Compassionate End-of-Life Planning & Family Guidance
Supporting individuals and families in San Diego and beyond with advanced care planning, legacy work, and end-of-life support.
I work with people all over the world to focus on the loving connections that are the underpinning of our relationships. Whether your loved one has two legs or four, I can help navigate the dying process for all concerned.
Client Testimonials
Hello, I am Roseana, and I have terminal cancer. After throwing chemo and radiation at it for a year, the treatments are making me feel sicker and sicker to the point I couldn’t do it anymore. Besides, the cancer I have isn’t curable anyway. A couple of months ago, a friend put me in touch with Melissa, who has been with me for every step since. I am being honest when I say that I really don’t know how I can consider dying in peace without her presence, as there are SO many things to consider when one knows they are dying soon. I’ve come to know Melissa as a family member of mine. She’s been there for me when my biological family couldn’t. Melissa knows “her stuff” and has guided me in the best direction for my personal choices. I feel confident going forward with my death plan. You can say that I trust Melissa with not only what remains of my life, but just as important, my death. I trust her to be there for my family after I’m gone. Simply put, I love Melissa as a sister.
-Roseana (Written July 2025. Roseana died August 31, 2025. You can read about her journey here.)
I can’t thank Mel enough for the gift she gave me in being able to have that last beautiful experience with my aunt. I will never forget the connection and deep love I felt being able to share memories and feelings with her. I’m incredibly grateful to Mel for giving me peace and acceptance of my aunt’s journey to the other side.
-Joyce
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mel’s expertise, compassion, and dedication to ensuring a peaceful and dignified transition of my loved ones. Mel has left an indelible mark on my heart. I recommend Mel to anyone seeking support during the dying process.
-Julie
I'm Mel, your advocate for compassionate care at the end-of-life.
As your death doula, I work with you to give you and your loved ones the death, memorial, and legacy that best reflects acts of loving connection.
I also help families who are experiencing an “unexpected death” navigate their choices of body disposition, memorial planning, and lasting legacies of love.
Upcoming Events
O.C. Virtual Death Cafe
First Tuesday of every month
4:30 – 6 p.m. (Pacific Time)
RSVP: melissa@lastactsoflove.com for zoom link
Virtual Terminal Talk
Twice Monthly | Second Wednesday of every month plus one flexible date
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Pacific Time)
RSVP: melissa@lastactsoflove.com for zoom link
San Diego Virtual Death Cafe
Fourth Wednesday of every month
6:30 – 8 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Join me for my original Death Cafe, started in June 2020, and held every month since.
RSVP: melissa@lastactsoflove.com for Zoom link
Solana Beach Death Cafe
Wednesday, April 22, June 24, August 26, October 28, 1-2:30 PM
Join me for a light lunch and deep conversation every other month in Solana Beach, CA. The venue is private, so RSVP to melissa@lastactsoflove.com to reserve your seat.
Ask An End-of-Life Doula
Friday, April 24, June 5, August 28, October 9, 10:30-Noon
Join Eva Navarrete and me for a 90-minute, dual-language discussion at the Vista Senior Center in Vista, CA.
We meet on the select Fridays featured in the flyer.
Vista Death Cafe
Wednesday, June 3, September 2, and October 7
1 – 2 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Vista Senior Center
1400 Vale Terrace
Vista, CA 92084
Founder of National Healthcare Decisions Day. In-person or on Zoom.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
3 p.m. (Pacific Time
San Diego Foundation
Banc of California Building
900 Canterbury Place
Room 300
Escondido, CA 92025
Zoom Meeting ID: 881 7103 6584
Passcode: TBsf2e
"We all have to find our own ways to say goodbye."
- Sherman Alexie
Featured Articles
People Exclusive - Three part Series
Microdosing Mushrooms, a Mountain View and One Wicked Game of Poker: A Calif. Woman’s Last Day of Life
Roseana Spangler-Sims, 72, had stage 4 pancreatic cancer and ended her life on Aug. 31 through Medical Aid in Dying — with her family by her side.
This Calif. Woman Is Dying of Pancreatic Cancer: ‘Why I’m Choosing to End My Life in 2 Days’
Roseana Spangler-Sims, 72, will use California’s medical aid in dying (MAID) law to end her life on Sunday. She’s sharing her story to raise awareness about the option.
Calif. Woman, 72, Reveals How She’s Spending Her Final Hours Before Ending Her Life to Escape Pancreatic Cancer
Roseana Spangler-Sims will use California’s Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) law to end her life on Sunday, Aug. 31.
Services
30-MINUTE CONSULTATION
FREE
Discuss what your needs are and how I can help you.
COMFORT PACKAGE
$750
Navigate life’s final chapter with care and intention.
CONSOLATION PACKAGE
$1100
Give your loved one a tender farewell that honors their life and reflects your love, even after an unexpected death.
COMPASSION PACKAGE
$2500
Embrace Life’s end with total support, knowing every detail is handled with care.