Meet Patrice Lester | End-of-Life Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrice Lester and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Ebb Tide End-of-Life Doula Service evolved after becoming a hospice volunteer visiting patients nearing their end-of-life journey. Most persons entering hospice are prepared and have their funeral and burial plans in place and also have their financial and other affairs in order, However, that is not the case with the majority of people who have not had to think about such things. Or, if they do think about these matters, the thoughts remain in that part of the brain that says “later.” This prompted me to ask the question: “What happens if someone passes quite suddenly or suffers some catastrophic medical emergency or accident?” The answer is the burden is laid on the family who is not only dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, but now must navigate the funeral and burial process as well as cleaning up medical, insurance, financial, and other administrative tasks all while handling their grief. The goal of Ebb Tide End-of-Life Doula Service is to assist clients not only with having an Advanced Health Care Directive in place, but also provide other services such as caretaker respite / relief, end-of-life vigil, and post-room / home organization when a loved one has passed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 35 plus years working in various administrative and financial / budget administrator positions, I retired a year ago May. I was admittedly at loose ends at first. It was a huge adjustment not only to not have to make the one- to one and one half hour commute each way to the office, but to not have to respond to urgent emails or other tasks that needed completing “asap.” But, once I had time to adjust and to put some thought into “what next?” I found fulfillment not only as a volunteer at a local food bank, but also volunteering with hospice patients. Working with them (hospice patients) inspired me to start my doula business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well. That is a tough question because I live with my best friend and our favorite place to hang out is our house. We rarely go out and if we do, it is early and to a local favorite restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout should go to my husband, Art Lester, who not only encouraged me in this somewhat unusual line of work, but helped me think through my idea for developing the business. I also must acknowledge all the other doulas who are part of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance.

Website: https://www.ebbtideendoflife.com

Image Credits
Les Dishman Photography.