It is my honour to live, work & play in the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas.
Welcome.
I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re seeking information on death and dying, looking for someone to accompany you through a life-limiting illness or an end of life transition, or are simply wondering what an end of life doula is— you’ve come to the right place.
While you’re here, I hope you feel care and comfort. And remember, I’m just a click away when you have questions— anything goes.
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If you’re interested in receiving updates with information around death and dying, legislation changes, access to resources, and community events, add your email to my mailing list below.
The Marks Life Leaves ...
The marks life leaves on everything it touches transforms perfection into wholeness.
Older, wiser cultures choose to claim this wholeness in the things they create. In Japan, Zen gardeners purposefully leave a fat dandelion in the midst of the exquisite, ritually precise patterns of the meditation gardens. In Iran, even the most skilled of rug weavers include an intentional error, 'the Persian Flaw", in the magnificence of a Tabriz or Qashqa'i carpet. In Puritan America, master quilt makers deliberately left a drop of their own blood on every quilt they made and Native Americans wove a broken bead, "the spirit bead" into every beaded masterpiece
Nothing that has a soul is perfect. When life weaves a spirit bead into your very fabric, you may stumble upon a wholeness greater than you had dreamed possible before."
... My Grandfather's Blessings, Rachel Naomi Ramen, M.D.
What is a Critical Illness/ End of Life Doula?
You’re not the only one who’s asked. A doula is here to educate, empower and advocate for people during life limiting illness and/or end of life transitions. We are here to guide you and your circle of care on what you can expect each step of the way, and to create a safe, judgement free space where you can voice your thoughts, concerns, and questions.
End of Life Doulas offer a wide range of non-medical services in order to meet the complex needs of their clients. My specific services are highlighted below— feel free to click on one to learn more about it and my unique approach. I aim to provide all my services focused through a lens of inclusivity, education, advocacy, and storytelling.
How I Can Help
Click one to learn more!
How I Can Help
Testimonials
We were very lucky to find Sue to help guide us through the last months of my mother’s life. Sue visited with my mother weekly and brought her some joy and fun while providing me with a break. Although their time together was brief, it brought comfort not only to my mother, but also to our family.
Sue is very kind and compassionate. You could not find a better person to help you through this challenging time.
Carolyn
We were fortunate to find Sue Phillips, End Of Life Doula (through the Dying With Dignity website), when our friend was struggling with her "palliative" diagnosis. Sue, having many years of hospice experience, used her extensive skills (compassion, respect, humour, listening, etc.), and End Of Life Doula training (listening, checking in, compassionate end of life decision support, navigating medical system, etc.), to support our friend through this challenging process.
Sue provided emotional support as well as practical support in a gentle, compassionate, and respectful manner. Our friend was grateful for Sue's support -- as our friend then had the ability to confide those thoughts and feelings that were difficult to share with family or friends. Sue helped navigate both the medical and legal systems as well as researched other information as needed, that was important to my friend.
And, all done during the COVID-19!!!
We would definitely recommend using the services of an End Of Life Doula. In particular, Sue Phillips.
Diane Smith and Siobhan Callaghan
Just a brief note to say how glad I am we connected earlier this year.
I deeply appreciate the learnings you offer. From the Storytelling session, I shared with you that I feel now I can, when in the right mood, write my own story about my mother, whose death about 10 years ago I haven't 100% processed.
Lastly, I'm thankful for the ACP you forwarded to me.
Nancy Kelly
We started working with Sue when we knew my mom was going to return from the hospital and go into palliative care at home. We had plans for Sue to help my mom with planning her death, her legacy and provide that emotional support to my mom, myself and my dad.
Unfortunately my mom's condition deteriorated very quickly and she was unable to speak to Sue in the way we had planned, She died shortly after that. However, Sue was able to provide us with a lot of guidance and support in understanding the process and logistics of what to do at the end of someone's life. It was also nice to know someone was there as emotional support and guidance as well.
We ended up asking Sue to plan and officiate a virtual celebration of life. She did a wonderful job and we are so grateful we had her, we could not have handled this on our own. It meant my family could take the time to grieve instead of worrying about handling the planning of an event. I am new to this area of death doulas but after working with Sue I am 100% on board and believe it's the kind of support everyone should have at the end of their life. ... Lindsay & Ron