Testimonials
"My family and I are very grateful to Aileen Stewart for the invaluable guidance, assistance, and support she provided for the family-directed home funeral of my mother-in-law. An outstanding Deathcare Guide with both the training and the temperament to meet the varied needs of such an important role, she is not only highly professional but also deeply personable, combining medical know-how with an intimate understanding of the ways of the heart. A good listener compassionately attuned to our concerns and our wishes, Aileen helped us explore options for end-of-life and after-death care, then co-created a viable deathcare plan. She provided an unobtrusive yet steady anchor during all phases of this remarkable experience, helping us hold sacred space while confidently assisting us in navigating the pragmatic realm. Helpful, supportive, caring, mindful, respectful: these are the qualities Aileen not only embodies in her understated and quiet way but also helps elicit in those around her at key transitions like these. She has my wholehearted support, endorsement, and, indeed, gratitude."
Dr. Michael Hurley
Dr. Michael Hurley
"Speaking to Aileen about end-of life planning for my elderly mother was extremely helpful. She is so knowledgeable and caring… Aileen was able to help me think through how to care for my mum at home after she dies and gave me the confidence that I could do this. Aileen helped me realize what is most important for our family at the time of death, and that she would be there to help. I feel relieved to have such a resource in the community."
Nancy MacMillan.
Nancy MacMillan.
"I have been thinking about your calm, loving, gentle steering of a process we have been denied in the name of culture. It is time we took back the loving connection of soul and flesh at the beginning and end of life. Thank you for guiding us."
K. Thomas
"Thank you Aileen. I have held in my heart how you led us in the beautiful hours we spent with W's body after his death. It was such a healing experience for me."
S. Walker
K. Thomas
"Thank you Aileen. I have held in my heart how you led us in the beautiful hours we spent with W's body after his death. It was such a healing experience for me."
S. Walker
"Aileen was our Deathcare provider leading up to and following the death of my beloved. She helped us plan out what we needed to have in place to fulfill Andrea's wish to die at home and remain in our home on the days following her transition.
More importantly, Aileen was able to seamlessly integrate with Andrea's nearest and dearest friends, who were here for five plus days to assist Andrea in shedding her physical body. We had been through a beautiful and intense journey together. Despite this, Aileen was able to integrate herself into our group with sensitivity, and was able to guide us lovingly, compassionately and with profound care, through the intimate process of caring for Andrea's body and with prayers. Her guidance was critical and needed to assure Andrea's ongoing transition, and acted as a balm for those of us surviving our much loved friend and life partner."
Tibrata Gillies
More importantly, Aileen was able to seamlessly integrate with Andrea's nearest and dearest friends, who were here for five plus days to assist Andrea in shedding her physical body. We had been through a beautiful and intense journey together. Despite this, Aileen was able to integrate herself into our group with sensitivity, and was able to guide us lovingly, compassionately and with profound care, through the intimate process of caring for Andrea's body and with prayers. Her guidance was critical and needed to assure Andrea's ongoing transition, and acted as a balm for those of us surviving our much loved friend and life partner."
Tibrata Gillies
"Like many of my peers, I’m at that time of my life when I’ve been thinking about death and dying. Closing Time came at just the right time for me. Over this past year at the group, facilitated by Aileen, we talked about what could happen during our dying and after. We were given clear information, the possibility of support and new ways of thinking about end-of-life issues. I and my family have choices that fit our ethical framework. I will have a plan of how I want to die and how I want to be remembered. The group also opened a window into dying, and support for the dying, as spiritual practice. Aileen did this gently and with great respect. I imagine that groups like Closing Time will become more and more common. We need to talk about it!"
Annie Wilcox.
Annie Wilcox.
"During the time of my mom's illness and end of life I sought Aileen's company for our usual exercise walks, and also for her informed awareness of dying and death.
I felt overwhelmed by the fierce independence of my very unwell parent, by the medical community around her and by the varied and complex concerns of family and friends.
Yet with Aileen I didn't feel vulnerable. Her way of listening and her prompting thoughts helped me to stay present and genuine with the experience of my mother's dying and death."
Laurie Mann.
I felt overwhelmed by the fierce independence of my very unwell parent, by the medical community around her and by the varied and complex concerns of family and friends.
Yet with Aileen I didn't feel vulnerable. Her way of listening and her prompting thoughts helped me to stay present and genuine with the experience of my mother's dying and death."
Laurie Mann.