Meet Marilee

As a Humanist Celebrant, I provide thoughtful, personalized officiant services to all community members who desire a secular ceremony marking life events. I serve people of all or no religious traditions. My vision of the future is one in which we live out the humanist ideal of being good, for the betterment of our local communities and beyond.

My sense of service and community were solidified through my early years in a Mennonite setting. Now a Humanist, I continue to find those values of service and community to be consonant with my perspective. Paired with the pursuit of social justice and equality, I believe my values provide a good fit with the role of celebrant.

Humanism is a rational philosophy that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity. It is informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion.

My professional experience as a Clinical Social Worker in the field of mental health helped me develop a capable and compassionate approach which serves well in happy celebrations, or in difficult times of loss. While public speaking and group facilitation skills allow me to take a situation in hand, my engaging style of interaction can simultaneously put folks at ease. With over a decade of experience, I have officiated hundreds of weddings, celebrations of life, naming ceremonies, and other events.

I am pleased to offer inclusive services to our diverse community, and all who want to celebrate significant events with family and friends, free of religious terminology. My officiant services include ceremonies such as weddings, child welcoming, parting ways, celebrations of life, memorial services, invocations and other private or public ceremonies marking life events. Please feel free to contact me for a conversation about your event.