The Death Dialogues: Thanatology 101 – The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful

Join us on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre for an evening that invites thoughtful conversation about one of life’s most universal experiences: grief. Part of Beechwood’s Death Dialogues series, this event is designed to build loss literacy, helping individuals and communities better understand death, dying, and bereavement. These gatherings create a respectful and open environment where difficult topics can be explored with honesty, curiosity, and compassion. The evening will feature Dina Bell-Laroche, a Certified Thanatologist, bereavement educator, author, and grief doula. Dina’s work is shaped by her personal experience of losing her younger sister at the age of 31, an event that transformed her understanding of grief and ultimately led her to dedicate her life to supporting others navigating loss. Dina studies thanatology at King’s University College and works with individuals and communities to better understand the realities of grief. She is also the author of Grief Unleashed and speaks widely about creating healthier conversations around death, loss, and healing. During this engaging session, Dina will introduce the fundamentals of thanatology, the study of death and loss, while exploring the realities that come with grief: the difficult moments, the unexpected lessons, and even the beauty that can emerge when we allow ourselves to talk openly about loss. Whether you are experiencing grief, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to better understand the human experience surrounding death, this Death Dialogue offers a meaningful and welcoming space for learning and reflection. Event Details Monday, May 19, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. Beechwood National Memorial Centre 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa Come be part of a conversation that reminds us that understanding death can deepen our appreciation for life.