Natural Death Care: Caring for the Body, Caring for the Earth

Learn about natural and sustainable approaches to post-death care, funerals, and body disposition and how these choices can benefit families, communities, and the environment. We'll discuss family-directed and home-based natural death care, legal rights, practical aspects of body care after death, green and conservation burial, and emerging options currently under consideration for legalization in Massachusetts. You’ll also learn about DIY choices such as building a casket and creating meaningful commemorative rituals. Leave with a better understanding of the possibilities and greater confidence in planning an end-of-life experience that reflects your values and priorities.

Ruth Faas

Instructor

Ruth Faas' work at Mourning Dove Studio in Arlington arose after the deaths of her parents in 1984 and 2004 and from her experience living above a funeral home for three months as a teenager. Started in 2007, Mourning Dove Studio was founded from her own personal experiences – equal parts environmental concern and the need for better ways to grapple with grief. Caskets and shrouds are environmentally-sound and sensible, and designed for personally-meaningful commemoration.

Heather Massey

Instructor

Heather Massey, MSW, LMT is a Death Educator and funeral consumer advocate specializing in, and passionate about, teaching and reviving the ancient art of natural deathcare, and the many benefits therein for families, communities, and the environment.

Jasmine Tanguay

Instructor

Jasmine Tanguay is a funeral celebrant and legacy facilitator with 20 years of experience in environmental nonprofits. In 2016, she founded A Sustainable Legacy to help individuals align their final outcomes with their deepest values and greatest gifts. Learn more about her work at www.ASustainableLegacy.org and www.FullCircleLife.org.

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