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.
This morning I had arranged for the viewing of a 55-year old man, who had peacefully died in his sleep, in his bed, of congestive heart failure. Afterwards, the family asked me to tell them “where did he go?” I answered he didn’t go anywhere, he’s right here with us. He just dropped his body…
Memorial Ceremony for a young victim of drug overdose with moving speeches, sharing from the heart and music at Green Hills Memorial Park in Palos Verdes, followed by luxury reception at Trump Golf Course and release of sky lanterns over the ocean with 150 people present. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary…
Beach Memorial and Drum Circle Ceremony and Drum Circle Memorial at the beach in the middle of a beautiful, warm rain storm for 100 friends and family of a deceased local business man, including moving speeches, songs and afterwards dance party at a local villa. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Three Day Home Wake with Closing-of-Chakras Ceremony Three Day Home Wake End-of-Life celebration for a lovely lady and her 30 family members and friends, including sound bath and closing-of-the-chakras ceremony, washing and anointing of decedent assisted by her daughters, a separate ceremony for infant grand-daughters, followed by cremation. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Christian End-of-Life Celebration at Malibou Lake Mountain Club Christian End-of-Life Celebration including priest, speeches, songs, photo exhibits in beautiful scenery at the Malibou Lake Mountain Club, followed by luxury Taco Bar food and reception for 100 people. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Church Service, Pool Reception and Burial Viewing and Catholic Church service at Saint Ann Church (Santa Monica) including Rosary and Mass for about 150 people, followed by burial at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Culver City, followed by catered pool reception in Marina Del Rey. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Viewing and Church Funeral Catholic funeral service for a young man, with his family and friends present, including Viewing, Rosary, Mass, followed by cremation. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Baptist Funeral Service Baptist Funeral Service for 150 people including viewing, many beautiful musical performances, speeches and prayers followed by a repass and cremation. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
End-of-Life Beach Celebration End-of-Life Beach Memorial for a young man. There were about 300 people present to speak, read poems, sing, pray, dance, juggle with fire, cry, laugh, set off sky lanterns and celebrate him. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary
Burial at Rose Hills Memorial Park Burial of young man who passed in an accident, preceded by an overnight home wake with Catholic priest, Rosary and Mass at his home for 80 people. Friends – Funeral Home – Alternative Funerals – Mortuary