About Us

Kathryn has been working as a Funeral Director since 2010, having worked her way up through the industry. She joined Funeral Partners in 2026 and values the opportunity to help families through a difficult time with care, compassion and understanding.

As a local person, Kathryn cares deeply about the community she serves and is committed to continuing to support local families. She believes that understanding the needs of the community starts with listening, taking time to get to know people and being there when they need support most.

During her 16 years as a local Funeral Director, Kathryn has seen how funerals have evolved and how families’ wishes continue to change. She is particularly proud of the unique facilities now available in Newton Abbot and the opportunity they provide to offer families even greater support and choice. Being able to help each family create a farewell that feels right for them matters greatly to her, with services that honour personal wishes and traditions while embracing the changing needs of families, both now and in the future.

Outside work, Kathryn enjoys family days out with her children, taking her dog Teddy on long walks, and watching her son and stepson play for their football teams.

Shirlie Pritchard joined Funeral Partners in 2026, bringing with her three years of experience supporting bereaved families across Torquay, Totnes and Newton Abbot. Having worked closely with families throughout the funeral arranging process, she understands the importance of providing reassurance, guidance and a listening ear during life’s most challenging moments.

For Shirlie, every family is unique, and taking the time to understand what matters most to them is at the heart of the service she provides. She is passionate about helping people navigate difficult decisions with confidence and compassion, ensuring that each farewell reflects the wishes, values and personality of the person being remembered.

Working within the local communities she knows so well has given Shirlie a deep appreciation of the trust families place in their funeral professionals. She feels privileged to support people at such an important time and is committed to delivering a caring, personal service that helps families feel supported every step of the way.

Away from work, Shirlie enjoys making memories with her family, particularly on beach holidays and days spent by the coast. She is incredibly proud of her children and can often be found supporting her daughter as she plays football for Torquay United, while encouraging her son in his involvement with the Sea Cadets as he pursues his ambition of joining the Royal Navy.