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.