Community Deathcare and
Spiritual Services
1
Grief Support
Grief is the natural process of dealing with loss, and everyone experiences it differently.
"Am I losing it? How long is this supposed to last? Aren't there stages to grief? If so, where am I at? At which point should I just be done grieving and be ale to move on? Why can't I do ___________ anymore? Will I forget my loved one? Why am I feeling ________ instead of sad? Why was I more upset about my pet's death than my relative's?"
You are not losing it. What you are feeling is normal. There is no time limit, and grief never truly goes away. We just grow around it and it becomes part of our lived experience. You will not forget your loved one. You will experience ups and downs through the process of grieving. Unless you have a talking, judgmental pet, you've likely never been asked why you aren't making X amount of money, or aren't doing whatever your relative may have asked about. Pets just love, and expect food, care, and love in return. That's why it's different when one is grieving the death of a pet.
Knowledge is power, and I will help you learn more about grief, as well as how to grow around your grief.
2
End-of Life Services and
Practical Matters
Navigating the system and knowing how to cope at end-of-life can be a challenging experience for the person who is dying, and their loved ones. An End-of-Life Doula can advocate for and empower clients by starting the conversation about death, and supporting individuals and their loved ones.
I provide the following services:
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Planning for end-of-life care and support, as well as advocacy. Information about legalities and options in Canada.
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Navigating the health care system at all stages.
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Information on what to expect through the dying process.
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Singing the Soul Home at the time of death.
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Planning for post-death care and support. (Funerary services, celebration of life)
"No job's finished until the paperwork is complete." It's an old saying, often seen in cute frames on bathroom walls for a few laughs, but it applies to almost everything in life, including at death.
If it exists, there is paperwork to be done.
When you are already dealing with the emotions associated with grief, grieving loved ones, and that feeling of loss, paperwork is often challenging.
There are a few people who find it comforting to handle the practical matters of gathering up information, dealing with estates, filing the appropriate papers, and planning the service.
I will be there every step of the way to help you get the necessary paperwork, and practical matters handled.
3
Trauma Support
When death is sudden and/or traumatic, one's world is shattered in a way very few can imagine.
Many people and systems may become involved at first, such as first responders, the Medical Examiner, the medical system, the legal system, the media, bystanders, and police.
The shock of a sudden or unexpected death often prevents one from being able to gather all of the details, and information provided by others; as well as provide answers to all of the various questions that will be asked.
Once everyone leaves, there is usually a pile of informative literature left behind, which can make things confusing as the shock wears off.
I am a fully trained crisis support advocate, who has supported countless loved ones through the aftermath of tragedy, crime, and trauma. The above scenario may seem familiar, and it is one that I remember seeing many times. My role as an advocate was to provide support during that time, and then connect with surviving loved ones on a regular basis, to answer questions, provide the information that was needed at that moment in time, and connect them to community resources that can provide help.
This is the kind of support that I offer to you now.
You do not have to face anything alone.
I will help you navigate the various systems that you will encounter, as well as manage the feelings, circumstances, changes, and planning that will arise.
4
Singing the Soul Home
Singing the Soul Home, or Soul Leading upon death is observed in almost every spiritual path, and culture around the world.
When it is favourable, family and friends, along with spiritual leaders, try to be at the side of the dying one and attend to their needs at this most critical hour of life. What do people need to know? How can they be supportive?
Even in the cases of sudden and traumatic deaths, Singing the Soul Home is a ceremony that can provide comfort and peace; as well as ease the transition of the soul from this life to the next.
I will help prepare for the various stages of death by teaching what to expect, and being there every step of the way for individuals, and their loved ones.
5
End of Life Services for Pets
Our pets are family members and I believe they deserve the same reverence and care that we give to our human loved ones at end of life.
I will provide any support that is needed:
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connection to resources for pet deathcare,
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singing the soul across the rainbow bridge at euthanasia, and
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memorial services for pets.
6
Celebrancy - Funeral and Memorial Services
A Celebration of Life is a chance for friends and family to celebrate the unique life of the deceased. The Celebration of Life is usually held at a different time and place from the more traditional funeral or memorial service.
Reasons include:
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The deceased's next-of-kin may want a funeral or memorial service that does not align with the values, lifestyle, or chosen culture/family of the deceased.
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It might not be the best time to hold an in-person funeral or memorial service due to loved ones living abroad, or due to uncontrollable circumstances such as pandemics, poor weather, or timing.
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The deceased or their loved ones might not want a traditional funeral nor memorial service.
I will work with you to design the perfect service that honours the unique and beautiful life of your loved one.
"I believe in the power of compassionate, trauma-informed care and support."
- Anam Cara Soul Services -
My name is Daria Roffel, and I have been called to serve in this role for anyone facing times of uncertainty, distress, crisis, or the inevitable changes in life and death. As well as an advocate trained in crisis management, I am also a Community Deathcare Practitioner or "death doula", based in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.
I have dedicated my life to a Path of Service; helping people find their way through the challenges in life, and through the process of death and dying. Since 1992, I have worked and volunteered in palliative care, crisis intervention, funeral service, and spiritual care.
In 2016, I graduated from the Beyond Yonder Virtual School of Community Deathcare, and have also been trained in grief support group facilitation, and palliative care support through the Airdrie and District Hospice Society in 2018.
In 2005, I was ordained into the Third Order of the Reformed Druids of North America, and was initiated as a Full Druid Member of Order of Bards Ovates and Druids in December of 2018.