Altschwager Family Funerals

Shirley Pontt

Job title: Funeral director

Years of service: Two

Providing the uttermost care of the deceased and their loved ones is something Shirley describes as an “absolute privilege”.

After losing her own husband, Mick, suddenly almost five years ago, Shirley said she was looking for a change from her job at the Loxton postal outlet.

“On my very last day there, Warren (Altschwager Family Funerals director) came in and asked if I had ever considered the funeral industry and I honestly said, ‘no’,” she said.

Shirley took a two-month break, re-evaluated the job proposition and then started with Warren and Deb at Altschwager Family Funerals.

“I haven’t looked back,” she said.

“It started off with me working on funerals and then I started in the mortuary next.”

Shirley now also meets with families to arrange funerals.

“I find it’s an absolute privilege and honour to be able to be with people after they’ve lost a loved one and talk with them,” she said.

“I haven’t regretted this career change for a minute.

“People are letting you into their very darkest time.

“How you are assisted in that first week after you’ve lost someone and planning the last goodbye of your loved one is really important.”

Altschwager Family Funerals is a family-owned business and also offers pre-paid funerals for peace of mind.