Meet Lynne-Anne

My Why

While standing at the bedside of my 32 year old niece, staring at the monitors that were keeping her alive, I got this inexplicable and very deep sense of calm. I felt absolutely present, mindful, and completely in tune to her and her still body. Her friends and our family had all gathered to be with her. She was dying. Then it happened, her heart stopped and time stood still. I was still, we all were still, fully aware that she had just passed. I found myself first taking a moment to simply be with her in this stillness, and then looked up and walked to each person, non-verbally checking in, being open and willing to help if anyone signaled a need; offering a hug if they wanted one. I felt oddly in my “element”, a new sense of purpose was forming.

It is this experience that helped me realize what I am supposed to do with my life. And that is to be with the terminally ill during this rich, intense and intimate time in their lives. It’s all about being fully present, discovering and providing what they need, offering an ear or caressing a hand. It’s also about being there for the loved one, the care giver and offering support in ways that will help them achieve peace-of-mind. I feel as though this vocation is a culmination of all of my life’s work. I worked as an American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf for over 30 years, earned my MA in Spiritual Psychology, and for the past 7 years I have worked as a Life Coach with our company A Better You, Inc.

I had never heard of an End of Life Doula, but was so moved by the experience of my niece’s transition, I researched it and discovered the profession and subsequently was certified through what I believe to be the best EOLD training available: Doulagivers, lead by Suzanne O’Brien Hospice RN. Nothing has ever felt more true to me than to step into this line of work. It is an honor and a privilege.

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Lynne-Anne resides in Southern NH with her husband Dr. John McGrail. John is the author of The Synthesis Effect, Your Direct Path to Personal Power and Transformation. Lynne-Anne is a confessed tree hugger and true lover of nature and turtles. She and John enjoy camping, hiking, boating and sitting still in the beauty and perfection of nature.

“I met Lynne-Anne McGrail through Agape Hospice and Palliative Care in Torrance CA, where she is an End of Life Doula/volunteer. She is extremely unique in all the world and perfect for the work she does. She is thoughtful, creative and very loving. Having her by my bedside (and then later on the phone 4-5 times a week because she could not visit in person due to COVID 19) she brings such joy and calm to my life, especially on days when I am not doing so well.  She helps me with visualizations that bring peace and calm to my ailing body. She’s gets an A for her ability to listen.  I am truly grateful for her. Thank you Lynne-Anne.”    

- Elizabeth C. Lomita CA