Seeing Death Clearly From Fear of Death to Funeral Director: Tasha Dugan’s Journey at Philadelphia’s Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery
What happens when a childhood fear of death transforms into a lifelong calling? Funeral director Tasha Dugan, who works at the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, shares her powerful journey from being a frightened child at funerals to guiding families through grief, legacy, and healing. Her story shows how facing death directly can open doors to conscious living, spiritual growth, and death positivity.
Tasha was born in South Philadelphia and raised partly in North Carolina before returning at age seven. Inspired by her aunt, who worked for the medical examiner’s office, she grew fascinated with the stories behind every death. That curiosity led her to work as an autopsy technician at Temple Hospital and eventually to become a funeral director, a role she has embraced for more than 15 years. Today, she finds joy in helping families participate in rituals such as green burials and hands-on care, creating profound opportunities for healing and closure.
Her journey has also been deeply spiritual. Once afraid of dying, she now embraces it as part of life’s cycle and helps others do the same. She advocates for sustainable practices like aquamation and natural burial, honoring both loved ones and the earth. Her most meaningful moments come when she sees a grieving family move from pain to peace, knowing their loved one has been honored with compassion and dignity.
Laurel Hill itself has a rich history. Founded in 1836, it was a leader in America’s rural cemetery movement, designed by Scottish-born architect John Notman as both a burial ground and a landscaped arboretum along the Schuylkill River. Families once hired renowned sculptors to craft elaborate monuments, turning the site into one of Philadelphia’s first cultural attractions. Today, Laurel Hill East and West span 265 acres of gardens, art, and history, serving as both sacred ground and a public space for remembrance, reflection, and education.
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