Welcome to The Dying Year

The Dying Year is a metaphor for embracing dying as a state of living. It encompasses many things - acceptance, preparation, gathering support, and living life to the fullest.

None of this necessarily lasts a year. It is a period of time in which we discuss advance care planning for healthcare, finances, and natural funeral and burial options. As health declines, we line up support that maximizes community and family resources, and we plan for a well-attended, peaceful death. Grief is also present.
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It’s been my privilege to work with families in transition since 1980, first as a home birth midwife, then as a hospice nurse, and now as a consultant and doula. I offer end of life doula online training services. Please let me know how I can help you and your loved ones.           —Merilynne

What You Will Find Here:

​Trainings Services Resources

Meet Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN​

I have been working with families in transition since 1980 as a home birth midwife, labor and delivery nurse, hospice nurse, and end-of-life doula mentor and trainer. It has been my privilege to work with numerous families in Michigan, throughout the US, and in Nicaragua and India in the areas of birth and death. It is my joy to teach, consult and guide individuals, families, and other healthcare professionals and caregivers about end-of-life issues. Se habla espanol. I received my SageUSA Caring for LGBT Older Adults endorsement in 2020, and I participate in a white caucus study group for leaders concerned about institutional racism.
I have a Master of Science degree in Hospice and Palliative Studies and a Nurse Educator Certificate from Madonna University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, and a BA in Humanities and Women's Studies from Michigan State University. I am a Certified Respecting Choices® First Steps Advance Care Planning Instructor. In service to nonprofit organizations, I served as President of the National End-of-life Doula Alliance (NEDA) from its founding in 2018 to October, 2020), I sit on the NHPCO End-of-life Doula Council, and I have served on the board of directors of the Green Burial Council, the National Home Funeral Alliance, Michigan Doula Connection, and the Washtenaw Health Initiative Advance Care Planning Committee.

What's Happening?

End-of-Life Doulas
Wednesday Discussion Group
12 pm EDT, 9 am PDT
End-of-Life Doula Online Training Services​
  • Aug 4 - Sept. 1
  • Sept. 12 - Oct. 10
Advance Care Planning
Respecting Choices® First Steps Facilitator training.
  • Sept. 29, 11 am - 4:30 pm EDT
  • LIVE online via zoom
For all types of care providers. Learn to help others designate a healthcare advocate, share their wishes with them, and complete an Advance Directive.
Home Funeral
Become a Home Funeral Guide!
  • Nov. 17, 10 am - 5 pm EDT
  • LIVE online (TBD)
Instruct families in how to care for their own dead at home and/or have a green burial. Learn all of the legal aspects and safety precautions, as well as ceremony and support.
"I first met Merilynne in person at the National Home Funeral Alliance conference in Raleigh in 2013.  However, MONTHS before she had reached out to me as "the local" to help with marketing, contacting vendors, and making necessary phone calls.  What a dynamo!!  This woman is in-charge, on-point, and top-rate in every aspect related to home funeral and after death home care.  I have so much respect for her and her abilities to organize and get us to where we need to be.  Thank you, Merilynne, for all you do!  It has been a real blessing to know and learn from you through the years."
                                                         ​—Sara Williams, Shrouding Sisters
Sign up for our newsletter and receive a free article, Compassionate Communities: A Public Health Approach to End-of-Life Care by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN