On this episode of The Small Town Tourist Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sandy Doyle, a retired cemetery counselor and the author of My Life at the Cemetery, It’s Not as Dead as You Think. Our conversation was unlike any other, offering a unique perspective on life, death, and the ways community service can uplift those around us. Sandy’s fascinating journey through her years working in a cemetery gave me, and I hope you too, some profound insights into how we can live more fully by embracing the reality of death.
Lessons from Life at the Cemetery
Sandy spent years working as a cemetery counselor, and her stories from that time are full of wisdom and unexpected humor. As she shared with me, death is a universal experience, but that doesn’t mean we’re always prepared for it. In fact, Sandy stressed how important it is to plan for death as we would for any other significant life event. It’s something that often gets pushed to the side, but the conversations she had with families who were dealing with loss really drove home how meaningful preparation can be.
Her book captures these stories, offering not just reflections on death, but also on love, connection, and spirituality. She said that spirituality is often a significant aspect of how people process death, and each person’s approach is deeply personal. This led to some truly enlightening moments in our conversation, as we discussed how death often leads to deeper contemplation about the meaning of life.
Finding Humor in the Uncertain
One thing that surprised me was Sandy’s lighthearted take on such a serious subject. She shared that many families she worked with would approach death in unexpected, and sometimes humorous, ways. These stories were a reminder that even in the face of sadness, there is room for laughter and joy, which helps people cope and remember the happier times shared with their loved ones.
Sandy emphasized that life is too short to dwell on negativity, and that there’s always an opportunity to find the positive, even in the most challenging situations. Her message of love and connection after death is a powerful one—reminding us that relationships don’t end with death, they just change.
The Power of Community Service
Our conversation also took an inspiring turn when Sandy spoke about her involvement with Optimist International, an organization focused on positivity and community engagement. Through her work with Optimist, Sandy has been able to continue spreading hope and support to those who need it most. She believes strongly in the importance of giving back to your community, especially in small towns where everyone’s contributions can make a big difference.
Her role with Optimist International aligns perfectly with her message that love, service, and connection are the true legacies we leave behind. In both life and death, it’s the impact we have on others that truly matters.
After chatting with Sandy, I left feeling inspired to live with more intention and to appreciate the time we have. Death may be a certainty, but it’s also a reminder to make the most of every moment. Whether through her stories from the cemetery or her dedication to community service, Sandy’s message is one of hope, connection, and love.
If you haven’t listened to this episode yet, I highly recommend it! You’ll find yourself reflecting on life in a new way and maybe even laughing along with some of Sandy’s more unexpected stories. And who knows—you might just be inspired to start planning for the future, both in life and beyond.
The Small Town Tourist 
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