Living Funerals & Celebrations of Life

Sometimes, we want to celebrate life before it ends; to gather loved ones, share memories, create lasting keepsakes, and honor the story of a life in a way that feels meaningful and true. Living funerals and celebrations of life are a chance to do just that, with intention, love, and guidance every step of the way.

As your death doula, I help you plan, organize, and hold these gatherings with care, compassion, and mindfulness. My goal is to make the process stress-free and heart-centered, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on what matters most—connection, reflection, and joy.

How We Plan Your Celebration

Here’s a simple roadmap for planning a living funeral or celebration of life with my support:

  1. Initial Consultation

    • We talk about your wishes, values, and vision for the event.

    • Discuss the size, tone, and style - intimate, casual, formal, or creative.

  2. Vision & Planning

    • Decide on location, timing, and key participants.

    • Brainstorm ways to honor your story: music, readings, speeches, rituals, or ceremonies.

  3. Creative Support

    • Assistance with invitations, programs, memory books, or photo boards.

    • Optional video production: capturing messages, stories, or the event itself.

  4. Logistics & Coordination

    • Coordination of vendors (if needed), setup, and flow of the event.

    • Gentle guidance for family and friends to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  5. The Celebration

    • I’m present to facilitate, support, and ensure your vision is realized.

    • Helping you hold space for laughter, tears, memories, and connection.

  6. Reflection & Keepsakes

    • Collecting and preserving recordings, photos, or mementos for ongoing remembrance.

Investment

My services are $25 per hour, which covers my time, guidance, planning, and on-site support.

Additional costs for materials involved in the event - such as invitations, printed programs, memory books, or video production - are billed separately, so you only pay for what you choose to include.

This approach allows you to customize your celebration to your exact needs while keeping everything simple, transparent, and manageable.

People gathered around a wooden outdoor table for a nighttime dinner, decorated with string lights, candles, and lanterns, with a guitar placed on a blanket in the foreground.

  • Most living funerals take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to plan, depending on the complexity and size of the gathering. I’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

  • Absolutely. I encourage family and friends to participate as much or as little as feels right.

  • Video production is available and billed separately. I can help you record messages, stories, or the event itself for keepsakes and remembrance.

  • Not necessarily. Celebrations can be at home, in a garden, a favorite place, or a rented space. I’ll guide you through options that match your vision.

  • Living funerals give you a chance to celebrate life while it’s still here. They allow for connection, reflection, and the sharing of love and stories in a meaningful, intentional way. It can bring closure, honor relationships, and create cherished memories that last beyond a lifetime.

  • Absolutely. Rituals, spiritual practices, cultural traditions, or creative expressions are welcomed and supported. The goal is to honor your values and wishes.

  • I’ll help make the celebration accessible, comfortable, and safe for everyone. This could mean hosting at home, creating a smaller gathering, or incorporating virtual participation.

  • Yes. Some people choose an intimate, private gathering with just a few close loved ones. Others may want a larger, more public celebration. It’s entirely up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions