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Death Cafe on World Labyrinth Day – May 2, 2026
From:
Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, Funeral Expert Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, Funeral Expert
For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, May 2, 2026

 

Labyrinth at La Puerta

A Death Cafe will take place on May 2, 2026, which is World Labyrinth Day at La Puerta Natural Burial Ground. Located south and east of Belen, it is New Mexico’s only Green Burial Council Certified natural burial ground. They also have a labyrinth designed by death educator Jane Westbrook.

This event offers a rare opportunity for the public to learn about green burial practices while participating in a day of reflection, education, and connection in a serene, natural landscape.

Schedule of Events:

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Death Café
Led by pioneering death educators Gail Rubin and Jane Westbrook
An open, respectful group discussion about death and living meaningfully (not a grief support session).

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Labyrinth Walk
A shared walking meditation for peace, held in coordination with global World Labyrinth Day observances.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Green Burial Demonstration
Led by Bryan Beard and Claire McFadyen, owners of La Puerta Natural Burial Ground
Includes natural burial practices, grave decoration, a planting demonstration, and an opportunity to leave a note for a loved one.

Directions:
See the Directions Page for details on accessing the burial ground: https://www.naturalburialnewmexico.com/directions.html

What to Bring

To ensure you have a comfortable experience, it is recommended to bring the following:

  • Hydration: Please bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated is essential in this environment.
  • Snacks or lunch: La Puerta will be providing light snacks with tea and coffee for the Death Cafe portion of the event. However, since the event runs through the midday hours, please bring a sack lunch or snacks to enjoy during the transition between the Death Cafe and the Labyrinth Walk. 
  • Sun & Weather Protection: The burial ground is an open, high-desert landscape. It is recommended to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and wear sunscreen. A light windbreaker or layers are also recommended as spring weather at La Puerta can be unpredictable.
  • Sturdy Footwear: You will be walking on uneven, naturally surfaced trails. Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are highly encouraged.

Pioneering death educator and Death Cafe host Gail Rubin will be there to facilitate the Death Cafe discussion and offer her books for sale.

Gail Rubin, CT, is author and host of the award-winning book and television series, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die, Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and TipsKICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die and The Before I Die Festival in a Box™.

Rubin is a Certified Thanatologist (that's a death educator) and a popular speaker who uses humor and films to get the end-of-life and funeral planning conversation started. She "knocked 'em dead" with her TEDx talk, A Good Goodbye. She provides continuing education credit classes for attorneys, doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice workers, financial planners, funeral directors and other professionals. She's a Certified Funeral Celebrant and funeral planning consultant who has been interviewed in national and local print, broadcast and online media.

Known as The Doyenne of Death®, she is the event coordinator of the Before I Die New Mexico Festival and author of a guide to holding such festivals. Her podcast is also called The Doyenne of Death®. She produces videos about the funeral business and related topics. Her YouTube Channel features hundreds of videos!

Rubin is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, Toastmasters International and the National Speakers Association. Her speaking profile is available at eSpeakers.com.

Gail Rubin has been interviewed about funeral planning issues in national and local broadcast, print and online media. Outlets include The Huffington Post, Money Magazine, Kiplinger, CBS Radio News, WGN-TV,  and local affiliates for NPR, PBS, FOX, ABC-TV, CBS-TV and NBC-TV. Albuquerque Business First named her as one of their 2019 Women of Influence.

Sign up for a free planning form and occasional informative newsletter at her website, AGoodGoodbye.com.

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News Media Interview Contact
Name: Gail Rubin
Group: A Good Goodbye
Dateline: Albuquerque, NM United States
Direct Phone: 505-265-7215
Cell Phone: 505-363-7514
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