About
I am a trained and certified end-of-life doula through the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA and certified through the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). I am also trained in Healing Touch. I’ve gained insightful perspective through my work with clients in the Twin Cities, as well as through staff from Fairview Hospice, Heartland Hospice, N.C. Little Hospice and Our Lady of Peace Hospice. I am one of the founding members of the Minnesota Death Collaborative, an invaluable resource for end-of-life support in Minnesota.
In 2020 I was featured on a national blog and in the Minneapolis Star Tribune highlighting a day in the life of an end-of-life doula. You can also hear about my role on the Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio.
I served as a doula to my mother who chose to use VSED, Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking, to hasten her death due to her Alzheimer’s disease. Our experiences have been featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune and with Cathy Wurzer on MPR, a selected top story on Minnesota Now, Best of 2023. To learn more about my mother’s story, read her website.
My sister - a well-known Twin Cities birth doula, Sarah Longacre - and I were guests on the nationally acclaimed We’re Not Fine podcast where we shared our journey alongside our mother’s decision to VSED, as well as our experiences as doulas on both sides of life (birth and death).
My role as an end-of-life doula is one I hold with honor and humility. I regularly speak about end-of-life and/or VSED doula support to local or out-of-state communities.
Testimonials
July 2022 - My husband was diagnosed with a degenerative and fatal brain disease, and having watched his mom suffer and eventually die from the same disease, he wanted to be able to leave this life on his own terms. As he started to experience symptoms, we felt helpless, and had no idea how to navigate his wishes. Then a friend sent me an article about Wendy and her mom. The article talked about VSED, the choice to voluntarily stop eating and drinking.
January 2020 - Our family was so blessed to have Wendy in our lives as my husband went through a rapid health decline following a fairly successful two year treatment for advanced cancer. I had attended an end of life seminar Wendy led and knew of her intelligent and thoughtful manner through previous unrelated opportunities to work together. When we knew there were no more treatment options available, we began home hospice care and engaged Wendy to help our family navigate this final journey together. Wendy was with us as initial hospice meetings were held, guiding the conversations to
March 2024 - It is with my highest recommendation that I reflect and write this recommendation for Wendy Longacre Brown and her service as an End of Life Death Doula. When my dad was ready to leave his skilled care facility in July of 2023, it was because he could no longer endure the deterioration of his mind, body, and soul to the disease that was progressively taking his life and he wanted to go home. Several months earlier, he had made a plan to do VSED when the time comes and he prepared by putting his wishes in writing and making a video of his intentions. We had learned about Wendy through her own story, that she bravely shared about supporting her mother through VSED. At that time, my dad
March 2021 - It is a gift to reflect on your life and take stock in the path you set down on this earth, and for many reasons, it's better not to wait until you're in your last stretch. Wendy is nurturing a relationship with my parents at an age and stage where the past is still fresh in their minds, and they can take stock and feel so much joy looking back and sharing their funny and meaningful stories with her. We are so grateful for this recording of their life—it is a gift that is beyond value. Megan K.
June 2018 - Navigating a terminal illness alongside a loved one is possibly the most difficult thing someone can endure. As the primary caregiver and spouse to my dying young husband, I found myself in a deep sea of grief, consumed with managing the grief of our children, my husband’s sorrow and the pain of our family and friends. Towards the end, when my husband was put on hospice, it was time to accept the inevitable…Heidi H.
October 2022 - Wendy approaches each care relationship with her highly developed intuition and her gentle tenderness. This partners well with her knowledge, wisdom and spirituality. Compassion is in her DNA. She would be my first choice for the care of my loved ones. Denny S.
June 2019 - From the moment Wendy entered our lives, she brought a serene and peaceful aura to my Mom, as well as to me and my sisters. She has an incredible ability to bring calm to a stressful situation. My Mom always enjoyed her time with Wendy, whether talking about her past or talking about her fears about dying. Wendy really was the only person who was able to talk about end of life with my Mom in a way that was more calming than stressful. Wendy truly helped my Mom find calm and peace, especially in her last couple of weeks of life... Kari P.
October 2018 - At first we were hesitant to have a Doula come into our house as we didn't really understand how this would benefit my husband who was in Hospice at home. After talking to Wendy Brown as she explained how she can be helpful to us through David's end of life process, we welcomed her in to our home. She suggested to Dave that she help him write his Life Legacy and Dave liked the idea. Wendy made several visits to interview Dave, our son Cole and myself. Wendy's comforting presence and encouraging words made this all possible. David shared his life story and Wendy helped him through the process with her tenderness and patience. It was an incredible experience for all of us. After David passed, Cole and I decided to read David's Life Legacy at the funeral. Thank you, Wendy, for helping all of us through this heartfelt journey. Mary S.
March 2022 - Having to deal with a parent who is ill and who is not long for this world can be an exhausting and lonely experience. When Wendy first mentioned to me how she could help I immediately invited her to come visit with my mother, and what a blessing she has been. With Wendy’s weekly visits with my mother we all of a sudden felt much more calm and accepting of the dying process…Zelda C.
July 2024 - I would like to share a few words about the wonderful work done by Wendy Brown. Wendy is a tremendously compassionate and knowledgeable doula. Last summer, my husband fell seriously ill. After a few months in the hospital, it was determined that he would not recover from his illness. He wanted to come home, so I arranged home hospice care for him. With the help of the hospice staff and additional caregivers, he received excellent care.
Fogo Head Trail on Fogo Island, Newfoundland