Located in the village of Handbridge, Hartys of Chester is the city's only licensed funeral directors owned and managed entirely by women.

Led by the ladies of the Harty family, the first-generation, family-run business opened its doors in November 2024. Co-owners Shannon Harty and Catherine Anderson describe their profession not as a job, but as a vocation.

Having recognised a lack of independent, family-owned funeral services in the city, the pair set out to create an alternative for families, one grounded in compassion, care and what they describe as a woman's understanding and intuition.

For Shannon, the work is deeply personal.

She said: "It's an absolute honour to be entrusted to accompany someone on their final journey. That's something we instill in our team, to treat every loved one as if they are a member of our own family.''

One of only 85 funeral directors in the UK to hold the Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Directing from the University of Greenwich, the highest qualification in the profession, Shannon discovered her calling following the sudden loss of her grandfather.

Becoming closely involved in arranging his funeral introduced her to the profession and revealed the care, responsibility and meaning behind the role. She began her career as a part-time driver, gradually learning every aspect of the profession and developing a deep respect for the profession.

Catherine Anderson's path into funeral service was also shaped by personal loss. Fifteen years ago, her best friend went missing off a cruise ship, a tragedy that left her without the opportunity to grieve or say goodbye.

"What we actually needed was closure, some kind of service, some kind of funeral," she said.

A year and a half later, Catherine opened her first funeral practice.

Reflecting on the experience, she added: "It took me many, many years to come to terms with what had happened. That's when I truly realised how important funerals are, the chance to gather, to spend time in a chapel, to choose meaningful music, and to honour someone's life together."

With 13 years' experience as a funeral director, Catherine's military background is evident throughout Hartys of Chester, from the immaculate presentation of the premises to the condition of the vehicles and uniforms, and the professional standards upheld by the team.

The business takes great pride in its young, modern staff, all of whom undergo rigorous training and thorough reference checks. Each team member is carefully chosen to reflect Hartys' core values of dignity, respect and professionalism. For both Catherine and Shannon, passion is non-negotiable.

"We need to know our team are here for the right reasons," Catherine added, "This isn't just a job. Everything we do is intentional, and everything matters. Even the smallest detail is significant; it all has to be of the highest standard."

Firmly rejecting the idea of a 'standard funeral package', Hartys of Chester offers a fully bespoke service, tailoring each farewell to reflect the individual being remembered.

From subtle personal touches to larger, more distinctive arrangements, the team works closely with families to ensure every tribute feels meaningful and unique.

"We're always listening," Shannon said.

"We're constantly thinking of ways that we can make a service more personal; there really are no limits to what can be done to honour someone."

As a first-generation family business, Hartys ensures a consistently personal approach, with families receiving the team's full attention from the moment they make contact. Clients are welcomed into the warm and inviting funeral home and dog lovers may even be greeted by Trixie and Elton, the firm's resident gentleman and lady poodles.

Dedicated to easing as much stress as possible during an incredibly difficult time, Shannon and Catherine remain available to families seven days a week, 365 days a year.

They added: "It is so important that anytime someone rings, even in the early hours that they speak with a member of the Harty family, not a call-centre."

The ladies and their team of gentlemen are dedicated professionals who offer a variety of services ranging from traditional and bespoke to direct cremations. 

To learn more about the services Hartys of Chester offers, or to contact a member of the team, visit their website for further information.