Bridging the gap between healthcare and deathcare
Emily Bootle - folksy funeral director in BC, here when you need me
Why DeathCare BC?
Emily has objective expertise about the deathcare system accumulated through years of working within it, and thousands of hours spent with the bereaved and their dead.
In BC we have tremendous funeral providers, however the entirely privatized industry cannot hope to provide the full picture to each person who reaches them.
Understand the next stage, options, and rights of the deathcare consumer, before the moment of need.
Practical empowerment during our most vulnerable days.
Meet Emily
Hello! Glad to be earthside at the same time. Here is a little about me.
During my undergrad degree in psychology I frequently returned to bereavement as an area of interest. Volunteering with Victim Services was my first introduction to our front line response to death which lit a fire in me that grew into my entry in funeral service in 2016.
I served on the Green Burial Society of Canada board from 2019 to 2022, and have frequently attended the Douglas College End-of-Life Doula classes to share my death work knowledge. Since 2022 I have been working with the Vancouver Public Library and Carnegie Community Centre supporting the Vancouver Community Deathcare Project. I am a proud member of the Death and Dying Network International, and can be found on several podcasts, videos, and radio segments linked here.
Over the years I have continued to expand my knowledge through courses, practical work, and engagement with my community. I love reading fiction, exploring imagination through fantasy, traveling alone or with friends, and living this short and wonderful life.
Areas of Expertise
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Green burial, natural body care, and advocacy for alkaline hydrolysis & human composting as options in BC. Shrouding, casket-building/decorating, and home funerals are all in my zone of genius.
I have toured, served, and supported the whole gamut of eco-friendly death, and will continue to drive these options in my community.
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Since the beginning of my career in funeral service I have encouraged folks to take an active role in the care of their dead. I believe that this helps in the early days of grief by re-establishing a sense of control. This could mean anything from retrieving a lock of hair to setting up a multi-day vigil in the home.
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Providing holistic support to folks who are living under conditions of oppression, marginalization, and poverty is vital to our humanity. The drug toxicity crisis as well as gaps in the way services are provided to individuals with limited means are stark examples of how we are falling short.
“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Mahatma Gandhi -
Pregnancy loss, miscarriage, termination, and stillbirth will have significant reverberations whether for one individual or their broader community. There are many ways of supporting this type of loss with engagement, participation, and ceremony.
Despite impacting a huge number of families, this aspect of care is still rarely discussed.
Upcoming events
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Eco Friendly Deathcare
October 10 - 1:30 to 3:30
In person session with the Kamloops Adult Learners Society.
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Community Cemetery Stories
October 20 - 1:00 to 2:30
In person gathering at the Pleasant Street cemetery.
Free event. -
The Next Day
October 24 - 12:00 to 1:00
OnlineBC Centre for Palliative Care ECHO Session. What happens after someone dies.
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From Kayla
Emily's thoughtful leadership and advice helped transform my Dad's service into a true celebration of life. She helped my family and I get organized on the logistics needed for the gathering in a way that was sensitive, soulful, and sacred--and believe it or not, fun! I couldn't imagine not having her support and can't recommend her enough.
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From Karen
Emily Bootle is a knowledgable and compassionate speaker and facilitator. She shares her expertise in ways that truly resonates with, and engages her audiences; always leaving them more comfortable in the often uncomfortable conversations around dying, death, and after death care. Emily is extremely knowledgable and passionate about pregnancy and infant loss, and has the ability to discuss this tender topic with deep care, yet still addressing the difficult elements of this reality in ways that make a positive heartfull impact. At the Death Doula Network International We wouldn't hesitate to have Emily working with us again.
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From Tracy
Most people are unable to confidently make informed decisions on end-of-life matters before, during, and after death because they are unaware of the options available. This makes dying harder than it needs to be, for both those on the end-of-life journey, and their people. Emily is passionate about changing this reality. Her easeful, grounded nature combined with her wisdom and levity allows her to share essential information about end-of-life options with clarity and compassion. I have been fortunate to work with Emily over the years, witnessing her supporting folks individually, and in group settings. It is comforting to know that she is out in the world doing what she can to change the way we meet death.
“[Emily’s] easeful, grounded nature combined with her wisdom and levity allows her to share essential information about end-of-life options with clarity and compassion.”
