Tending to Our Dead: An At-Home Death Care Workshop (in-person)

Until the latter part of the 19th century, most people were born and died in their own homes. When they were born, their family cared for them; when they died, their family cared for them. Dying, like birthing, was integrated into living. Caring for those who had died was not only the last act of love, it was the first step toward healing. This workshop will give you the information and hands-on practice you need to care for a loved one who has died. You’ll learn how to safely and respectfully tend to the body of the deceased, meet legal requirements and carry out a home- or family-directed funeral with or without the services of a funeral director. Topics will include advance planning, required paperwork, care of the body, creating sacred space and home vigils, family-direct cremation and green burial options.
Presenters: Maks Kopish and Ashely Kiehnau
www.FSCenter.org | 608-791-5295
Direct link to registration: https://fsc.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programcode=26SWD10991
Tiered pricing: $125 – $150 – $175 (lunch is included)
Please offer at the highest level your budget will allow. We value your presence; if these suggested fees present a hardship, please call 608-791-5295 for a confidential scholarship.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
The Rev. Maks Sandor Kopish is a death doula, ordained interfaith minister and eco-chaplain. Their ministry focuses on healing the primal wound of separation-mindset by inviting humanity into conscious remembrance of our place and role within the great web of life. Maks is taught by Indigenous educators, soil, fungi, trees and the wondrous cycles of nature; they are passionate about reawakening people to the mycelial threads of kinship that weave us together as a human family with an ancient lineage interwoven with all the rest of creation.
Ashely Kiehnau works as a therapeutic mentor in southwest Wisconsin, offering in-home, nature-based and somatic support for clients seeking coping skills, healing and connection. After the death of her mother in 2009, and feeling unsupported by the experience that followed, Ashely began a deeper journey into grief work and supportive death care. She is passionate about educating and empowering others to reflect on their own end-of-life wishes, make informed choices and approach death and dying with greater openness and intention.