OC Virtual Death Cafe

The O.C. Virtual Death Cafe is the place to be to immerse yourself in a lively discussion around dying and death. Anyone who is curious about dying and death is welcome.

Are you looking for a safe place to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear what others say? At our long-running  O.C. Virtual Death Cafe, we welcome all opinions and topics, provided the guidelines that keep the discussions safe and accessible are respected. Please RSVP to: melissa@lastactsoflove.com for the Zoom link or more information.

The History of the OC Virtual Death Cafe

Southern California resident and end-of-life doula Linda Barnard co-hosted the first Orange County Death Cafe in October 2021 with veteran San Diego Death Cafe host, Dr. Mitsuo “Mits” Tomita. What started as a mid-COVID monthly meetup has continued to flourish as a virtual monthly discussion. Linda continued to host the Orange County Death Cafe after Mits was unavailable to co-host monthly. Linda decided to step down as host in September 2024.

In October 2024, Linda asked San Diego Virtual Death Cafe host Melissa ‘Mel’ McClave to take over hosting duties of the Orange County Death Cafe. Mel made the Orange County Death Cafe a permanent virtual meeting and changed the name to OC Virtual Death Cafe.

Deathwork in Orange County California

For over 100 years, the residents of Orange County, California have thoughtfully cared for their dead. Orange County is home to about one million residents, all of whom will die. The ethnic diversity of the county requires a thoughtful approach to cultural rituals and modern legacy options.

Leisure World in Seal Beach and Laguna Hills are Orange County’s premiere retirement communties. Residents of Lesiure World buy into their community knowing that it will be their home at the end of life. Residents are serviced nearby mortuaries and cemeteries.

In May 2024, Barbara McMurray founded the Orange County Deathworkers Alliance to bring together traditional and new-age practicioners of end-of-life care providers. The alliance currently includes caregiver services, end-of-life doulas, physicians, memorial artists, and authors who write extensively on end of life topics.