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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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