As Bright As Heaven – on Death and Dying

Presenters Tish Butson, Shona Louis, and Janine McNaul discuss Susan Meissner’s novel As Bright As Heaven. Set in 1918 Philadelphia, as troops continue to leave the U.S. to fight in Europe and the Spanish flu takes hold of their city, a family that has already suffered the loss of a child meets the challenges and turmoil of a life they could never have imagined.

Tish, Shona, and Janine all have experience in palliative care, and bring their knowledge to a book club-like discussion about the many ways death affects individuals, families, neighbourhoods, and the larger society around them. Guests will be able to participate in a general conversation moderated by TSF Board Secretary Holly Lillico.

Please note that Townsend Smith Foundation does not offer counselling and that this session is aimed at people who are interested in discussing our common concern – how we meet adversity and live meaningful lives that must inevitably end.

Janine McNaul is a death doula who has been a hospice volunteer and worked with RCMP Victim Services. Her personal experience of stillbirth has opened her to hearing the stories of others who are grieving.

Shona Louis trained with Janine as a death doula, and is a hospice nurse in South Halton. She wants to de-stigmatize the topic of death, and bring the resources of “the village” to help at the end of life.

Tish Butson is a retired nurse with experience in palliative and geriatric care and many years volunteer service with Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, Halton Elder Services Advisory Committee, and Halton CARP. A former TSF Board Director, Tish is eager to see a hospice residence built for the growing population of North Halton.