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This episode shares the powerful story of Diane Cordell, a woman whose entire life has been shaped by the presence of death, and her commitment to helping others understand and cope with it. From growing up in a family where death was never a taboo topic to serving in the Air Force and later becoming a trailblazing detective sergeant in the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Diane’s journey is deeply connected to grief, trauma, and healing.

Diane was introduced to death early in life, her grandfather and father were both morticians, so conversations about loss were natural in her home. After serving in the Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force, she entered law enforcement, where she worked for 27 years. Her time in homicide shaped her deeply, as she handled some of the most painful aspects of death, including sudden loss, suicides, and the task of notifying families. She was one of the first women in her office and helped build systems of support and crisis management, all while staying grounded in compassion and fairness.

Her stories reflect the reality of how death affects families, how closure brings healing, and how important it is to talk about death honestly. Diane’s reflections are not only a tribute to her career but also a reminder of the emotional labor behind this kind of work. Diane’s wisdom is a gift. Her story encourages listeners to embrace the truth that death is a part of life and that healing often begins with a conversation.

To learn more about death doula work, grief, or end-of-life planning, visit Jill McClennen’s website or listen to more episodes of Seeing Death Clearly.

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