No one should have to die alone — not a person, and not a beloved animal.
Mourning Drums was created by Maren Turner, PhD, MA, MS, as a space where humans and companion animals are honored with tenderness, ritual, and rhythm.
Why Mourning Drums Exists
I come to this work as someone who has lived the ache of loss. I have held the hands of people I loved as they died, and I have felt the quiet, devastating grief of losing pets who were part of my daily rhythm and family. I am certified through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, allowing me to better support individuals and families grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
Those experiences shaped my belief that death should never be met with isolation, confusion, or silence. Mourning Drums is my way of honoring those I have lost while creating the kind of support, presence, and ritual that people often need most during life’s final transitions.
A Life of Service, Care, and Community
I have spent my career at the intersection of human behavior, public service, and compassionate care. Before becoming an end-of-life doula, I worked as a lobbyist and earned a PhD in behavioral psychology.
I have taught graduate courses in Death & Dying, sponsored community Death Cafés, facilitated Caring Conversations, and served on the Board of Midland Hospice. Over time, I realized that what mattered most was not policy or theory alone — it was people, presence, and making sure no one faces their final moments without support.
Training and Approach
My doula training through the International End-of-Life Doula Association deepened my commitment to dignity, ritual, legacy, and emotional grounding.
I am also certified through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, allowing me to better support individuals and families grieving the loss of a beloved pet.
Rhythm, Ritual, and Remembrance
Across the world, the sound of a drum has long brought people together to honor life’s most meaningful moments. At Mourning Drums, the drum is not an instrument in my practice, but a symbol of the heartbeat that connects us all.
The drumbeat featured on this website serves as a gentle reminder of life’s rhythm: the love we share, the memories we create, and the legacy that remains after a life has been lived. As an end-of-life doula, I offer compassionate support, presence, and guidance for individuals and families, helping them navigate this sacred transition with dignity and care.
Together, we make space for life’s final beat.
The Meaning Behind the Mourning Drums Logo
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The Mourning Drums logo honors the universal language of rhythm and its sacred role in remembering and celebrating those who have passed. Inspired by drumming traditions from around the world, the emblem features a harmonious collection of percussion instruments, including the djembe, ngoma, slit drum, beopgo, and taiko. Together, they symbolize the shared human experiences of grief, remembrance, healing, and connection.
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Framed within a timeless arch representing reverence, community, and belonging, the design reflects the heart of Mourning Drums' tagline and mission: Making Space for Life's Final Beat. The earth-inspired color palette carries its own meaning, with orange honoring the celebration of life, yellow representing remembrance, and green symbolizing spiritual continuity and renewal.
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By bringing together diverse cultural traditions in a respectful and unified design, the logo embodies a commitment to creating compassionate spaces where stories are shared, lives are honored, and communities gather to support one another through life's final journey.
Whether you are preparing for a vigil, grieving a companion animal, or navigating the emotional terrain of loss, Mourning Drums is a place where life’s final beat is honored with dignity.
Maren Turner, PhD, MA, MS
A Place to Be Held, Heard, and Supported
