LOVELL MEIZER FUNERALS

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The deadly and unspoken pandemic

There have been several times in my life where I have been struck by the crippling news of suicide. News that has brought me undone, broken my spirit and shattered my heart. Even my own skeletons have had their fair share of questioning my existence and had me contemplating options for an ‘easy out’. But this is in no way ‘easy’ for those left behind, the constant grief and heartbreak often changing the path of loved ones lives forever, broken spirits forced to go on with the dark shadows of loss constantly at their back.

The sad part is, most of us have been there, yet the taboo subject of suicide is still plagued by secrecy and shame, many not willing to talk about their struggles and instead putting on a brave face and playing a scary and often deadly game of charades.
 
In our current climate and dealing with the constant updates regarding Covid, the press releases and statistics there is another deadly crisis on our hands, just one that isn’t talked about or brought into light.
 
 A NSW Health report on statistics for Covid-19 for the entire year of 2020 states that there were 56 deaths from Covid-19, compared to 900 by suicide in the same timeframe. Now obviously even one death from either of these deadly pandemics is one too many and sadly there are countless families dealing with the loss of their loved ones, regardless of the circumstances surrounding that loss the pain and suffering is immeasurable.
 
Not to downplay the severity of the current health crisis we are all facing we continue to do our part, continue to fight, and force case numbers down by staying at home in isolation.

 

It is this exact situation that is no doubt contributing to the suicide rates especially that many have lost their jobs, their livelihoods, many businesses being forced to close their doors and support feeling so far away with the current restrictions.

These are the toughest restrictions we’ve faced to date and are even now keeping us from seeing our family and friends. With such isolation and little way for others to notice the warning signs it begs the question, what more can be done to support each other and give strength to the mental health of the community as a collective.
 
We have wonderful initiatives such as ‘Are you ok day’ but is one day really enough? I am calling on everyone to reach out, daily. Check in with your neighbours, friends and family and talk it out. There is nothing that cannot be worked through. Together we are stronger, and I know from personal experience that a problem shared is a problem halved.
 

So what support is out there for those suffering in silence? There are many great initiatives, and we encourage anyone to reach out and ask for help when needed. Support is there for a reason and is vital for maintaining a balance of physical and mental health.

Take charge of your wellbeing and ask for help when needed. Reach out to Family and friends, open up to someone you trust. If you don’t have someone to talk to, there is an online community dedicated to helping people through the tough times. Personally, I would like to throw my hat in the ring, like I mentioned previously I have had personal struggles with my own mental health and would like to extend my online hand out to anyone who needs to talk, I am here for you.
 
Emergency Department

If you are having difficulty understanding or controlling your emotions, or experience suicidal thoughts, please go to your nearest Emergency department where you can be helped by trained professionals with experience of supporting people in crisis.

Please see the list of support facilities directly copied from the NSW Health website below, and remember, you are strong, you are worthy, and you are loved, beyond measure.
 
You matter!
‘The Mortuary Matriarch – Kristy Meizer’

Support Services

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
 

The Mental Health Line is a 24-hour telephone service. You can call any time day or night. A trained professional can help and refer you to services and programs.

More information

Support during COVID-19
 

You are not alone during this time of uncertainty. Call:

More information

Children and teens
 

More information

Adults
 
Older people
 
Parents
 
Consumer information
 
Carer information
 

A victim confronted

I’m sure for many people the concept of a day in a mortuary would be a highly confronting situation, for me however this is…

©2022 Lovell Meizer Funerals    |   Lovell Meizer Funerals acknowledges the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and present. 
Photo - Hayley Robertson

Hayley Robertson

Funeral & Mortuary Assistant

Helena Killington

Funeral Assistant

My background in aged care nursing has given me a chance to see firsthand the lives of the elderly in our community. I am especially passionate about helping grieving families give their loved ones a final goodbye that is dignified and respectful.

Since joining the team at Lovell Meizer Funerals we have been trained in specialist care of families and their dearly departed loved ones. We strive to always provide emotional support with a professional edge on our services whilst also being caring and helpful.

Whilst we work in a small team, we are close and support each other professionally and personally. We are careful to respect each individual family and give them the chance to grieve on their own terms. I feel that my role as a Funeral Assistant is an honour and I look forward to growing my skills and helping families on a personal level for many years to come.

