Welcome to The Death Network

It’s pretty simple, death is the one thing that unites us all but as a society we tend to turn a blind eye to it until it can’t be ignored. And, then we are unsure about how to navigate all the complexity death and dying can bring which can result in stress, frustration, and isolation.

The Death Network was born from a conversation that gained traction within our community and then started to breathe new life into how we were approaching our own lives. Accepting our mortality has caused us to make some big shifts in our lifestyles and mindsets. Talking about death can be hard, our mission is to remove the taboo and create a safe space for everyone to explore what their mortality means to them.

Meet The Team

Penny Waugh

Founder & CEO

To me, death isn’t just something that happens at the end of life — it’s a part of every moment. Viewing life through this lens has made me more intentional with my time and relationships. My hope is that by exploring grief and death, we can spark honest conversations about how we want our end-of-life experiences to unfold.

My own journey began with an internal calling that I wasn’t living my life’s purpose. I had two choices: ignore the voice and keep distracting myself with unhealthy habits, or listen. I chose the latter after a period of burnout and spiritual emptiness. In a moment of pause (thanks to a broken foot!), I realized that healing my grief and trauma was the key to discovering my true self. This journey of self-discovery and healing has been transformative, and I’ve learned that it’s never too late to begin.

left a 30-year corporate career to become a certified Death Doula and certified Funeral Coordinator. This combination allows me to walk alongside the dying and their loved ones from the onset of the journey all the way through to final disposition. I now dedicate my life to supporting others in exploring their own mortality. I’ve learned to embrace self-compassion and discovery, and to surround myself with people who nurture my growth. I’ve shifted my priorities to focus on connection and living authentically.

For me, a meaningful life includes crafting an end-of-life experience that truly reflects who I am. I envision my loved ones gathering to celebrate me with laughter and love, sharing stories that honor my unique journey. After I die, I want to be lowered into the earth naturally, just as I was born.

Yiru Pace

Chief Innovation Architect

As a member of Generation Z, the concept of “death” has often felt distant and unfamiliar. So when I was introduced to the idea of “The Death Network”, I was curious - which led me to explore a realm I had never considered before.

After doing some research, I realized a shared sentiment among people of my age - a lack of knowledge about death. Many individuals like myself were unsure about the appropriate things to say or wear at a funeral. It became evident that our generation is not adequately prepared for the inevitable, and this ignited my passion for change.

‘Doing Death Different’ to me means a shift towards greater awareness and education. I want to contribute to a more informed and open conversation among my peers about death.

Meghan Rotkosky

Culture and Communications Chief

Having recently navigated the death of a parent, I encountered a maze of emotions, logistics, and decisions. As a typical Millennial, I was astonished to see how the death, burial, and funeral industries are stuck in the past, especially in terms of technology. When Penny first mentioned her passion to create a community that navigates and educates on the delicate but significant process of death, I jumped at the opportunity.

We go through metaphorical and literal deaths throughout our lives: the death of loved ones, dreams, relationships, and different chapters of our lives. Don’t we deserve a network that destigmatizes and educates those of us living in the present, not the past? Everyone should be able to Do Death Differently, in a way that is authentic and natural to them, and I am so excited to be a part of that.

Man under red light wearing a hat, earrings, red jacket, and leopard print bandana with black net around his face

Brendan Reilly

Afterlife Architect

Growing up, I was taught the idea that death is a part of life, nothing to be fearful of, but to be aware of as a sure thing regardless. Memento mori; remember, you too shall die. And so, with the knowledge that our purpose here on Earth is to spread as much joy and compassion as possible before that happens, I want to contribute to a more just, equitable, and creative world any way that I am able. The concept of death has always been a guidestone.

‘Death’ can mean change, not necessarily tragedy, though grief in the face of loss is always understandable and welcome. The opportunity to write for The Death Network came along during a period of great change, and I’m grateful for the role this organization plays.

To ‘Do Death Different’ is to approach all aspects of life and death with an open-hearted, honest compassion and to allow for the non-prescriptive. It means taking a holistic approach to our presence and impact during our life and after, caring for everyone and everything around us we might affect or have affected, and operating with a desire to leave the place just a little bit better than we found it.

Selfie of woman with blue eyes and dark brown hair wearing black shirt

Elaina Lilienthal

Afterlife Architect

As a new mom, I've had to really ask myself for the first time, "What happens when I die?" I've had to make plans for what happens to her when I am gone. It was surprisingly difficult to figure out how to make official plans. People shouldn't wait until they are facing death to get their affairs in order. The Death Network helps get everything in place, all in one place.

Doing Death Different means showing people death and grief don't have to be a taboo subject. We should be open and honest about our fears and struggles when it comes to the topic. I'm excited to help create a safe space to do that.

Autumn Fowler

Afterlife Intern

As it becomes a more relevant topic within my family, I became interested in delving into the profound and often challenging realm of death. The Death Network has allowed me to utilize my interest in technology to gain perspective on death, especially the changing attitudes surrounding it in recent years. Many in my age group see death as far off and don’t consider its effects on their lives now. The Death Network offers an opportunity for us to understand our impact in the evolving deathcare and funeral industry as we get older and need to make these decisions for the people around us and eventually ourselves.

Death is a change that can be painful, but also an opportunity for growth. Every day, I am learning from the stories shared on our platform, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and perspectives related to death and how each and every person does death differently.

Doing Death Differently?

How are we

Looking out for the small surprises in life.