Compassionate & Practical
End of Life Support
in San Diego County

 
 

I support people and their circle of care through the practical, emotional, and logistical aspects of death, dying, and end-of-life planning–with steadiness, clarity, and attention to what matters most.

This work can begin long before the end of life, or in the final weeks and days. Some people come to get a plan in place. Others reach out when things have become urgent.

Either way, I help you move with more clarity, structure, and support so decisions don’t stay unspoken or fall to someone else later.

This is both practical and deeply personal work.

I can support you in:

  • Preparing for end of life and clarifying your wishes

  • Making decisions about burial, cremation, and memorials

  • Writing documents and documenting information

  • Talking through situations you’re unsure how to approach

  • Supporting you and your family during active dying

  • Guiding funeral or memorial planning

I stay present and attentive, offering support that is grounded and responsive to your needs

What a Death Doula Can Do

Death doulas provide non-medical support that complements hospice and medical care.

My role is to help with the human and logistical parts of this process: the conversations, decisions, and details that often fall through the cracks.

Areas of Support

Planning, Practical, and Logistical Support

  • Clarifying end-of-life intentions and priorities

  • Advance care planning and organizing documents

  • Education about the dying process and what to expect

  • Funeral, memorial, burial, or celebration of life planning

  • Support with communication, visitors, and caregiving dynamics

  • Helping track and organize tasks so nothing important is missed

Presence, Support, and Conversation

  • Calm, grounded presence during difficult moments

  • Emotional support for individuals and families

  • Facilitating conversations that feel hard to start

  • Supporting reflection, meaning-making, and legacy work

After-Death Support

  • Companioning loved ones in early grief

  • Helping create rituals, remembrances, and space for mourning

  • Connecting you with additional resources as needed

Ways to Work with Me

Because this work is so deeply individualized, I offer a range of ways to work together depending on what you need:

Planning & Presence Packages

These are structured bundles of time and support designed around specific phases or needs — from planning sessions to longer vigil presence. Examples (based on common practice in the field) include:

  • End‑of‑Life Planning Package: focused on creating a clear plan and intentions across several meetings — often 6–10 hours.

  • Legacy & Life Review Package: dedicated time for crafting meaningful reflections and projects.

  • Vigil Presence Package: support and companionship during the active dying phase (hours/days of dedicated in‑person presence).

  • Full Spectrum Support Package: combines planning, legacy work, vigil presence, and initial post‑death follow‑up into one comprehensive offering.

Pricing varies by the scope of work; packages can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

 

If you’re thinking about this, it’s a good time to start.

I offer an initial consultation to talk through your situation and see if this feels like a good fit.

anna [at] annabrownmassey [dot] com