Independent Funeral Director | Something Beautiful Remains

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services - your independent funeral director of choice

The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. – Author Unknown

Inspired by the beautiful sentiment of this poem, Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services, we are a boutique funeral director offering a personalised and bespoke farewell from this earth for your loved one.

Something Beautiful Remains funeral directors Caryn and Phil Barling providing compassionate personalised funeral care.

Our team

Caryn and Phil Barling are the team behind your alternative to a run-of-the-mill funeral.

There are no sterile meeting rooms or ready-made packages here. Caryn and Phil meet you where you are at, literally and figuratively, to plan a bespoke funeral service to honour your loved one in your own way.

Meet with us in the comfort of your own home and share with us your hopes for a unique funeral and dignified celebration of life for your loved one.

We do the rest.

Caryn

Funeral Director

A passionate second-generation funeral director, Caryn combines her work experience in event management, styling, hotel management and hospitality to create the unique and meaningful funeral service you have been searching for.

Creative, compassionate, caring and easy to talk to, Caryn is a details-focused funeral professional with a reputation for making her clients feel loved and cared for as if by an extended family member, during their time of need.

Phil

Creative Director

After the death of his mother, Phil knew the funeral industry needed to do more to offer personalised funeral services to create moving and memorable ceremonies worthy of those who have passed.

He uses his background as a professional photographer, graphic designer and video production specialist to create funeral services, stationery and memorabilia that honours your loved one.

Something Beautiful Remains beloved family dog celebrating the special bond shared with cherished pets.

Izzy

Barketing Director

Showing love, providing therapy and brightening a room immediately upon entry are just a few of the attributes of our beloved team member Izzy.

Izzy’s innate ability to know who most needs affection makes her a valued asset to the Something Beautiful Remains team.

Something Beautiful Remains family placing personal tributes on a coffin during a celebration of life.

Our point of difference

Making plans for a personalised funeral service during your time of grief is an overwhelming task.

At Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services, we take care of everything, so that you can take care of yourself.

We commit to providing you with a personalised service that you feel encapsulates to the loved one you have lost.

Something Beautiful Remains funeral team providing compassionate support for a personalised themed farewell.

The personal touch

What was it that made your loved one unique?

What is one thing you will always remember them by?

Let us be your guide as you walk through this phase of loss to plan a unique funeral experience.

There is no job too small and no detail too finite for our hardworking team.

Share with us your wishes and hopes for a personalised send off and we will do our utmost to deliver an individualised service with the personal touch you’re seeking.

Something Beautiful Remains memorial display with urn, photographs and keepsakes celebrating a loved one's life.

A fitting farewell

If a church, funeral home or graveyard feels like an inappropriate place to farewell those that you love, we understand.

Funeral services do not have to conform to societal norms and we are here to plan an authentic and one-of-a-kind event.

Many of our former clients have chosen twilight services, cocktails & canapés, a tennis court, Grandma’s garden, the beach, a clifftop or a weekend on a houseboat for one last fishing trip.

Something Beautiful Remains biodegradable memorial urn displayed beside the water for an ashes farewell ceremony.

We think of everything… so you don’t have to

We know you don’t know where to start… but we do.

We understand and acknowledge that funeral planning is unknown territory to many and we ensure open communication throughout the process while relieving you of the burden of planning or organising during your time of grief.

We know you feel lost… but we know the way.

Take our hand; you are not alone.

Something Beautiful Remains celebrant holding a biodegradable urn during a personalised water memorial service.

Where we operate

We can arrange our personalised funeral services online and from afar, regardless of your location.

However, we service most locations face-to-face in and around Sydney, including Sans Souci, Carlton, Kogarah, Brighton Le Sands, Rockdale, Bexley, Narwee, Winston Hills, North Rocks, North Ryde, West Ryde, Northmead, Winston Hills, Castle Hill, Sutherland, Five Dock, Gladesville, Airds, La Perouse, Riverwood, Belmore, Marrickville, Newtown, Arncliffe, Alexandria, Paddington, Bondi Junction, Maroubra, Drummoyne, Birchgrove, Balmain, Abbotsford, St Clair, St Marys, Penrith, Blue Mountains and beyond.

If you live in or around any of these suburbs, the Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services team is able to visit you at your home to arrange a personalised funeral service for your loved one.

