Sarah Barry laid the foundation for her end of life work by volunteering at Sacred Heart Hospice from 2005 - 2009, where, for one day each week, she companioned the dying.

She has a longstanding Vipassana meditation practice and training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). She graduated from CoFA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmedia in 1999, and a Master of Arts in Photomedia in 2001.

Working in her own business since 2002, as a professional consultant, has strengthened Sarah’s capacity for deep listening, staying grounded and practical in all situations.

Sarah began her Doula training through Preparing the Way in September 2020 and started her work with Life Rites shortly after. She began by working in our onsite mortuary, where, alongside our team, she consolidated the Life Rites model of after death body care. Care that every single person who comes to Life Rites receives.

As a mortality doula Sarah can sit calmly and intuitively with big emotions, complexity and deep conversations. She has a skill for bringing laughter into the mix, when appropriate. 

As a holistic funeral director, Sarah is knowledgeable, clear, and organised, and will make sure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

As a celebrant, Sarah listens carefully to your stories of your person, and asks questions that allow her to deliver a ceremony that authentically represents their life and personality.

As part of the LGBTQ+ community, Sarah understands the importance of chosen family, and is particularly attuned to the fears and concerns that can arise as end of life approaches.