Living & End-of-Life Ceremonies

Some people want to be present for their own remembering.

A living or end-of-life ceremony is not about closure or resolution. It is about acknowledgment — of a life lived, of relationships held, and of words that deserve to be spoken while they still can be.

I officiate these ceremonies with exceptional care, discretion, and respect for the emotional reality of the moment.

What These Ceremonies Are

Living and end-of-life ceremonies are intentional gatherings held before death, often quietly and without spectacle.

They may include:

• spoken reflections from the individual
  
  

• letters or words offered to loved ones
  
  

• gratitude, reckoning, humor, or silence
  
  

• acknowledgment without forced optimism
  
  

There is no required tone.
There is no expectation of bravery or peace.

Only honesty.

How I Approach This Work

I move slowly and listen carefully.

These ceremonies are shaped by:

• the individual’s wishes
  
  

• physical and emotional capacity
  
  

• family or chosen-family dynamics
  
  

• what feels possible — and what does not
  
  

Nothing is rushed. Nothing is imposed.
Language is chosen for clarity, not consolation.

My role is to hold the structure so the people involved don’t have to.

What This Kind of Ceremony Feels Like

A Champagne Book living ceremony is:

• calm without being distant
  
  

• present without being heavy
  
  

• sincere without being sentimental
  
  

Laughter is welcome if it’s real.
Silence is protected when it’s needed.

This is not a performance.
It is a witnessing.

The Champagne Book (Ceremony Record)

For those who wish, a written record of the ceremony may be created afterward.

The Champagne Book preserves the language of the moment — spoken words, reflections, and closing passages — as a permanent record.

This is optional and handled gently, with consent and discretion.

Boundaries & Care

I am not a medical professional or spiritual authority.
I do not offer reassurance I can’t stand behind.

I do:

• show up prepared and grounded
  
  

• honor stated boundaries
  
  

• adjust to emotional and physical realities
  
  

• protect the dignity of everyone involved
  
  

If professional support is needed beyond ceremony, I will say so.

Availability

Living and end-of-life ceremonies are handled on a limited and case-by-case basis.

I work in:

• New York City
  
  

• New York State
  
  

• New Jersey
  
  

• Palm Springs & Southern California (coming soon)
  
  

Time-sensitive requests are considered when possible.

Beginning the Conversation

If you are considering a living or end-of-life ceremony — for yourself or for someone you love — you are welcome to reach out.

There is no script for this moment.
Only a need for steadiness and care.

Inquire →