Meet the Apprentice
I went from a corner-office to a cubicle (and I wouldn’t change a thing).
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.
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 (at nearly 50).
That felt 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 Education & Planning.
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. I’m now proud to work with a local, woman-owned & independent facility that is a leader in family-led and alternative death-caring practices.
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’m very proud to be an apprentice to life’s greatest teacher. The lessons I’m learning will continue right up till the day I die.
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, Personal Planning client
“This is hard work. My father’s dementia path has been long and until Christa showed up, very difficult to navigate. She pulls the various threads together, making my father feel seen, and making the rest of us feel like we can handle what’s coming next.
— Alex M, Dementia Support client
“The most impactful workplace wellness seminar I’ve ever attended. Practical, timely, with incredibly useful takeaways ”
—Courtney Z, corporate wellness program attendee
“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, Prep School alumni
Curious to learn more about me?
Let’s get to know each other a little better.