Death Doula

 
 

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 respect for what matters most.

This work can include preparing for end-of-life, clarifying wishes and values, organizing practical details, offering bedside support, and guiding memorial or funeral planning. I stay present and attentive, providing support that meets your needs and honors your priorities.

My approach is grounded, compassionate, and informed by training in death doula care. I help coordinate logistics, clarify intentions, and pace our work in a way that feels manageable. I do not try to fix what is inherently difficult — I provide guidance, structure, and care so you and your circle feel supported, informed, and less alone throughout this deeply personal process.

What a Death Doula Can Do

Death doulas provide non‑medical, holistic support that adapts to each person’s needs. This work complements hospice and medical care, but does not replace it. Some of the ways I can support you and your loved ones include:

Practical, Planning, and Logistic Support

  • Clarifying end‑of‑life intentions and what matters most to you

  • Assistance with advance care planning and organizing important documents

  • Discussion and education around the dying process and what to expect

  • Support with funeral, memorial, burial, or celebration of life planning

  • Help with visitor management, caregiver support, and communication

  • Coordination or overview of practical tasks so families can focus on being present

Presence, Comfort, and Meaning

  • Providing presence, presence at vigil, and a calm companion

  • Emotional support for you and your family through uncertainty and grief

  • Facilitating meaningful conversations you’ve been avoiding or unsure how to begin

  • Creating legacy projects — memory books, letters, stories, recorded reflections — to honor a life lived

Post‑Loss Support

  • Companioning family and loved ones in early bereavement

  • Helping create narratives, remembrances, rituals, and space for grief

  • Providing referrals to community resources for ongoing support

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.

 

To inquire about support, email me at
anna [at] annabrownmassey [dot] com
I offer an initial consultation to discuss your needs and explore how I can support you.