Hosted by Elaine Gammon and Ilse Thompson

About this Death Cafe

Death Café L|A is a monthly group-directed discussion about death and dying. Co-presented by the Auburn Public Library and run by volunteer facilitators Ilse Thompson and me, Elaine Gammon, Death Café L|A has no specific agenda, objective, or theme. It’s simply an open forum intended to bring awareness to the topic of death and help normalize discussions about the end of life. 

Death Café L|A provides a respectful and confidential space for individuals with mortality-minded perspectives to share their thoughts, hear new ideas, engage in thoughtful conversations, and explore profound questions about this often-taboo topic. 

About Elaine Gammon and Ilse Thompson

Elaine Gammon is a marketing professional and art  enthusiast who is new to the field of modern death care and end-of-life planning. Elaine recently earned her End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of Medicine and plans to continue her training to become a Death Doula and end-of-life educator. With openness, curiosity, and   a “beginner’s” mindset, Elaine enjoys bringing people together for meaningful and inspiring conversations.

Ilse Thompson is a writer, Spirituality Coach, and Death Doula who counsels individuals facing grief, loss, and death. Ilse received her master’s degree in Buddhist studies from Maitripa College, where she trained in             contemplative practices and focused specifically on   Interfaith chaplaincy and pastoral care. This calling led her to earn an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate through the University of Vermont Lerner College of  Medicine. A gifted facilitator and empathetic listener, Ilse enjoys holding space with people who are navigating their end-of-life decisions and plans.