Ziri Rideaux, Owner and Funeral Director, grew up in her family tradition of Shamanism which includes communication with the ancestors who are highly honored and frequently consulted for guidance. In her early twenties, Ziri volunteered in various hospices and accompanied about 200 dying people through their transitions. After losing both parents and a number of close friends to cancer, Ziri became acutely aware of the lack of support for the dying and their loved ones in our current society. She conceived FRIENDS Funeral Home in order to help people embrace the dying process in natural ways, without fear and awkwardness. Ziri’s hope is to make death a profoundly meaningful experience for all involved that brings people closer together and reaffirms the beauty and value of life AND death.

Loss of a Sibling

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Losing a Sibling   The death of a sibling is the most neglected loss in adult life. Loss of a sibling means loss of someone who knew your formative past. Siblings are often our emotionally closest relatives. For that reason, “Survivors Guilt” and guilt over unresolved issues like rivalry with the sibling might linger for…

Why Home Wakes Are so Important

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When my mom passed away at age 61, I washed and dressed her in her bed, decorating the room with fabrics, flowers and candles. She had been adamant about not wanting to be in a dark cooling room with other bodies after her death. So I kept her on dry ice for three days, until…