Ray Turner, a 30-year-old from Wigan, and his sister Vanessa Turner, aged 34, have found a unique bond in their shared profession within the funeral industry. Both siblings work for Co-op Funeralcare, with Ray serving as a funeral director in Southport and Vanessa as a funeral arranger in Buscough. Despite being based at different branches, they frequently collaborate due to staff rotations, bringing them closer together.
Ray’s journey into the funeral industry began in 2022 after a career shift from prisoner rehabilitation. His desire to make a positive impact and support families during difficult times led him to pursue a role as a funeral director. Ray’s passion for helping people and his compassionate nature have made him a valuable asset to the community, especially when managing funerals for children and infants.
Vanessa, inspired by her brother’s dedication, joined the funeral business in April 2024. Her background in end-of-life care and her compassionate nature made her transition into a funeral arranger role a natural fit. Vanessa found comfort in having Ray to lean on, especially after emotionally challenging days, such as arranging a funeral for a baby. Ray’s support and advice have been invaluable to her in navigating the emotional aspects of the job.
Both Ray and Vanessa have found that working in the funeral industry has opened up conversations about death and strengthened their bond as siblings. They often discuss work outside of work, providing them with more to talk about and bringing them even closer together. The unique perspective they bring to the death care industry as siblings has sparked curiosity and interest from those around them.
Despite the challenges they face in their roles, Ray and Vanessa continue to find fulfillment in supporting families and honoring the deceased. Their shared commitment to providing compassionate care and their unwavering support for each other have solidified their bond “stronger than ever.” Their dedication to the funeral industry and their ability to lean on each other in times of need serve as a testament to the power of familial support and shared passion in their profession.