Reach out any time of the night or day

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services is a family-owned and operated, wholly independent funeral service.

We look after you as if you are part of our extended family and work with your individual circumstances and needs.

Not sure what to do next?

Pick up the phone and give Caryn and Phil a call.

How do I know if a funeral director is the right fit for my family?

A funeral director should feel calm, clear and willing to listen. At Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services, Caryn and Phil take the time to understand the person being remembered, explain the options and help shape a funeral that feels right for the family.

What should I look for in an independent funeral director?

Look for someone who is transparent, approachable and able to guide you without pushing you into choices that do not feel right. Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services is independent and personal, with Caryn and Phil working closely with families through the decisions that need to be made.

Can a funeral director help if we do not want a standard funeral?

Yes. Caryn and Phil can help families create funerals that are traditional, simple, creative, cultural, spiritual, non-religious or more personal.

Why choose a locally owned funeral director in Lithgow?

A locally owned funeral director can offer a more personal, community-based approach. Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services is based at 99 Main Street, Lithgow, and the About page should reinforce that Caryn and Phil are part of the local community, not a corporate chain.

Can I talk to a funeral director before I know what I want?

Yes. You do not need to have the answers before you speak with Caryn and Phil. We can help you understand what is possible, what needs to happen and what decisions can wait until you are ready.

What makes Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services different from a corporate funeral provider?

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services is personal, independent and shaped around the family in front of them. Caryn and Phil offer clear guidance, creative options and a more open approach to funeral planning, rather than a standard package-led process.

Need help now?
Please call us
0424 742 936

If someone has passed away, or you’re unsure what to do, the best thing is to call. We’re available 24 hours a day, and you’ll speak with a real person who can gently guide you through what happens next.

For general enquiries or planning ahead, you’re welcome to use the form. We’ll aim to respond within approximately 24 hours. If you need assistance sooner, please call us.

Google Reviews

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services

5.0

Based on 12 reviews

review us on

Lucy Nightingale

2 weeks ago

Kia Ora!

I had the pleasure of working alongside Caryn at Something Beautiful Remains for a family funeral. I can’t speak more highly of her dedication to delivering a traditional Māori funeral and simultaneously ensure not only customs are observed but all whānau are considered.

Caryn has an incredible ability to work respectfully and thoughtfully with my family. Her understanding of our cultural and religious beliefs, without assumptions. Both Caryn & Phil take the time to understand and honour each individual's wishes.

We have worked with them over many years now and we are always confident that every funeral is handled with genuine care and with regards to making sure no service is the same.
Together they are passionate in supporting my family on every single service.

They are now trusted friends that we call on whenever necessary. When Caryn arrives the family come out to greet her and are genuinely pleased to see her.

Everytime we finish a service, Caryn wishes us love and says "she doesn't want to see us again for a very long time". We used to laugh and say "We never want to see you ever again."

These days, we all understand that each is true but we wouldn't have it any other way when we find ourselves in need of Caryn's services again.

Kelli Lawson

2 months ago

I've never met a lady as kind, she has a heart of gold, she has helped me so much and I cannot thank her enough! 💓 words can't explain just how lovely and caring she is, and I will be forever greatful 💖

Ingrid Winter

3 months ago

When my mother passed away, Caryn and her team ensured the whole process was stress free in a very caring way. Caryn organized a flower arrangement class so that our whole family was involved in preparing the arrangements which made for a beautiful time together and eased a very difficult time of our lives. So grateful for her assistance during this time.

tristan hanlon

4 months ago

When my mum Tricia passed away in April 2023 at 83, I found myself planning a funeral for the second time. In 2018 Caryn and Phil at Something Beautiful Remains had done such an incredible job with my brother’s funeral that I already knew Mum would have wanted the same for herself.

Caryn genuinely cares. For her, it’s not about “going above and beyond”, it’s just about doing the right thing. She cares deeply about the families she works with and the experience they have.

I originally found Caryn through a Facebook group when I was asking for recommendations. She replied with kindness and helpful advice without even promoting her business. We met at Pancakes on the Rocks and the rest is history.

By the time we were organising Mum’s farewell, Caryn knew our family well, including the infamous dead parrot story. What could have been just a funeral became this incredible, personal, funny, heartfelt celebration of Mum’s life. Honestly, it felt more like a theatrical production than a funeral, in the best possible way.

