Meet the Apprentice
From corner-office to cubicle…
A life and death decision…
I have been drawn to Deathcare work for decades, but given that I barely passed grade nine science class a career in palliative nursing didn’t seem attainable. And every time I looked into becoming a funeral director, I realized I would have to give up my corner office, go back to school for two years, and literally become an apprentice (again). It was really scary and it didn’t seem like a practical choice, but I couldn’t put it out of my mind.
Christa Ovenell, Founder at Death’s Apprentice.
Eventually, I decided that my life needed to include death in a radical way, and so I resigned from my job as Principal of Canada’s largest international college, left my position on the provincially appointed Council of Articulation and Transfer and applied to be a student at funeral school. I completed the gruelling apprenticeship at a large corporate funeral home (and I am now proud to work with a local, independent facility that puts people before profits).
Education is in my DNA—my mom was a lifelong teacher, my eldest is an academic and my niece and nephew work in schools too. We have a lot to learn as a society about death, because for too long we have been ok with denying its important lessons. I was initially very shy about admitting I was a 50 year old apprentice, but now I know that the “beginner’s mind” is one in which the best learnings can happen. I am proud to be Death’s Apprentice.
Overheard…
“My mother hadn’t done anything to get her affairs in order and it caused so much stress and tension for all of us kids—not just after she died, but while she was navigating the healthcare system before that too. I wouldn’t wish what we went through on anyone. I knew had to do something so I wouldn't my own kids in that type of situation but I didn’t know where to start. A couple of hours with Death’s Apprentice helped me put a plan in place and I feel so relieved now. ”
—Jennifer J, Self-Guided Advance Care Planning client
“This is hard work. Staring down your mortality is one thing, but actually completing the tasks associated with end-of-life planning is just plain difficult. Christa somehow makes it not just manageable, but enjoyable .”
— Alex M, Holistic Advance Care Planning client
“Christa is a gifted educator, and a truly gentle soul. I thought doing this work would be overwhelming and scary to tell the truth, but it was the exact opposite. I feel ready!”
—Monique P, Holistic Advance Care Planning client
Have something else in mind?
We get it. You’ve never really thought about this before. If you want something you don’t see listed here, reach out. We can make it happen, together.