The Death Network

The Death Network A collective for the living, the dying and the grieving. San Diego, CA
lnk.bio/thedeathnetwork

08/27/2026

Doula work isn’t like anything else, and it’s definitely not something you see a Help Wanted sign for.

I’m new to this work, and UVM gave me enough knowledge to know that I liked what I saw. But I needed more than that to transition from a decades long career in online sales and marketing into death work.

Get certified wherever you feel is a good fit for you. That’s where you’ll start building the foundation for your work, after that it’s up to you to figure it out.

I often say Death Doulas fill the gaps… And I think we all recognize that the biggest gap right now is what happens after somebody becomes certified? Especially if that’s their only Doula experience. How do you get hands on experience?

My path included volunteering for TIP San Diego which taught me how to step into the unknown and fill the gap when sudden death means urgent decisions. I also worked as a funeral coordinator which helped me uncover that I love working with the families and guiding them after death occurs, whether it’s a home funeral or with a funeral home.

There is enough work for all of us, and since doula work isn’t regulated you get to decide how you show up in this space.

Keep in mind who you’re showing up for and, know what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not. That comes from spending time with the dying, dead and grieving 💗

Summer funerals don’t have to mean head-to-toe black, and thankfully, pantyhose are no longer a requirement! Yes, you ca...
08/25/2026

Summer funerals don’t have to mean head-to-toe black, and thankfully, pantyhose are no longer a requirement!

Yes, you can go a little more casual. A bit of color is perfectly appropriate - especially neutrals, muted tones, or deep, rich earth tones. Longer dresses are a great choice, and when it comes to shoes, keep them practical. You may be standing, walking, or spending time outdoors.

And before you go shopping, look in your own closet. You might be surprised what’s already there.

A simple black jumpsuit or dress + a kimono or lightweight sweater = funeral ready.

The goal isn’t to look fancy. It’s to look respectful, appropriate, and put together.

And when in doubt, dress up. If it feels appropriate, you can always ask about the dress code.



Do Death Different.

Layers are important, especially if you’ll be transitioning from the AC indoors to a graveside burial service.

A long flowy dress with a lightweight sweater is a great option. Pants with a lightweight blouse can help keep you comfortable indoors or out.

Wear practical shoes as the ground can be uneven in most cemeteries.

Who remembers the days of pantyhose? Thank goodness that’s in the past!

Knee length dresses are appropriate for a funeral, keep the style and pattern simple. Nothing too bold or eye-catching.

Be practical and check in your closet before going out to buy something to wear to a funeral Often times a basic jumpsuit or dress can be transformed into the ideal funeral outfit.

The addition of a shawl, kimono or lightweight sweater provides a flexibility to keep you comfort all day long whether you’re indoors or outdoors.

When in doubt - dress up!

A funeral is a time to pay respects to the person who died and those who are grieving. Even if you didn’t know the person well, dressing appropriately is the biggest sign of respect.

Someone dies at home. Now what?It’s a question most of us don’t think about until we’re suddenly living it.Penny Waugh o...
08/25/2026

Someone dies at home. Now what?

It’s a question most of us don’t think about until we’re suddenly living it.

Penny Waugh of The Death Network and Sophie Steilen from Meadow Memorials get right to it in this short, no-nonsense conversation about what happens when someone dies at home - including who to call, what happens next, and how hospice can make the process a little more straightforward.

And here’s something many people don’t know: you may have time to say goodbye before your person leaves home. In California, there are legal options for spending time with your person after death, including a vigil or home funeral. Death doulas are often well versed at guiding basic body care after death and helping to create an authentic send off.

Know your options before you need them. It can make an incredibly difficult moment feel a little less overwhelming.

🤍 Link in bio to watch this short and informative 2-minute video or The Death Network YouTube channel

Do you have a question about death or dying? Let us know!
Penny Waugh Meadow Memorials

That’s how we Do Death Different.

08/23/2026

The Death Network is still taking shape.

It’s growing organically within the community and honestly, I think that’s what makes it so interesting.

Two years ago, I never imagined the professional death-care community would rally around a handful of Death Doulas in San Diego the way they have.

But they did.

Hospice professionals. Funeral directors. Medical Aid in Dying advocates. Grief workers. Educators. End-of-life guides. And a whole lot of smart, passionate people who believe there’s another way to approach death and dying.

Nothing quite like this has existed here before - and it’s a game changer for the families we serve.

So what’s next?

Honestly… I don’t know.

And that’s the fun part.

We’re figuring it out together.
Doing Death Different.

I want to thank everyone who has supported TDN along the way 🔥💗 and much gratitude to those who have been 🪏the path alongside me, the TDN OGs Selena Jong Tara Novak Kara Hallett, M.Ed ꩜ End-of-Life Educator and Death Doula Orchid Cremations Savannah| The Pink Mortician 💖 LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care Autonomy Health with Donald Moore, MD Christa Folkers

08/21/2026

Turning 60 has made me think differently about life and learning.

I stepped into death work just three years ago, and I’m very aware that learning from the people who have been doing this work longer than I have is vital to my success.

I want to learn from the people who have walked this path before me - the ones who have done the hard work, asked the uncomfortable questions, challenged the status quo, and approached death and dying with authenticity and compassion.

That’s why I’m excited to read Death Doula Kacie’s new book, Laboring Out of Life. Death Doula Kacie Kacie brings her own experience and perspective to the conversation around death, dying, and the work of accompanying people through it. I’m looking forward to learning from what she has discovered along the way and adding another voice to the growing body of wisdom available to those of us doing this work today.

