While traditional funerals and eulogies praise the beloved with positive memories after they are gone, my services offer a Life Celebration driven with the beloved present. In many countries, this is known as a “living funeral or celebration of life.” My services may incorporate any religious, spiritual or cultural practice at the client’s request.

I especially enjoy helping individuals plan a Grand Finale. The Grand Finale is best organized during the time when a terminally ill person is well enough to participate. The client picks a guest list, chooses themes, the music, venue, food, and, best of all, they are the Guest of Honor.

Like Tom Sawyer, the beloved gets to hear all the accolades bestowed upon them and has a chance to connect with supportive friends and family! It is a wonderful celebration. It truly honors the client’s life. There are no limits to what the Grande Finale can entail.

These images show just a few of many memorable celebrations of my own mother’s life. The last image is the DNR band at Mom’s 90th party.

During the transition phase of someone’s life, the time between a diagnosis and death, I can provide joyful, humorous and healing support through family meetings and compassionate visits with the client. These meetings take place in person, through Zoom and on the phone, during which time we explore concerns about the myths surrounding death. I can provide insight to help embrace and address fears. We can talk about valid expectations and reality. My expertise allows me to have meaningful moments with the client.

While traditional funerals and eulogies praise the beloved with positive memories for those that remain behind, my services are based on the philosophy of celebrating an individual’s life before death do us part. In many countries, this is known as a “living funeral or celebration of life.” My services are non-medical, nonjudgmental, and may accommodate any religion or spiritual practice.

I bring this tradition to life by providing inclusive services of support, education and positivity about death to a client and their loved ones, to help them navigate the remaining time available to them with purpose and peaceful acceptance.