Practical support for humans at the end of life
O n D y i n g
Humans are mortal. There, I said it.
Each person reaches the end of life, and then they transition to what’s next. It is an intense individual effort but includes family and friends, just as birth does.
It’s a very important time, filled with so many emotions and practical details. The precious human dying, and their friends and family, could use some support.
H e r e t o G u i d e Y o u
What is an end-of-life-doula?
The EOL or Death Doula is a new name for an ancient role. The title sounds a little New Age, but the job really isn’t. The EOL Doula helps the person at the end of life, and their family and friends, as that person transitions to what’s next.
Back when death wasn’t hidden away, the process included elder aunts, family matriarchs, even trusted family friends who were accountants, funeral home directors, spiritual counselors. These folks guided and supported the dying person, their family and their close friends. Now we are cast adrift, and the health care professionals we turn to are not equipped for this.
The EOL Doula is there to do this work.
A b o u t M a r y
Mary Van Note
Born and raised in Savannah, GA, Mary went to a small New England liberal arts college and then had a successful marketing career in New York City, San Francisco, and Minneapolis.
As the baby of the family, Mary was a caretaker to elderly relatives from an early age, helped her parents and mother in-law transition, and finally was the main caretaker of her husband through cancer and death. Mary has also been blessed with a daughter, Claire, who has the curly hair and irreverent spirit of her mother.
Support and Guidance at Every Stage
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Compassionate presence through conversation, listening, and simply being there. Includes companionship, emotional support, grief guidance, and holding space with empathy.
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Assistance with living wills, funeral planning, and end-of-life organization. Helping families prepare with clarity, structure, and calm guidance.
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Creating meaningful ways to honor life — from legacy projects to life celebration rituals and personalized transition ceremonies.
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Support for family systems and caregivers as they navigate decisions, roles, and emotions throughout the process.
Dying is a human experience,
not a medical one.
Every person deserves compassion and care at the end of life. This work is rooted in respect, presence, and the belief that guidance through transition should be both human and accessible.
Get in Touch
If you or someone you love could use support, I’d be honored to connect. Feel free to email or text me at the number below or submit via the form to the right.
Mary Van Note
mary@vannote.com
612-710-1827
H o w I t w o r k s
What Happens Next
We’ll start with a conversation to understand your needs. After that, I’ll share whether I can help and, if so, provide an estimate for time and a short agreement.
If I’m not the right fit, I’ll recommend other options or resources. For private practice work, services are billed hourly on a sliding scale, with a 25% deposit to begin. Additional hours are billed biweekly with flexible payment terms.
If either of us decides to conclude services, we’ll simply align on an end date and settle any remaining time together.