On Wednesday, March 11, ASD had the privilege of attending Continuing Vision’s in-person seminar on the beautiful grounds of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. The event, titled “Say Farewell the Irish Way” featured Funeral Celebrant and Memorial Planner, Jennifer Muldowney of Muldowney Memorials who hails from Ireland, and Green Burial Expert and Funeral Director, Amy Cunningham of Fitting Tribute Funeral Services. ASD Sales Team Representative, Joseph Kelley, represented ASD during the seminar and returned with some valuable insights.
The engaging event brought together many funeral directors to discuss Irish funeral customs and what we can learn from the traditions celebrated on the emerald isle. Gabrielle Gatto of Green-Wood Cemetery gave everyone in attendance a warm welcome and the evening kicked off with drinks and snacks, including a special Irish drink called Poitín . The event was accompanied by beautiful violin music played by Concetta Abbate. It was a wonderful way for funeral directors to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day week while earning CE credits in a remarkable place.
ASD is proud to have recently become a partner of Continuing Vision and this event provided a fantastic opportunity for us to meet Founder, Jeff Holcomb, in person and show our support for the organization’s mission to help funeral directors fulfill their required CE credits. It was great to see firsthand the impact Continuing Vision is having on the funeral service community. Whether through in-person seminars or virtual courses, Continuing Vision remains committed to providing funeral professionals with valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge base. This dedication aligns closely with ASD’s goal of supporting the funeral service community by ensuring directors have access to the education and resources they need to succeed.
Jeff deeply moved the audience during his presentation when he shared that his son Brian’s final resting place was in Green-Wood Cemetery. With Brian’s urn overlooking the event, Jeff offered a poignant reminder of the profound impact funeral directors have on families during their most difficult times. Through his personal story, he emphasized the significance of remembrance and the essential role funeral professionals play in honoring and preserving the legacies of loved ones. It is clear Jeff cares deeply about supporting funeral directors, not only by honoring their dedication but also by providing them with the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to serve families with compassion and excellence.
We really enjoyed both presentations from speakers Amy Cunningham and Jennifer Muldowney. Amy spoke with passion and conviction about green burials, drawing from her firsthand experience serving families who have chosen this eco-friendly option for final disposition. She shared insightful ideas on making funerals more affordable and sustainable for New Yorkers, a topic that has struck a chord with many in the funeral profession and beyond. Her deep knowledge and dedication to this cause make it clear why she has been sought after by numerous publications, as her work continues to inspire meaningful conversations about the future of funeral service.
Speaker Jennifer Muldowney delivered a fun and engaging presentation covering the various components that make up a typical Irish funeral. There is a reason why Jennifer is one of the most popular speakers in the funeral profession. Her passion for funeral service and extensive knowledge base, combined with her lively and humorous personality make her presentations incredibly entertaining. We learned a great deal about Ireland’s traditions and customs around grief and mourning. If you aren’t able to hear Jennifer speak in person, we encourage you to check out her book, Say Farewell Your Way: A Funeral Planning Guide for Ireland as there is great deal American funeral directors can learn from the Irish.
The “Say Farewell the Irish Way” seminar was a truly enriching experience that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. From learning about Ireland’s unique funeral customs to exploring the growing impact of green burials, the event highlighted the evolving landscape of funeral service and the importance of embracing new ideas while honoring timeless traditions. ASD is grateful for the opportunity to support Continuing Vision and be part of such meaningful discussions that help funeral professionals better serve families in their time of need. We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to learn from the dedicated individuals who shape the future of funeral service.
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