Sovereign Departures
Death is as sacred a rite of passage, as birth. With the right preparation, guidance, communication and compassionate care, the experience can be profoundly loving and healing for the dying person and their loved ones. My services will help you claim sovereignty over your sacred end-of-life journey and I can walk with and support you and your loved ones before, during and after death. - Sherie
Empowered End-of-Life Journeys
Every experience of death shapes how we think and feel about dying, and these beliefs flow into how we live, grieve, and eventually face our own end of life. As an End-of-Life Doula and Death Coach, I walk alongside dying people, their carers and their loved ones, offering gentle guidance, practical support and a steady presence on this most tender, profound and sacred journey. Drawing on a wide range of non-medical skills and holistic approaches, I provide personalised care to meet emotional, practical, and spiritual needs, always with deep respect for each person’s values, wishes and beliefs. I believe that when we are willing to soften and be open and courageous about death and dying, love and hope can still shine through the heartbreak. In that light, grief can feel a little softer, and the journey, though hard, can be held with dignity, meaning and care.
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End-of-Life Doula & Death Coach
As an Death Doula and Holistic Healer I offer (non-medical) practical, emotional and spiritual support and companionship for dying people and their loved ones in the moments before, during and even after death. When is the best time to get in touch with an end-of-life doula? The truth is, none of us will fail to die and so, the best time is anytime well before the end of life. Planning for your own death ensures your final wishes are recorded, and you have gifted your loved ones with the peace of mind that they can best honour you and your wishes.
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Family-Led Funeral Guide
Funerals and memorials should strongly reflect an individual's personality and values and ideally they shouldn't result in burdensome debt for those left standing. Did you know there is no legal requirement to engage a Funeral Director or Celebrant in New Zealand? The choice is quite literally yours! With a little guidance you CAN do many things yourself, IF that is what you wish.
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Death Without Debt Facilitator
I coach individuals, teach workshops, and lead events and private group conversations across a range of death topics. The purpose of my work is to encourage people to embrace the wisdom and beauty of natural death, to decrease their death anxiety, understand their options, document their wishes and ditch the death phobia that keeps us all feeling isolated and alone with our beliefs about mortality.
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"I had no one else who could give me the anchored, experienced support that I needed during my mum’s last days on earth. I was lost, dense, and confused—so very confused. A lightbulb went on: Sherie from Sovereign Departures. I had followed Sherie for a while and remembered, in my time of need, how passionate and mission-led her work was. I reached out, and from our first call, Sherie placed me at the very centre of her heart, her service, and her presence. From there, I was held closely. Any questions I needed answered—and there were some hard questions—Sherie answered with the deepest care and wisdom. Right till the end, Sherie was there like a warm hug from angel wings. It’s rare to see someone with unconditional love for their mahi. I’m so pleased Sherie has a calling to do this work. She will help and support so many, just as she did for me. Not shying away from any part of the death and dying experience—a very gifted and special woman, and Sovereign Departures is her gift to the world and the people. I hope you find your way to her at your and your loved ones’ time of need. Ngā mihi nui"
Author 1
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""When my father was dying we reached out to Sherie for support with funeral planning. Conversations with Dad had stalled. As a Scotsman Dad was very thrifty and he swore black and blue that he didn't want a funeral at all because he saw them as "over-the-top expensive affairs, that would send us broke!" In a single conversation she was able to get Dad talking with us about it all again. She settled his mind that we could have a fitting farewell that wouldn't have to cost us thousands of dollars. With her guidance we discovered ways to save money and got the confidence to do things our way. Dad's farewell was a beautiful event for our family. It was Dad approved "cheap as chips" and just right for us. We are so grateful Sherie helped us honour Dad's wishes and properly celebrate his life.""
Author 2