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In January 2020, Mary Morgan of qathet, B.C., asked a small group of friends to support her dying process. Mary had received a terminal cancer diagnosis and wanted to die at home.
One month after first meeting, the onset of COVID-19 left the team scrambling to adjust plans to support Mary. Despite the limitations of the pandemic, Mary’s dying emerged as a true community-based process.
(Left to right)
Anna Byrne, B.Ed., Master of Theological Studies
Laurie Norman, Death Doula
Jules Adam, MTA, Certified Music Therapist
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Community-Supported Dying
Throughout our time with Mary, she envisioned a community where those who are dying, caregiving, or bereaved are returned to a central, honoured, and supported place in society. Community-Supported Dying aims to build community literacy and social infrastructure by facilitating workshops and events that provide practical skills and ignite thoughtful engagement with end-of-life issues.
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Workshops can be hosted by any group, non-profit, or organization. We work with hospice societies to provide education to volunteers, staff, and community members.
Workshops and presentations focus on elements of Community-Supported Dying:
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How to create a support team
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Developing rituals and ceremony for the person who is dying and for their family and friends
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Easy tools to organize tasks, appointments, meals, and errands
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Providing practical, emotional, and spiritual support
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After-death care of the body
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Home vigils
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Building a casket
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Transporting a casket in a personal vehicle
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Participating in the burial of a loved one
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Special considerations for those choosing Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID)
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Self-care for families, friends, and people in support roles​
Watch highlights from our workshop "The Community-Supported Dying of Mary Morgan."
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For more information: