The funeral director from Singapore on breaking barriers as a woman in her career field and celebrating the life of the dearly departed.
“When I began my career as a funeral director, it wasn’t by design. In fact, I often refer to myself as an ‘accidental funeral director’.
After the passing of my father, I found myself drawn into this industry—an unexpected turn that would eventually become my calling. What started as a personal mission to give him a dignified farewell soon grew into a vision: to turn funerals into celebrations of life.
I’ve always believed that a funeral is like a ‘life graduation’. It’s a moment to honour a person’s journey, the memories they’ve created and the impact they’ve left behind. It doesn’t have to be a time of only sorrow.
Instead, it can be a meaningful reflection of their achievements, their passions, and the joy they brought to others. This perspective has been the foundation of my approach to transforming how funerals are experienced.
Breaking into this industry as a woman was no easy task. Funeral directing is often seen as a male-dominated field, steeped in tradition. At the start, many questioned whether a woman could succeed in such a demanding and emotionally charged role.
But instead of letting that discourage me, I saw it as an opportunity to bring a fresh and empathetic perspective. One of my proudest accomplishments has been breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in this space.
Today, I lead a team where more than half of my colleagues are women. Each of them brings unique strengths—compassion, creativity, and resilience—that enhance the way we serve families. Together, we’ve built an environment that values empathy and innovation, breaking stereotypes along the way.
Our work revolves around personalising every funeral service. No two lives are the same, so why should any farewell be? We take the time to learn about the individual—what made them laugh, what they were passionate about, and what they loved most. These details allow us to create a service that feels authentic and uplifting.
I’ll never forget the service we organised for six-year-old Misha Peh. Diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, Misha displayed wisdom beyond her years by planning her own ‘farewell party’.
She chose a princess and rainbow theme, complete with balloons, flowers, and her favourite music. Misha even selected her outfit—an angel costume with wings and a wand. Her desire was for people to remember her smiling, not in pain, turning the funeral into a celebration of her vibrant spirit.
Moments like these reaffirm why I do what I do. Helping families turn grief into gratitude—gratitude for the life lived and the memories shared—is what drives me. By shifting the focus from loss to celebration, we help them heal in a way that feels meaningful and comforting.
Being a funeral director also means navigating deeply emotional moments with families. It requires strength, but also vulnerability. I’ve learned that showing empathy and creating a safe space for people to share their feelings is just as important as planning the logistics. Every conversation, every detail, every service matters.
Over the years, I’ve seen how this industry is slowly changing. More families now embrace the idea of celebrating life rather than focusing solely on the sorrow of death. It’s a privilege to contribute to this shift and be part of a movement that honors individuality and legacy.
For me, this work is more than just a career—it’s a calling. My journey may have started unexpectedly, but it’s one I am deeply grateful for. It has taught me that even in moments of loss, there is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of life. That’s the legacy I strive to leave, one family and one celebration at a time.” – Angjolie Mei
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This is one of the most moving interviews that you have shared. We were moved to tears, reading about Misha's funeral and celebration of life, and how Angjolie and her team were able to help facilitate such a deeply moving space for loved ones to say farewell to such a young soul.
And the timing of this story, as we approach the end of 2024, could not be more perfect. This will be a story that we will reflect back on often, a reminder to celebrate each new day, to be grateful for all our blessings, to appreciate and nurture our health and our relationships with our loved ones.
Thank you Arman, and all who have shared their stories with us over the course of this year. We are truly grateful - each having taught us something. Sending best wishes, and can't wait to see what you have in store for 2025. Justine and Michael.