I’m Cecily, a death doula with a gentle spirit and tireless heart. I believe that with a bit of preparation, support, and play, dying can be our last creative act. I let wonder, compassion, creativity, and weirdling wisdom lead me through life and inform my approach to end-of-life work.
I came to death work through what I call “an initiation.” If you’re curious, you can read more about my personal experience with death and loss on my blog. During this sudden string of losses, I couldn’t find anyone to guide me or give me the answers I wanted. I was angry at the lack of death and grief literacy in our society. I was frustrated that no one could simply say, “Yes, this is normal.” Not even Google could give me a clear answer about how to wrap up my loved one’s affairs. So I decided to become the person I needed: A death doula.
I created The Last Chapter to guide and support people as they explore, uncover, and move through life and death as a creative process.
My approach is informed by my values as well as my background in writing and creative direction. I’ve gone from helping brands find the plot of their business to helping people write the last chapter of their lives. Together, we’ll study the through lines of your life so you can answer the question, “What story do you want to leave behind?”
Hi, hello, and pleased to meet you.
Cecily Robertson (she/hers)
Common Questions for Death Doulas
A death doula is a support person who provides non-medical care for dying people and their constellation of care. You can think of it like the solar system, with the dying person at the center, their family and loved ones as moons, their medical caregivers as orbiting planets, and a death doula as a satellite traveling between them.
Death doulas also work with healthy people to create end-of-life plans. Our work often includes emotional, practical, and spiritual support from diagnosis through death and bereavement. We are there to witness, notice, ask questions, listen, and validate. It’s our job to be a calm and kind presence as people face the mystery of death. There’s a lot of sitting, hand holding, and holding space for the unknown in this work.
What’s a death doula?
Who should work with a death doula?
There are several types of people who might want to work with a death doula. You may want guidance in creating your end-of-life plan, writing a last will and testament, or filling out your advance directive. You may be seeking support and companionship during your death or the death of someone close to you. You may be looking for a non-judgmental support person to help you process your grief. You may be seeking relief or additional support for caregivers. Or you may be looking for a safe place to contemplate your mortality.
Who does The Last Chapter serve?
I serve clients in the greater Springfield, Missouri area and offer virtual support for clients across the USA. I especially love working with weirdlings. Anyone who lives a little outside the lines, including neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ folks and allies, childfree adults, “crazy cat ladies,” and anyone who otherwise identifies as different.
I have completed Death Doula Training through Going with Grace.
Plot out your last chapter.
Interested in learning more about The Last Chapter? Whether you want end-of-life planning guidance, creative, compassionate care, grief support, or just a space to ask questions, I’d love to hear from you. I offer a complimentary 20-minute conversation to explore your needs and wishes. Please click the link below or email hello@lastchapterdeathcare.com.
