Melissa Drasby is a Death Doula, Virtual Memorial Planner and the founder of Epitaph.
She naturally began exploring deathwork when her Father was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013. During the last years of his life, she witnessed first-hand the preparation, the fear, the love and the unknown that all takes place during the final stage of life. It was an experience that changed her perspective about dying and left her wanting to provide the support she wished she and her family had for individuals and families going through the dying process. In 2020, she began her formal studies with Alua Arthur and the Going with Grace End of Life Training Program which resulted in her becoming a certified Death Doula and End of Life Planner.
Melissa is particularly interested in creating safe spaces for folks of all ages to explore their feelings around death and dying and has hosted many virtual “Death Cafes.” In 2021, she began offering her services as a Virtual Memorial Planner and has been supporting families as they memorialize, honor and celebrate the life of their dear loved ones.
When Melissa is not doing deathwork, you can find her joyfully tending to the plants in her garden in Detroit, MI, taking nature walks with her dog, Johnny, and playing music with her friends.
Melissa is a proud partner with Afterword, a company that has been providing folks with a free virtual care team who helps them make important decisions with funeral planning & grief resources.