Ending of Life Planning
Death as a Rite of Passage: What it Means to Die Well
Death is the final stage of life. It deserves the same honour and preparation we give to birth, graduation, marriage, and other big life transitions. Definition: a rite of passage is a meaningful ritual that marks a significant transition from one stage of life to another. Death is universal and unavoidable but for some reason,…
Read MoreLittle White Crosses: Why Roadside Memorials Matter
Every summer I look forward to road tripping to Alberta with my boys to visit family and friends, and every drive I spot them: those little roadside memorials. White crosses. Silk flowers. A photo tucked under glass. Sometimes a name. Sometimes just a worn teddy bear or a fading ribbon fluttering in the wind. Someone’s…
Read MoreLeave Love, Not Stress: The Power of Planning Ahead
Ok, I get it – thinking about the end of your life isn’t exactly the first thing on your to-do list. But taking time to get your affairs in order now can make a world of difference for the people you care about most. You can start by organizing your finances. No need to overhaul…
Read MoreEmbracing Swedish Death Cleaning as an Intentional Act of Love
Have you ever opened a closet to find one item, only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff inside? Over a lifetime, we accumulate possessions that hold sentimental value or seem too useful to discard. Swedish Death Cleaning, or döstädning, offers a thoughtful way to declutter, simplify life, and ease the burden on…
Read MoreDoing Death Different: Special Event October 27th
On October 27th, 2024 The Victoria Holistic Death Care Community is hosting our second annual Doing Death Different event! This is a community marketplace event held at the Royal Canadian Legion (411 Gorge Rd East) from 1 – 4pm. A year ago, a handful of death-caring folks, myself included, got a table at a trade…
Read MoreThe Empowered Estate: A new approach to end-of-life planning
When I became a funeral director 15 years ago I wanted to help families navigate the loss of a loved one. Since then I’ve met with hundreds of families. While I was able to assist them with the care of their deceased loved one, I started to notice where there were gaps in what I…
Read More