On the Table with Ashley Death Rituals Series: Funeral Decisions Every Family Should Talk About with Genevieve Keeney Vazquez, Part 1
Death rituals around the world are on the table today!
In the first episode of our Death Rituals series, we are joined by Genevieve Keeney Vasquez for a conversation about death rituals, cultural practices, and the power of honoring the dead with intention.
Genevieve Keeney Vazquez is a U.S. Army veteran who began her career as a medic, serving on military death response teams before transitioning into the funeral profession. She’s now the President and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston. Genevieve holds degrees in psychology and mortuary science, as well as a master’s in nonprofit and association management — and she’s dedicated her career to helping people better understand death, grief, and remembrance. Her path from the military to mortuary science to museum leadership offers such a fascinating window into how we find meaning, even in life’s most difficult moments.
Recorded just days after the loss of Genevieve’s mother, this episode holds space for grief in real time. In part 1 of this 2 part episode, Genevieve shares how early experiences with death shaped her life’s path, from a childhood fascination sparked by a tragic news story to her time as a U.S. Army medic stationed in Germany. Together, Ashley and Genevieve discuss why we avoid talking about death, how that avoidance impacts families when loss occurs, and why having conversations about burial, cremation, and memorial wishes ahead of time is an act of love.
Listen to the full episode, out now, on your favorite podcast platform.
Explore the Association of Death Education and Counseling
Explore the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services
Learn more about The National Museum of Funeral History
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