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My work began with... 

These are projects I was blessed to be apart of and honored to have worked with these wonderful likeminded DeathCare workers and journalists. My journey originally started in 2006 and has come full circle to now, here in the high desert where my passion for this work was originally inspired and will continue to thrive as Happy Trails Funeral Parlor.  DIY DYING or Design It Yourself Dying, as it was originally called. Is the thought or design I wanted to bring to the work I do with the families I am blessed to assist. Guiding those in need at one of life's most difficult times with resources, expert advise, and service with compassion, allowing for them to create their own End of Life Experience, if you will. 

Happy Trails Funeral Parlor

09/25/2023

Certified death midwife to open eco-friendly funeral parlor at historic Apple Valley Inn.

09/23/2023

Eco Friendly Funeral Facility plans to open at Apple Valley Inn

https://www.vvng.com/eco-friendly-funeral-facility-plans-to-open-at-apple-valley-inn/

Article written by: Rene Ray De La Cruz for Victor Valley News Group 09/18/2023

Apple Valley Inn Location
Human Composting

Sep 29 2022

California Legalizes
Human Composting for 
‘Green’ Burial Alternative

"Assembly Bill 351 signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, will create a state regulatory process for natural organic reduction better known as human composting—a burial method in which human remains naturally decompose. Up until now, DIY has partnered with Herland Forest in Washington... "

https://dot.la/human-composting-price-ca-2658357270.html

dot.LA is Temporarily Closed/Not avalilable

Featuring Shawn LaValleur-Adame 

By Decerry Donato       

OCT. 10, 2022

Human Composting to Arrive in California by 2027

"Natural organic reduction, otherwise known as human composting, will be legal in California come 2027, thanks to recent legislation. Previously Long Beach-based, now Apple valley-based DIY Dying, a customized before and after death-care service, is one company that is already partnering with others to provide human composting"

https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/human-composting-to-arrive-in-california-by-2027/

Los Angeles Business Journal 

Featuring - Funerals with

Shawn LaValleur-Adame

BY ANTONIO PEQUEÑO IV. 

Composted soil
Eternal-Meadow-cemetery.jpg

Green burials adapt to protect ‘death care’ workers in the time of pandemic

The Gila Herald  

Your trusted source for news of the Gila Valley and more.   

May 8, 2020 - by News Director

To Read more visit: 

https://gilaherald.com/green-burials-adapt-to-protect-death-care-workers-in-the-time-of-pandemic/

Featuring Shawn LaValleur Adame

By Sarah Donahue/Cronkite News

2018

WHENYOUDIE.ORG

Shawn talks with Kelly about Lunar Burial, Full Body Burial at Sea, and her  reasons for creating DIY Dying. To listen visit: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/when-you-die/episodes/DIY-Dying-Funeral-Director-Shawn-LaValleur-Adame--Unorthodox-Burial-Methods-e3emn0/a-a1bjhad

When you die podcast
Behind the Red Tape

Behind the red tape: Disposition, Ceremony & Legacy Planning as part of the Worldwide ReImagine Festival Part II

Shawn joins Jill Schock, Stefanie Elkins, Caitlin Morgan, Megan CarMichael, and Rebecca Goldfarb again to bring you more information and time for Q & A.

To listen visit: https://youtu.be/6_Bq3Y3Oz0o

Behind the red tape: Disposition, Ceremony & Legacy Planning as part
of the Worldwide ReImagine Festival part I

Shawn joins Jill Schock, Stefanie Elkins, Caitlin Morgan, Megan CarMichael, and Rebecca Goldfarb as the A-Team, sharing information for those planning the EOL wishes. Shawn speaks on Disposition options in the US, more specifically here in California.  

To listen visit: https://youtu.be/AYWGN_a5QTY

The Ateam of EOL Planning
Shawn lying in state_edited_edited.jpg

Doulas can help guide the way

Audio clip of Shawn LaValleur Adame under Discussion with a Doula

To Read more visit: 

https://uscstoryspace.com/2022-2023/cplucas/Fall_Midterm/

Featuring Shawn LaValleur Adame

By Colton Lucas

Treehugger

New York Expands Green Burial Options With Human Composting

Published January 10, 2023 02:00PM EST

To read more visit: 

https://www.treehugger.com/new-york-green-burial-human-composting-7093268

Featuring Shawn LaValleur Adame 

by Michael d'Estries

Composted Soil in hands.jpg
Spaceflight Celestis.jfif

Shawn speaks on having sent ashes to the moon while working with Argos Funeral Services before starting her own business. 

To view here: https://youtu.be/vhxFqeAD1H4?si=nlS9-iSAQGtsyHQK

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