The Story behind the Urn: Lily Bug and the Carosella Custom Urn

In mid-2024, I received an email through my website that immediately touched my heart. It was from a mother who had experienced an unimaginable loss—the passing of her baby girl, Lily, in June 2009 after only 5 weeks in this world. It had taken her 15 years to feel ready to create a final resting place for Lily’s ashes, a journey that required immense strength and courage.

What brought her to me was Lily’s name. She found White Lily Urns and felt a connection, as though it was meant to be. I was deeply honoured to help her create something truly meaningful for her baby girl. It was a perfect example of how custom made urns can reflect the individuality of a loved one and become a meaningful tribute.

​As we began discussing the design, I learned more about Lily’s legacy. In her memory, Lily’s parents had started a charity, the Lilybug Foundation, to raise money for premature and critically ill babies in New South Wales. Lily’s story and the incredible work of her foundation can be found at lilybugfoundation.com.au.
When it came to designing the urn, her parents wanted something unique. Together, we decided that incorporating Lily’s tiny handprint and footprint into the design would make the urn truly unique and a powerful tribute to her short but impactful life.
We selected a blank Carosella urn, which has smooth, flat sides, perfect for the addition of photographic prints. This gave us a canvas to work with—a space to tell Lily’s story in a way that was both beautiful and deeply personal.
The process was a true collaboration. Lily’s siblings contributed heartfelt messages for their little sister and added their ideas to the design. It became a family effort, filled with love, memories, and creativity. Working around everyone’s busy lives, we took our time to ensure the urn was just right. Over six months, we slowly but surely brought Lily’s urn to life.
The finished piece was more than an urn—it was a work of art, a story, and a symbol of the love Lily’s family will always hold for her. The handprints and footprints captured her presence, while the thoughtful messages from her siblings and the gentle design celebrated her legacy.
Creating this urn reminded me why I do what I do. It’s not just about making a vessel; it’s about creating something that holds love, memories, and healing.
Through her family’s dedication, Lily’s memory continues to touch lives, both through the Lilybug Foundation and in the hearts of everyone who loved her. I feel privileged to have been a part of this journey, and I hope that Lily’s urn brings her family a sense of peace and connection.

Author
Rae Delai is an Australian small business owner of White Lily Urns and specializes in custom artisan ceramic funerary art. She has 30 plus years experience as a critical care and palliative care nurse which means she is very comfortable discussing all aspects of death, dying and grief.