We don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

We can honor the people who came before us by listening, learning, questioning, and carrying the work forward.

And at 60? I’m ready to soak up as much wisdom as I can!

Thanks for the sweet birthday gift, Kacie 💗 If you’d like to order a copy, head over to Death Doula Kacie

Two opportunities. One big topic. 💀🖤This month, we’re gathering for Death Cafe twice! It’s a chance to come together, gr...
08/19/2026

Two opportunities. One big topic. 💀🖤

This month, we’re gathering for Death Cafe twice! It’s a chance to come together, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and talk about something we don’t often get invited to talk about: death, dying and grief.

No agenda. No experts. No pressure to share. Just curious humans having honest conversations about death, life, grief, meaning, and everything in between.

Because when we make space to talk about death, we can make a little more space to live fully, too.

☕️ Join us for one of our two Death Cafe gatherings this month - we’d love to see you!

💫 Saturday 8/22 10-11:30 Seaside Center for Spiritual Living Encinitas 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 - 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀 Selena Jong Penny Waugh
💫 Sunday 8/31 11:30-1:00 Om Center for Spiritual Living La Mesa Suzette Wehunt Penny Waugh Kara Hallett, M.Ed ꩜ End-of-Life Educator and Death Doula

Come as you are. Bring your questions, your stories, your curiosity—or just come listen.

Let’s lift the taboo together. 🖤

RSVP link in bio or MeetUp/The Death Network

08/10/2026

Hey there! It’s time to announce our winners from Drinks, Death and the Deep Blue Sea.
Thanks to everyone who showed up for our very first death-education-on-a-boat-event 🚢💀🩵 Amazing to see the movement growing towards lifting the taboo and bringing creativity and authenticity back into the end-of-life transition. We call that Doing Death Differently 😎

Let’s get to it….
🎉 Kim you’ve won a 1 year subscription to Your Digital Vault
🎉 Jamie - you’ve won a 2 hour planning session with Funeral Pre-Planning San Diego
🎉 Tara is the winner of 2 weeks unlimited yoga South Park Yoga and Wellness
🎉 And Anita is the winner of a fabulous tshirt from Death & Dresses
➡️Winners will receive an email with details.
Thanks to our Known & Trusted partners for donating these prizes 💗

Hope to see you soon! Our next Death Cafe is 8/22 10-11:30 am 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 - 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀
🔗 Link in bio for all events

08/07/2026

Just 2 years ago, we started hosting community groups like Death Cafe…. Tomorrow we depart on an educational voyage with 100 others who believe in Doing Death Differently 🚢💀🩵

Don’t get us wrong, we love a good power point presentation too…. But sometimes we’d rather hang out on a sunset cruise, learn about sea burial and have transparent dialogue about death and dying with the pros than sit in an uncomfortable chair and stare at a screen.

There is a movement growing to bring death education out of the shadows - thank you San Diego for showing up and supporting our unconventional ways 🌴💀☀️

If your joining the voyage tomorrow, be sure to say hello to these OG Networkers who helped start it all
Penny Waugh
Selena Jong
Tara Novak
Kara Hallett, M.Ed ꩜ End-of-Life Educator and Death Doula
Christa Folkers
(Miss you Savannah| The Pink Mortician 💖 💗)

And our known and trusted partners
Water and Ash Burials
LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care
Autonomy Health with Donald Moore, MD
Gillian Roehrig/San Diego Realtor
Funeral Pre-Planning San Diego
White Rose Aqua Cremation

So excited for special guest Death & Dresses 📸💋to join us!

🚗 paid parking available
✅ check in starts at 5:15
🚢 depart at 6 return to dock at 8
‼️ it’s Saturday night in San Diego, please give yourself plenty of time to park and plan on checking in at 5:15. We will depart on time at 6 PM.
🩵 sea you tomorrow!

08/02/2026

I’m not a captain, I just play one on Instagram 🤣
Hi, it’s Penny Waugh from The Death Network and our first-ever Drinks, Death, & The Deep Blue Sea sunset cruise is almost here, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone aboard!

A few reminders before we set sail:

🚙 Arrive early! It’s a Saturday in San Diego, so give yourself plenty of time to find parking. There is a paid lot at H&M Landing but it can be busy on the weekends.

⏰ Check-in begins at 5:15 PM, and we’ll be departing promptly at 6:00 PM.

🧥 Bring a light jacket or sweater. Even in August, it can get a little chilly once we’re out at sea.

💬 Bring your questions! We’ll have an incredible crew of end-of-life professionals onboard, and this is a wonderful opportunity to ask about burial at sea, funeral options, advance planning, death doulas, grief, and all the things we don’t talk about nearly enough.
Tara Novak
LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care
Funeral Pre-Planning San Diego
Autonomy Health with Donald Moore, MD
Water and Ash Burials
Gillian Roehrig/San Diego Realtor
White Rose Aqua Cremation
Death & Dresses

We’ll enjoy drinks, meaningful conversation, and a mock sea burial ceremony as we explore one of the most unique and environmentally conscious ways to return to the earth.

If you’re joining us, I can’t wait to see you onboard. And if you’re still thinking about it… there are a few tickets left!

🔗 Link in bio or MeetUp/TheDeathNetwork

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San Diego, CA
92110

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