They created something that felt completely “us” and completely her. I’ll always be grateful for that. Just amazing.

Jim Hull

At a time when you need a caring , considerate person willing to listen and understand your grieving without pressure or hassle to sign on the dotted line, We can absolutely recommend Caryn and Phil from SBR . It was like having a caring cousin or best friend who explained the necessary paperwork in layman's terms and our options to lay our loved ones to rest with grace and dignity while keeping it very personal . Their service is exceptional and without equal . You can't go past SBR for local knowledge and a service with empathy.

Jim Viney

Caryn has been a close friend since working together over 15 years ago. I can attest to her professionalism, creativity, integrity and compassion. Luckily, I have not personally needed her funeral services to date but having witnessed Caryn's care and concern for others, I know she will treat you with the respect and kindness of a cherished family member. Since opening the new office in Lithgow to better serve the Blue Mountains region Caryn and Phil have also quickly engaged to champion and support promotion of local businesses and the unique attractions of the area. We have delighted in watching her grow in the competitive funeral director market, impressed by her attention to detail and genuine empathy. I can wholeheartedly endorse Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services.

Lynda Hockley

5 months ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Caryn & Phil for everything they have done for my family.
I had sent an email on the Easter long weekend and I got a phone call from Caryn who just went out of her way to be so helpful and explained everything from the process that would take place what I need to provide and do to make this process as easy for my family.
Caryn & Phil were so compassionate so patient towards the whole family from start to finish.
I could not have asked for anything more from Something Beautiful Remains Funeral. I dont know how i or my family would of gotten through this devastating time in our lives from coming to grips with loosing a loved one to organising a cremation to the service and everything that is required
I would like to say the biggest thank you again to Caryn and Phil, thank you so much for making the worst time in my families life such a beautiful memory.

Alexia Dobbin

There are absolutely no words! Caryn & Phil handled everything with such care, grace and humanity when my father died. I’ll never forget my first call with Caryn my father was in end of life care and we started to do some research. I called Caryn and she said “Darling, when it happens just call me, you don’t even need to say anything. I will just know and I will get into action”. A few weeks later, I made the hardest call to Caryn and she truly lived up to her word. Caryn, I will be forever grateful for the kindness, professionalism, and respect you showed not only my father, but my entire family. You are the definition of an angel on earth and I couldn’t recommend a more personable, professional and respectful funeral director to anyone who has to move forward with their darkest hour for a loved one. If I could I would rate SBR a 20/10 and when the time comes and I need to go through hell again, I know Caryn and Phil will be my first call. Angels on earth & apart of my family for life. THANK YOU ***written with tears 😭

Wendy Cousens

I cannot begin to express how wonderful Caryn and her staff at Something Beautiful Remains are.

When the nursing home our mother was living in informed us that it was time to look at finding a funeral service we had no experience with this other than our father's service in a chapel at a crematorium in 1993.

On undertaking some research we found that the larger well known funeral homes seemed repressive and nothing like the carefree spirit our mother was.

Then like some sort of miracle we found Something Beautiful Remains. We set up a meeting however prior to the meeting our mother passed. I got the call at 5.15 am and after speaking with family Caryn was the next person I called. Caryn can only be described as a guardian angel on that sad day.

On meeting with Caryn we discussed our mother's life. Our mother was an avid fisher woman and all Xmas eve holidays were spent fishing near Sans Souci with a bucket of KFC for dinner.

Our mother had been confined to the nursing home for 2 years and we did not want her final send off to be confined to a room. Caryn suggested we hold our mother's wake at the place she loved, doing what she loved and to bring back those wonderful happy memories of all those Xmas eves many moons ago sharing some KFC at the wake.

Caryn had set out our mother's ashes in a lovely box with a person fishing with a table with fishing rods and sea shells.

Although the day was a sad occasion and there were many tears shed, there was also laughter and this was assisted by Caryn and her wonderful team.

We will forever be grateful and Caryn and I have remained in contact since that sad day and she is now like family.