I love being a part of the Goulburn community and live here with my daughter, our 2 cats Percy and PJ, our rescue dog Daisy and our chickens. I have many close friendships that I cherish dearly, I enjoy catching up for coffee, getaways, games nights and movies with friends.

Melissa Chandler

Funeral & Mortuary Assistant

While I have always had an interest in death and different customs across the world the reality of my own mortality and that of those around me is what really struck home for me and gave me that push to enter an industry that always intrigued me.

Knowing I cannot fix the loss that someone is going through I take comfort that I may be able to help them in some small way, be it by offering support and comfort or providing loving care in preparation for their loved one on their final journey.

In my spare time I like spending time with my husband and children at our home here in Goulburn. Together we enjoy movies, make up, special effects and true crime stories.

Susan Ebsworth

Funeral Assistant

I have always had a special place in my heart for the elderly. This sentiment was strengthened when it came to caring for my own elderly parents in later life. My own experience and loss have really shaped me and given me an overwhelming sense of direction for helping others move through their journey of love and loss.

​I take great pride in assisting families at Lovell Meizer Funerals and consider my position such a privilege. I feel honoured to walk alongside families through their time of loss with a goal to treat every family with the dignity and care that I would want for my own family.  It is my sincere hope that I can make a difference to the lives of others.

When not at work I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren who keep me young at heart. I also love spending time in my garden and working on my campervan project. I am creative and like to design and create macramé, crochet babies and children’s garments and toys and dabble in house renovations.

Shiane Lovell

Managing Director

I have 12 years’ experience in finance and event management and as such am extremely organised with an attention to detail.

I have worked with many families over the years to ensure the best production and delivery of video and memorial stationary, our ‘Lasting Tributes’. I am caring, compassionate and will ensure the most outstanding service is provided to each family.

My family values have been strong since I was a child. I have had the benefit of growing up with very close relationships to my grandparents, together with my mum they taught me the importance of family and made me extremely grateful for today having such a beautiful family of my own.

Unlike my partner, I didn’t realise my passion and purpose until much later in life and it wasn’t until we purchased this business and opened our doors to grieving families that I realised this is exactly where I was always supposed to be. I am immensely proud of our ability to help families when they are going through such a hard time.

The loss of some of the closest people in my life has really given me a deep understanding for those going through the same and I find my empathy for others is what drives me to do the best I can for every family.

Together with my partner / wife we have built a family with our three children and enjoy watching them realise their potential over the years.

I have many friendships and value social time with others. At the same time, I am happy just hanging out at home with our dogs or playing games on the computer / Xbox. I consider myself to be somewhat of a tv / movie buff and could happily hibernate watching series after series until I fall asleep with my dogs on my lap.

Kristy Meizer JP

Managing Director & Family Consultant

I am a strong and independent woman, who has, like many others faced adversity along the way. I have had my share of trials and tribulations but at the end of the day have rose above it all to become successful in a field that I love.

​I began my career in the funeral industry in 2001 in Canberra and over the years have worked at several funeral homes. I have spent many years working behind the scenes in a mortuary setting.

Over the years I have developed specialised skills and a have a true passion for restorative work, allowing families the opportunity to gain closure from seeing & spending time with their loved ones when this might have otherwise been discouraged.

During my career I have also worked for the ACT Government at their Forensic Medical Centre. I believe my extensive knowledge, skills and personal love for what I do have moulded me into someone you can trust and rely on in times of unforgiving grief.

As an individual my personal life is filled with family. I have strong family values and have close relationships with my beautiful family. I have three beautiful children. Our 19-year-old son has just purchased his first home in Queanbeyan and our two little girls, 3 & 5 years old are both skilled bike and scooter riders. All three give me the greatest sense of pride. Watching them all grow and develop their own achievements is my life’s goal and biggest joy.

As for personal hobbies, I enjoy exploring with my kids, going to the beach, and trying my hand at camping, I am the first to admit this is an ongoing trial and i am more of a self proclaimed ‘glamper’. I love shopping, some may call me a shopaholic, I see it more as a relaxing pastime.  

​I am a registered Justice of the Peace in and for the State of New South Wales Australia.