Death Café L|A is a friendly, supportive space that helps normalize conversations around death and dying — a chance to share perspectives, ease fears, and connect with others in meaningful ways.
Death Café L|A has no set agenda, objectives, or themes. Each gathering is participant-led and explores a wide range of topics, such as fear of dying; end-of-life, hospice, and palliative care; death readiness; solo aging; the role of Death Doulas; death with dignity; after-loss logistics; legacy planning, and how to face our mortality with curiosity and grace.
Co-presented by the Auburn Public Library and facilitated by volunteers Elaine Gammon and Ilse Thompson, Death Café L|A offers an open forum that brings awareness to death, invites reflection, and encourages healthy, honest dialogue about the end of life — and what it means to truly live.
Death Café Facilitators:
Ilse Thompson is a writer, Spirituality Coach, and Death Doula who counsels individuals facing grief, loss, and death. Ilse received her master’s degree in Buddhist studies from Maitripa College, where she trained in contemplative practices and focused specifically on interfaith chaplaincy and pastoral care. This calling led her to earn an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of Medicine. As a gifted facilitator and empathetic practitioner, Ilse enjoys holding space with people who are navigating their end-of-life decisions and plans.
Elaine Gammon is a marketing professional and art enthusiast who is new to the modern death care movement. Elaine earned her End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of Medicine and is continuing her training to become an End-of-Life Educator and After-Loss Professional. With openness, curiosity, and a "beginner's" mindset, Elaine enjoys bringing people together for meaningful and inspiring conversations.
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