A Vermont reporter-turned-advocate spreads the gospel of dying well

Many people's last memories of their loved ones are also the most lasting. Events that occur in the final days leading up to the death of a friend or family member can be a graceful coda on a well-lived life - or an aching wound that never fully heals. When Stephen Kiernan reflects on his parents' last days, he sees opposite ends of a spectrum ranging from "tragedy in slow motion" to "a beautiful death.

Vermont's hospice choruses deliver deathbed serenades

At a recent Thursday night rehearsal in a meeting room at Christ Church Presbyterian, the Noyana Singers look like any other singing group. The 21 men and women of all ages sit in a circle. They carry black binders full of songs. They do warm-up exercises.

But when organizer Camilla Rockwell starts making announcements about upcoming performances, it's clear that this is a different kind of chorus.