Press

Death Positive Meet-ups are providing safe spaces for taboo topics- St. Louis on the Air, October 14, 2022
Tracy’s take on the life of Barbara Bush, and dealing with death on her own terms. Post Dispatch and Union Leader, April 30, 2018 – by Blythe Bernhard.

TEDx Jefferson College- April 20, 2018- In her presentation, Tracy Gomillion, Adjunct Professor of Sociology and Founder of The Willow Foundation discusses how dying became a commercial enterprise, and how the rising cost of a good death is a major societal problem. She then discusses how that process can become a more affirming, meaningful and affordable experience for both the person dying and the family left behind.
“Most people don’t want to die in hospitals, but most people do,” she said. Death has become so medicalized and removed from our home lives, Gomillion said. Funerals are too expensive for many families, and she sees people from across age groups wanting to reclaim control over their end-of-life issues.” Aisha Sultan. “Wr ite your own obit, plan your funeral: How to have a good death.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 25, 2018. The latest Post-Dispatch article in which our founder is interviewed regarding what makes a good death.
Our founder speaks to T he St. Louis Ethical Society. Check out her talk on the Ethical Society of St. Louis podcast here.
Tracy appears on Episode 423 of Stay Tuned with Casey Nolen on 9 Network! The panel discusses end of life care, aging, and death.

“People who go to Death Café meetings don’t have a morbid fascination with death, just an interest in planning and discussing end-of-life issues, said those who attended a recent meeting at Café Ventana in St. Louis. The discussions are more empowering than depressing.” Blythe Bernhard. “Welcome to Death Cafe: A place to discuss end-of-life decisions.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 27, 2016.