CAROL Philips has found her niche - helping people through one of the hardest times in their life.

She is a funeral director with 35 years' experience in Mackay.

"To do what we do, it is a calling," she said.

Born and living in Mackay, Mrs Philips started new funeral home Serene Funerals with partner Brian Ferguson. It is based at the Ian Philips Crematorium and began operating on January 1 this year.

The former Mackay Funerals manager said this allowed her to get back to the grassroots of helping people, which was a real passion for her.

"They're grieving. You are there to help them, you hold their hand while you are doing their arrangement," she said.

"It's the hardest part of their life and unfortunately we all have to face it," she said.

Mrs Philip's husband Ian died eight years ago, and she was determined to see his legacy continue, which was why the business was based at the crematorium.

Serene Funerals was the only privately and locally owned funeral home in the region, she said.

Death was something most people shy away from, how

ever Mrs Philips said it was an industry she felt privileged to be part of.

"I've been dealing with Mackay families for 35 years... some families I've dealt with three or four times," she said.

"While that's very sad, they know they can trust me.

"If you have a job you love, you don't go to work a day in your lifetime. If you have a job you don't like, every day is a chore.

"I truly love what I do. It's a passion of mine... helping the community," she said.

She was responsible for registering a person's death.

Knowing how to relate to people who were at their worst was key.

"Whatever happens in life, death is the hardest of all to face," she said.

About being a funeral director

SERENE Funerals owner Carol Philips says there is a lot more to being a funeral director than meets the eye, including the different laws involved.

"You need to know what the law is regarding different burials... laws about releasing bodies... laws about post mortems. There is a lot to know.

"We also need to know the requirements of different religions."