Nature-based Rituals for Living and Dying
In this early interview, when I was still calling myself a Death Midwife, I tell stories about clients I’ve worked with.
My Teachers: Michael Harner
Michael’s understanding of the role of sound and ritual to shift consciousness and connect with the healing powers of the cosmos shapes most of the work I do.
A Home Funeral for a Grandfather
We never left Richard that night. About two in the morning, we bathed and dressed his body. It was a beautiful, beautiful night. There was a chorus of frogs coming through the window, and moonlight.
A Euthanasia Ritual for a Beloved Dog
When King no longer responded to me, I knew I had to help him die with grace. “How do I do that?” I asked. Sarah knew and her compassion was as valuable as her knowledge.
A Good Death is a Ritual of Initiation
Here’s an audio recording of the paper for the 2017 Arts and Religion track of the American Academy of Religion conference. The topic was “A good death is a ritual of initiation for everyone involved.”
Loss of a Pet or Plant Friend
This episode is dedicated to Sarah’s deceased cat, Luna, and all those who are suffering grief over the death of a beloved animal, or tree friend, or natural landscape.
The Beauty of a Family Graveyard
All my mother’s ancestors are buried in the same small graveyard. There has been a steady trickle of family members join them around that tree over the last 80 years
Getting Unstuck, on CBC’s Tapestry
This interview, with me and my dad, explores his feelings about life and death from his new perspective, confined to a bed in a long-term care centre, after having had a major stroke.
Simba Kerr
1997 – 2012
Cody Kerr
1996 – 2008
Zora (McNab) Smith
b. June 7 1909 in Waldo, BC. d. July 24 2000 in Calgary, AB. m. Walter Smith, Sept 6 1936, Toronto, ON.
Jim and Florence (May) Kerr
Florence Elaine (May): b. June 7 1908 in Lille, AB. d. August 1998 in Blairmore, AB. James Runciman: b. Feb 7 1905 in Bienfait, Rupert’s Land, NWT (now Sask) d. Aug 17th 1990 in Blairmore, AB. m. August 10th 1931 in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Heidi Kerr
1972 – 1990
Alb and Ida (McIntyre) May
Ida Jane: b. Nov 29 1886 in Middleville, Lanark, ON. d. Nov 29 1971 in Medicine Hat, AB. Albert Daniel: b. Feb 13, 1886 in McDonald’s Corners, ON. d. Sept 21 1961 in Medicine Hat. m. June 19 1907 in Lanark ON.
Sarah and Walter Smith
Walter T., b. 1875, Ireland. d. 1961, Calgary, AB. Sarah E., b. 1876, Ireland. d 1960, Calgary AB.
Charles and Alice (Johnson) McNab
Alice Maude: b. Sept 1972 in Fredricton, NB. d. Dec 30 1937 in Waldo, BC. Charles Duncan: b. July 9 1863, ON. d. 1960 in Calgary, AB. m. Aug 27 1902 in Nelson, BC.
Sarah Ann (Smith) McIntyre
b. Feb 23 1857 in Smith Falls, ON. d. April 7 1939 in AB. m. Alexander McIntyre Dec 18 1881 in Lanark, ON. photo: Foremost, Alberta 1902
John and Annie (Runciman) Kerr
Annie Thomson: b. Dec 1873 in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. d. Aug 15 1932 in Passburg, AB. John: b. Dec 1873 in Damellington, Ayrshire, Scotland. d. 1939 in Passburg, AB. m. 1903, Scotland.