Author Archives: Aurora Wells (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

What Is a Home Funeral Guide? An Interview with Jerrigrace Lyons: Part One

One of the first home funeral consultants shares her wisdom

Today SevenPonds speaks with Jerrigrace Lyons who is a family funeral guide and educator—one of the original pioneers of the home funeral movement. She is a founding member of the Home Funeral Alliance, and the founder and director of Final Passages, through … Continue reading

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What is Cremation? An Interview with Michael Tom

A crematory operator lets us peek behind the door to answer our questions about the cremation process

Today SevenPonds speaks with Michael Tom at Pacific Interment in Emeryville, California. Pacific Interment is one of the few cremation services in California that offers witnessing. Get the nitty-gritty on cremation from Michael Tom, who oversees cremation at their East Bay crematorium. … Continue reading

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What is a green funeral? An Interview with Esmerelda Kent

The founder of Kinkaraco Green Burial Products talks shrouds

Kinkaraco is a San Francisco based green business, providing elegant biodegradable burial and cremation shrouds, ranging in design from classic to ornate. These shrouds and other green burial products draw from a diverse history of sacred traditions — the company … Continue reading

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What is NODA? An Interview with Carleen McCornack

The Program Coordinator of No One Dies Alone enlightens and uplifts, sharing her experience with death and dying

No One Dies Alone is a wonderfully compassionate, volunteer-driven service pioneered through the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, OR.  Carleen McCormack is the Program Coordinator.  She can be reached at 541.222.2263 or cmccornack@peacehealth.org. Carleen: 25 years ago, there was a … Continue reading

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How to Cope with a Terminal Illness? An Interview with Michael Engelberg

A longtime oncologist shares his thoughts on coping with a terminal condition and dying a "good death"

Doctor Michael Engelberg is an oncologist of 40 years, based at Cedars-Sinai medical center in Los Angeles, California. Aurora: Let’s say I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, or another terminal illness. What should my first steps be? Dr. Engelberg: I … Continue reading

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How to Cope with a Terminal Illness? – An Interview with Michael Engelberg

A longtime oncologist shares his thoughts on coping with a terminal condition and dying a "good death"

Doctor Michael Engelberg is an oncologist of 40 years, based at Cedars-Sinai medical center in Los Angeles, California. Aurora: Let’s say I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, or another terminal illness. What should my first steps be? Dr. Engelberg: I … Continue reading

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