Death and dying can be difficult to talk about, but the ways we commemorate those we have lost are among the most personal and meaningful expressions of our humanity. Across cultures and time, funerary practices help people celebrate those that have passed on and strengthen our connections with each other.
Join us for an evening that blends presentation and conversation as we welcome Evergreen Memorial’s Family Service Directors Samantha Berard and Rebekah David. This death cafe-style event inspired by Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery invites you to explore the many ways we can commemorate our loved ones and consider what you may want done with your body when you reach life’s inevitable conclusion.
The evening will include a short presentation, an open Q&A with Berard and David, and group discussions with other attendees to consider your own last wishes, explore end-of-life’s big questions, and reflect on how remembrance can foster connection and healing.
Bios:
Samantha Berard
Samantha is a Family Service Director with Evergreen Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. With a background in funeral directing and embalming, she returned to the profession after spending time in the United Kingdom, bringing a unique perspective to conversations around death, grief, and pre-planning. Samantha is passionate about finding creative and engaging ways to connect these conversations with diverse communities and demographics, helping make end-of-life discussions more approachable and meaningful.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys curating cocktails with unique ingredients and flavour combinations to inspire new experiences and perspectives, participating in her monthly litter club in different communities, and exploring what makes Edmonton special.
Rebekah David
Rebekah David is a mother of two, an arts enthusiast, and an active member of Edmonton's live music community. With more than 20 years of experience as a Family Service Director, she has supported individuals and families through loss, remembrance, and some of life's most meaningful moments.
A passionate advocate for pre-planning, Rebekah has guided thousands of families in making thoughtful decisions ahead of time. She believes pre-planning can ease the burden on loved ones and become a meaningful gift of love, care, and peace of mind.
One of Rebekah's greatest strengths is helping people feel comfortable approaching conversations that may otherwise feel difficult or overwhelming. She brings warmth, compassion, genuine curiosity, and a natural ability to put people at ease, creating a welcoming space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, questions, and experiences around death and dying.