
I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your assistance in arranging Mum’s funeral. You’ve helped to make it as painless as these things can ever be and I’m very grateful for your help and guidance.
The service itself went perfectly. Tina was as good as I already knew her to be, and Zena was absolutely lovely – so professional and respectful, without being at all stuffy. They both very skilfully judged the family and hit exactly the right note. I don’t think Dad will ever forget being told he is a ‘legend’ and has insisted that when his time comes, he has exactly the same team at his own funeral!
We had all been a little concerned that Covid and time restrictions might make the service feel a bit rushed or inadequate, but that just wasn’t the case. On that note, Dad found it such a better experience than he was expecting that he’s asked me whether he can still get a copy of the service to keep.
Please pass on my thanks to Zena and the rest of the team.
Kind regards,
Debra
Ipswich, Dove House, December 2020
Zena, Thank you for everything today and Helen, thank you for all your work pulling everything together – a lovely funeral – exactly right for Pamela.
You really all do excel in what you do – thank you.
Best wishes
Julie
Colchester, November 2020
Good morning.
I wanted to thank every member of staff right from when you collected my dad from the care home to the funeral yesterday.
I would love to thank everyone of you personally but I didn’t get all the names. Thank you for the wonderful care you showed us as a family. And the care you gave to my dad, I really can’t put into words how grateful I am to you all.
Please, please make sure that everyone involved gets to know about this email.
Colchester, November 2020
Dear Vicky,
Just a quick note to say thank you for your work in organising last Friday’s funeral service for my late father, Cyril.
I’m so pleased that everything went so well and I have received several texts and phone calls from family members who have all said what a nice, simple service it was. I think it was just what my dad would have wanted.
I would appreciate it if you could pass on my thanks also to Graham who officiated at the funeral. He was so understanding, warm, and professional. Even my sister, Beverley said ‘what a lovely bloke’.
Once again, many thanks,
John
Colchester, October 2020
Dear Vicky,
On behalf of all my family, I just wanted to extend our sincere thanks to you and the Hunnaball team, for all that you have done for us over the last month.
Your compassion, support and professionalism has been exemplary, from the day you collected dad from his home address, to the closing of the curtains at the crematorium.
Please do not take this the wrong way, but I hope the need doesn’t arise to speak to you in the near future, but when it does, Hunnaball will be our first port of call.
Best regards,
Richard (and family)
Geo Paskell, Manningtree, October 2020
Dear Saul, Joe and all of the team at Paskells,
Wow! What a terrifically professional service you provide. I have been blown away by your attention to detail, friendly manner, kind-hearted natures and phenomenal planning abilities.
These past weeks have been very tough for the family but you were able to make everything perfect. Dealing with Lisa, Joe, Amy, Jo-Anne and the team in the build-up was a delight and then yesterday, under Joe’s terrific stewardship, your gentlemen were spectacular (it was lovely to see Hes after about 20 years too!). Everyone has made us feel like we are in safe hands and you did not disappoint.
From the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Keep up the spectacular work!
Best wishes,
Dave
Janet C. Davies, Kelvedon, September 2020
Last Friday 11th commemorated the first anniversary of my beloved Ania’s passing.
Had it not been for that sad occurrence, I may not have met you or had the wonderful experience of being assisted and supported by such a sympathetic group of people such as yourself and your colleagues.
Thus, I am writing to let you know you’ve never been forgotten. You will always have a special place in my heart.
I hope all has been well with you throughout this dastardly Coronavirus period, and I have no doubt that, should you have been involved in taking care of any poor families who have lost a loved one due to the virus, they would have received the same delicate care you showed me.
God bless,
Mike
Witham, August 2020
I would like to thank all involved for the kindness and understanding shown to me while my dear husband, Ian, was in your care until his journey North to Scotland.
I’m indebted to you for being so patient and tolerance, when I turned all the plans you had made on their head. In Edinburgh, we were able to have 15 close family and friends at the funeral. Despite the small number, it was a wonderful celebration of Ian’s adventurous life.
With my eternal gratitude to all the staff,
Iris
Colchester, May 2020
Dear Kym and colleagues
I felt I must write to thank you most sincerely on behalf of my son Richard and daughter Jennifer, my sister Lesley, her husband Martin and myself, for looking after our Mum (and Grandma) Olive Hazell so well as we approached her burial last week, and she was in your care. Lesley, Martin and I visited the Chapel of Rest on Tuesday and felt everything looked beautiful and just as it should be for our much loved mother. It was so very sad for us to say goodbye, but the Hunnaballs’ staff at the Chapel of Rest and all of the staff we have spoken to, especially yourself, have been so very attentive and caring.
On Wednesday, the day of the funeral itself, everything was perfect. Although there were some last minute worries in the days leading up to the funeral regarding the delivery of the coffin, this was fully resolved in good time on the Tuesday, and on the day, everything was exactly as we wished it to be. That is with the obvious exception of having all our friends and family with us. This was of course out of all of our control and due to Government restrictions, but in spite of our small number, the service and burial felt very appropriate and so respectful of our mother.
Several things impressed us so much. The impeccable manners and behaviour of the Hunnaballs’ staff and their expertise; the kind attentiveness and professionalism of Polly in her telephone communications with my sister and on the day itself in her role as Funeral Conductor; the beautiful coffin; and the most perfect timing with regard to the final piece of music, when Elvis Presley concluded ‘How Great Thou Art’ at exactly the moment our mother was lifted up to be taken from the Chapel. Just as we wanted it to happen, with her still in the Chapel to the very end of the music.
At the graveside, we were working under restrictions being set by the cemetery and following Government guidelines, but even this was expertly handled by Polly, and we felt that we were given the right access and the right amount of time to enable us to say our final goodbyes to our mum in the most appropriate way.
We also want to thank Reverend Lydia Smith from Layer Marney Church for her kind help and support in the lead up to the day and on the day, and her faultless delivery of the service. We are so grateful to everyone.
Thank you, Kym, and thanks to all of you. We would recommend Hunnaballs and have been very appreciative of being in your safe hands.
With kind regards
Sally
Ipswich, Dove House, April 2020
Good Morning Sam
I know that we will speak later but I wanted to write a short note to thank you for the funeral service of my mum yesterday.
In extraordinary times your role was even more crucial in supporting us as a family. From our phone call from Lima which seems like another world ago, to our goodbye yesterday, I have felt that you have been so understanding and empathetic. The love and the memories in our small service yesterday were ours and a huge tribute to the influence of my mum on our lives, but the professionalism, respect and organisation were all yours, and so crucial on such an important day.
May I especially thank you for the phone call at lunch time, your reassurance steadied me and I knew you’d be there with your calm dignity and care.
Yesterday I began to understand something of the tremendous pressures you must be going through at the moment. Please know that you are doing such an amazing job in supporting families at a time of grief.
With heartfelt thanks
Julie
Ipswich, Dove House, April 2020
Dear Zena,
It has taken a little time for my thoughts to settle, and I now wish to thank you so much for handling everything for the funeral of my mum.
From our first meeting, your compassion, understanding, patience, empathy and guidance were outstanding. You were very commanding and always elegant.
I have been an event organiser for high-end clients and royalty, and it is rare to come across such remarkable professionalism, as I did with your services.
I am extremely respectful and grateful to you for helping me and the family through the process. Having you there helped enormously.
