Last Updated on January 17, 2026
Death Café
Barbara Johnson, Leader
Patricia Payne, Co-Leader
Paul Rao, additional support
Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson.
Small-group gatherings to eat cake, drink tea, and have open-ended explorations of death. No agenda or themes. Aim is to build comfort with one’s own ideas, expectations, questions, fears, and hopes around one’s own death.
First launched in Switzerland in 2004, Death Cafés have spread to over 90 countries worldwide. They’re offered in a respectful, confidential environment, with no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product, or course of action: just shared refreshments and free-flowing conversation. Some folks are happy with a one-time experience, although many find they want to return for more. The cafés are designed to be repeated as often as desired.
We’re excited to be launching this community conversation around a topic of vital importance that is so easily sidestepped in the course of our everyday lives. Five cafés were held at Charlestown in 2025. Each café accommodates two tables of six people each.
More information about Death Café
| SCHEDULE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Bi-Monthly, 3rd Wednesday | 7 PM | Fireside Gallery |
2026 meeting dates: Jan. 21, Mar. 18, May 20, July 15, Sept. 16, Nov. 18.
Space is limited, so please RSVP with Barbara Johnson in advance!
Death Café at Charlestown Meets August 20
A Death Café is a small gathering for open-ended explorations of our ideas, feelings–and qualms–around death. The agenda is simple (and kind of fun!)
Eat cake – Drink tea – Talk about death
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
7 PM
City Lights
~ Hosted by Barbara Johnson & Pastor Pat Payne ~
Please join us!
To register or for more information, contact Barbara Johnson. Contact information can be found in the Resident Directory, available online in MyErickson.