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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli speaks with Ruby Cohen Love, founder of Cafe Mortel, about reimagining what a funeral can be. Ruby shares her journey from struggling with fear of death and bipolar disorder to creating deeply personal and artistic memorials that reflect the true essence of a life.

Together, they explore how funerals and memorials can move beyond tradition, why planning ahead is a gift to loved ones, and how art, food, music, and personal storytelling transform grief into legacy. Ruby also opens up about envisioning her own funeral as a fashion exhibition, hosting “funeral rehearsals,” and her mission to design ceremonies that are authentic, beautiful, and sustainable.

Key takeaways:

How fear of death can evolve into creative meaning-making
The role of art, design, and ritual in end-of-life planning
What it means to create a funeral that truly reflects a person’s life
Why pre-planning is an act of love and service to family
How Cafe Mortel helps people design unforgettable memorials

This episode will inspire you to think differently about funerals, death, and the legacies we leave behind.

Links/Resources

Guest: Ruby Cohen Love – Cafe Mortel: https://www.cafemortel.world
Host: Traci Arieli – Comforting Closure: https://www.comfortingclosure.com

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From Fear of Death to Funeral Design: Ruby Cohen Love & Cafe Mortel