The Lawrence and Cousens families

Melly Marie

1 year ago

This is the first time I have had to plan a funeral and it was for my beautiful mother. Caryn helped me out so much, she took all the stress and worry of planing a funeral away, im so thankful for Caryn as she done an absolutely beautiful job. She took care of everything that needed to be done while I got to griev with my family and not have any stress or worries about what had to be done. I highly recommend caryn and her lovely team. Caryn treats you like family and make sure everything you want is done. My mother got the most beautiful send off to the dream time. I'm so thankful for Caryn and her services.

Kim Mcgee

4 years ago

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services did my dads Funeral. They were very professional and helpful. Caryn done just the best job. The funeral ran very smooth, the songs were played right the way though, that means a lot to hear music that you pick. Something Beautiful Remains Funerals and the staff done a great job
Thank you

Verliana Susilo

Having lost a person dearest to me to a sudden death at such a young age, I was at a lost of what to do, how to put together a funeral and the cost involved. Caryn was very helpful from the very beginning in providing practical advises such as what to consider between cremation and burial, locations, how to make sure that I chose what feels right for me and my family, and many more. In such short time span we achieved what I wanted. Caryn and Phil made little touches that made the funeral to be a beautiful send off and memorable one. Thank you Caryn in guiding me through a vulnerable time.

Sam H

5 years ago

Caryn's a lovely warm thoughtful lady, her consideration was appreciated by me very much. She added a unique and special touch to my Mothers funeral by making a beautiful floating Lotus Urn for our family to place into the water to send our Mother off in loving, serene and memorable way. I don't believe anyone is able to offer the services Caryn's offers and I recommend her to anyone seeking to have their loved one in considerate caring hands

Ellee Kuki-Kelekolio

We recently had to organise our baby son, Viliamu’s funeral. After searching and speaking with several funeral directors, we came across SBR.
Phil was immediately extremely helpful and very sincere. He took over all of the details. Planning a funeral can be a really overwhelming thing but we were so glad Phil was on hand.
He didn’t dismiss our cultural requests and was extremely accomodating. Our baby son was able to spend the night with us before his funeral and we are grateful Phil made it happen.
It was forecast to storm on the day of Vili’s funeral but Phil assured us that “it doesn’t rain on the days of their funerals”
He was right. It was nothing but Blue sky.
Caryn was amazing too and was so very lovely. They even wore beautiful Indigenous designs in tribute of our son. They made sure all the little details were taken care of, including my important Wattle.
We could not have asked for a better send off for our son & we will always be grateful to Phil & Caryn.
We would recommend them to anyone. Thankyou SBR!

Zarah Copeland

6 years ago

Caryn and Phil from SBR Funerals were recommended to my family in a moment of need, and they went absolutely above and beyond to create a memorial service that was custom, sincere, and beautiful and budget friendly. Caryn is so warm, delightful and organised - she really took the stress out or everything! I would never go with any other funeral services provider after using them.

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services - your independent funeral director of choice

Our team

Caryn

Phil

Izzy

Our point of difference

The personal touch

A fitting farewell

We think of everything… so you don’t have to

Where we operate

Reach out any time of the night or day

Where we provide care

Lithgow & Surrounds

Blue Mountains

Seven Valleys & Tablelands

Sutherland Shire & Sydney

FAQs

How do I know if a funeral director is the right fit for my family?

What should I look for in an independent funeral director?

Can a funeral director help if we do not want a standard funeral?

Why choose a locally owned funeral director in Lithgow?

Can I talk to a funeral director before I know what I want?

What makes Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services different from a corporate funeral provider?

Google Reviews

Need help now?
Please call us
0424 742 936

Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services - your independent funeral director of choice

Our team

Caryn

Phil

Izzy

Our point of difference

The personal touch

A fitting farewell

We think of everything… so you don’t have to

Where we operate

Reach out any time of the night or day

Where we provide care

Lithgow & Surrounds

Blue Mountains

Seven Valleys & Tablelands

Sutherland Shire & Sydney

FAQs

How do I know if a funeral director is the right fit for my family?

What should I look for in an independent funeral director?

Can a funeral director help if we do not want a standard funeral?

Why choose a locally owned funeral director in Lithgow?

Can I talk to a funeral director before I know what I want?

What makes Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services different from a corporate funeral provider?

Google Reviews

Need help now? Please call us 0424 742 936

Need help now?
Please call us
0424 742 936