Christina Manero of Glenside is in her 11th year with Life Celebration by Givnish.

A former student at St Luke’s and a graduate of Bishop McDevitt, she initially attended La Salle University’s nursing program before finding her niche in the funeral world. She graduated from Mercer County Community College’s mortuary school in 2015 and has been a funeral director with Givnish ever since.

“I didn’t feel like nursing was the right fit for me and I really felt called to this profession,” Manero said.

For Manero, helping bereaved families and getting to know someone’s life story are the most rewarding parts of the industry. She noted that the Givnish philosophy changed her opinion of the way in which funeral services can be executed.

“I love when people walk in and say, ‘This doesn’t feel like a funeral home.’ It’s a totally different funeral experience, and that’s why we call it Life Celebration,” she said. “Death is a moment, but there’s a whole life to be honored during services. This can be a really emotional time for families and we take the time to work alongside them and create a meaningful unique experience with them. I really believe that what we do is helping families move towards a healthy healing path.”

Serving the Glenside community has given the job another layer of meaning and purpose, Manero said.

“It’s a blessing to be able to serve families in my hometown. Glenside is such a special close-knit community and I’m so proud to be here,” Manero said. “Everyone’s connected in some way, and it’s always a friendly connection. Freed-Givnish functions in a similar capacity. [Owner] John Givnish has always operated his business as if his employees are a family. We all come together.”

Sunday, July 21 marks the fourth and final open house at 124 N. Easton Road. For more on the Freed-Givnish Life Celebration Home, you can visit their website.

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