Horror-themed Ontario coffee house hosts monthly Death Cafes.

Christine Smith, a certified Death Doula, leads monthly Death Cafes at Coffin Creek Café in Courtice to offer informal, judgment-free conversations about death and grief; the series began in September and its fifth session is scheduled for January 20.

Coffin Creek Café, a horror-themed coffee house in Courtice, Ontario, is hosting monthly Death Cafes where people gather to talk about death, grief and dying over coffee. Christine Smith, a certified Death Doula, leads the sessions and describes them as informal, judgment-free conversations for people at different stages of grief or curiosity about mortality. The series began in September and organizers report a mix of participants and mostly positive reception. Key details: - Christine Smith is a Certified Death Doula who provides companionship, grief support and assistance with care planning and legacy work at the Death Cafes. - The Death Cafes began in September; attendance has ranged from three to eight people, and the fifth session is scheduled for January 20. - Coffin Creek Café is decorated with a horror theme and hosts the gatherings on King St. E. in Courtice. Summary: The gatherings provide a calm, communal space for conversations about end-of-life topics and legacy, and participants report feelings of relief and connection. The next scheduled session in the series is on January 20.