About Suzanne - why this work matters to me

I came to this work as a natural progression of my life experiences. Over many years, the core issues that most energize my life and work are:

o   A deep sense of connection with the earth, the soils and the incredible microbial life therein, and the possibility of even earth fairies and other magical beings.

o   A love for cultivating community and recognition of the enormous value of diversity, as in the natural world, in our human communities

o   A long-standing belief in the importance of living in relation to one another, as real people; to supporting local farmers, for example, rather than the industrial food/ag complex (and the environmental and health costs that system is responsible for). 

o   An immense appreciation for the value of curiosity, critical thinking, and the courage to question everything.

o   A deep appreciation for cultural traditions and the many ways we create meaning through ceremony and ritual.

o   A desire to live ever more whole-heartedly!

My path has been shaped by a love of nature, a reverance for the interconnectedness of all life, and an appreciation for the varied cultural and spiritual traditions that cultivate meaning.

Along the way, as those foundational parts of who I am were met by the realities of death and loss, I became increasingly aware of how modern funeral practices have diluted and distanced us from the experiences of death, loss, culture, and grieving, all of which goes hand in hand with connection and healing.

That awareness became deeply personal.

Within a relatively short period of time, I accompanied several of the people I loved most through the final chapters of their lives—including both of my parents, my step-parents, and my sister. Walking beside them through illness, dying, and death transformed not only my understanding of end-of-life care, but also my sense of what families are capable of when they are supported, informed, and empowered to participate.

Families often discover unexpected strength, healing, and connection when they come together to create ceremonies that reflect the life, values, and relationships of the person who has died.

Throughout my career in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, I have worked to strengthen organizations, build partnerships, and create meaningful change. Those experiences taught me the value of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and compassionate leadership—skills that now shape my work in death care.

Today, through A Sacred Passage, I hope to help individuals and families approach death with greater confidence, knowledge, and intention. I am committed to helping people understand their options, make informed decisions, and reclaim meaningful participation in death care. Whether through advance planning, home funeral guidance, personalized ceremonies, or education about earth-honoring choices, my goal is to help people connect openly with life's most profound transition.

I believe that we are more capable than we realize; that communities have the power to reclaim lost traditions; that meaningful ritual heals; that conservation can become an act of legacy; and that death can reconnect us with life. I believe that caring for our dead is one of the most meaningful acts of love we can offer one another—and that by reclaiming this sacred work, we may be personally transformed, while also strengthening our families, our communities, and our relationship with the living world. 

~ Suzanne Wilcox, Founding Director