About Me

I'm Victoria Sardelich-McNutt, and my journey in embalming began in 2011 when I was fortunate to join the team at Twentymans Funeral Services.
At just 19, I was given an extraordinary opportunity—despite not meeting the standard entry requirements, Adrian Catran, who recognized my potential and secured a special dispensation for my early entry into the Embalming studies at WelTech. I remain deeply grateful for his belief in me, as it set me on a path to a fulfilling career that many never discover the feeling of in their lifetime.

After graduating from WelTech with a National Diploma in Embalming (Level 5) in April 2013, I honed my skills working as a locum embalmer at Hope Family Funerals and Elliotts Funeral Services in Tauranga, before transitioning to a full-time role at Elliotts. My experience further expanded with positions at John Rhind Funeral Directors and Academy Funeral Services in Christchurch, where I gained valuable insights into the unique challenges and cultural nuances across different regions.

In 2019, I briefly transitioned to the cosmetics industry during the COVID-19 lockdowns—a period that reshaped my outlook on life and inspired a more self-reliant, community-focused lifestyle. This journey eventually led me to Greymouth on the West Coast, where I now reside on 14 hectares, building an off-grid home and embracing sustainable living.

From the outset, my goal has been to return to the West Coast and serve my community. Today, I provide nationwide locum embalming services, delivering respectful and meticulous care that ensures both families and professionals experience the dignity and peace they deserve.

Capabilities

My approach to embalming is built on a foundation of rigorous training, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I bring a comprehensive set of capabilities to every job, ensuring that each preparation and transfer is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. My expertise includes:

Qualified Embalming with an Eye for Detail

Thoroughly trained and meticulous, I ensure every aspect of embalming is executed with precision to maintain a dignified and respectful presentation. My expertise covers everything from simple preparation of the deceased, even in cases where chemical embalming is not required, to long-term preservation techniques. Whether it’s a short-term viewing, extended preservation for repatriation, or complex cases requiring specialized care, I bring a high standard of professionalism and attention to detail to every situation.

Training & Mentorship

I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with both new and experienced staff, helping to develop skills, refine techniques, and reinvigorate our shared dedication to caring for the deceased with the highest standards.

Restoration

Combining traditional restoration techniques with my experience and a continuous desire to learn, I adapt and innovate to achieve the best possible outcome. No matter how complex the case, I believe there is always a way to restore dignity and provide families with the opportunity for a final farewell. I strive to make the impossible possible, ensuring I exhaust every possibility to deliver the best results.

Repatriation & Transfers

Skilled in handling repatriation processes and long-distance transfers, I take pride in ensuring the safe and respectful transportation of the deceased. I am comfortable with extended travel and committed to providing reliable support to funeral homes, ensuring all procedures are carried out with professionalism and care.

Mortuary Structure & Maintenance

Experienced in establishing and refining mortuary workflows, I assist in creating efficient, well-structured environments that support best practices. I ensure that mortuaries—both new and existing—are organized for optimal functionality, implementing structured maintenance schedules to uphold hygiene, safety, and efficiency standards should this be required.

Experience

My extensive experience in the funeral industry has equipped me with a diverse blend of technical skills and practical insights. From mastering complex restoration techniques to continuously expanding my knowledge through teaching and learning, here are some key highlights of my expertise:

Chemical Use: Skilled in using chemicals such as Dodge, Champion, and Eckles.
Equipment Expertise: Experienced with both APC and standard Dodge embalming machines, as well as Portiboy.
High PPE Standards: Committed to personal safety using all required PPE and owning and maintaining my own personal positive flow pressure mask that I use as a personal preference.
Diverse Industry Exposure: Having worked across a spectrum of settings—from small, privately owned funeral homes in Thames and Greymouth to high-volume mortuaries in Christchurch—I have gained valuable insights into the unique challenges of each region, acknowledging cultural differences and the varying nature of typical cases.
Unique Restoration Cases: Proficient in handling complex restoration cases by applying advanced techniques to achieve dignified, respectful presentations even in challenging circumstances. I truly believe that when someone wishes to view their loved one, it is my privilege to help make that possible.
Knowledge Sharing & Continuous Learning: Passionate about training and mentoring others while continually expanding my own expertise. I believe that every experience offers an opportunity to learn, and the journey of professional growth never truly ends.

Locum Embalmer Services