Hosted by Grimsby Public Library

About this Death Cafe

About Grimsby Public Library

About Lauren

My name is Lauren Peart, and I believe that every person deserves to approach the end of life with dignity, compassion, choice, and the reassurance that they are never alone. My mission is to provide a calm, supportive presence while helping individuals and their loved ones navigate one of life’s most meaningful transitions with comfort, understanding, and peace.

My approach is rooted in both professional education and lived experience. I completed my studies in Health and Wellness at McMaster University, where I developed a strong foundation in holistic health and person-centred care. I also completed End-of-Life Doula training through Laurentian University and am Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) certified, further strengthening my knowledge of hospice, palliative care, and compassionate end-of-life support.

I am currently advancing my education through certification with the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP). This specialized training allows me to better educate and support clients who wish to understand all aspects of end-of-life planning, including Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), while ensuring they receive compassionate, unbiased information that honours their values, beliefs, and personal choices.

In addition to my end-of-life education, I bring over 15 years of experience working within Ontario’s healthcare system. Throughout my career in healthcare administration, I have gained valuable experience navigating a variety of clinical settings, including family medicine, general surgery, and trauma care. This background has given me a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system from an administrative perspective, enabling me to help individuals and families navigate healthcare services, communicate effectively with care teams, and advocate for informed, person-centred care during complex and often overwhelming times.

For more than 15 years, I have been a dedicated Reiki Practitioner and am honoured to serve on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Reiki Association. My work is grounded in the belief that caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—is fundamental to quality end-of-life care. Reiki has taught me the power of presence, compassionate listening, and creating a peaceful environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and deeply respected.

My specialty as an End-of-Life Doula is spiritual care, legacy planning, and advance care planning. I believe every person’s story deserves to be honoured and every voice deserves to be heard. Whether helping someone create meaningful legacy projects, facilitating important conversations about future healthcare wishes, offering spiritual support, or simply sitting quietly beside someone in their final days, I strive to provide comfort, reassurance, and dignity throughout the journey.

Travel has profoundly influenced both my personal life and professional philosophy. Having travelled extensively throughout the world, I have experienced firsthand how different cultures approach death, dying, grief, and spiritual care. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the diverse traditions, rituals, and beliefs that surround the end of life. They have also reinforced my belief that spiritual connection plays an essential role in overall well-being, supporting the mind, body, and soul during times of transition.

One of the most transformative moments of my journey came while volunteering in hospice. A family shared with me that they believed their loved one was in her final hours, and they welcomed my offer to provide Reiki. Witnessing the profound sense of peace that settled over the room and supporting both the resident and her family reaffirmed what I had long felt in my heart: that my purpose is to walk alongside individuals and families during one of life’s most sacred experiences.

As an End-of-Life Doula, I provide non-medical emotional, spiritual, educational, and practical support before, during, and after death. My role is to help individuals and families feel informed, empowered, and supported as they make decisions, honour personal wishes, and create meaningful moments together.

To me, this work is more than a profession—it is a calling. It is an incredible privilege to accompany people through this deeply personal chapter of life, ensuring they are met with compassion, dignity, respect, and the unwavering reminder that they do not have to walk this journey alone.

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