About Circles of Grief

Circles Of Grief Volunteer Supporters
Back Row (L-R): Yvette Després, Odette Gaudet, Anita Dugas, Vivian Fahey
Front Row: Holly Comeau, Joan Tufts

Meet Our Volunteer Supporters

Our team is qualified to provide emotional support in both group settings and individual sessions for adults, teens, and children. We are also equipped to conduct informal assessments and, when appropriate, make referrals to professional services to ensure that individuals receive the level of care they need.

Whether you're attending a monthly group or seeking one-on-one support, know that our Volunteer Supporters are here to offer a safe, respectful, and understanding space to help you carry your grief — not alone, but together.

With over 47 years in the health care field, Joan has spent her life helping others — a commitment she continues as a Volunteer Supporter.

After the loss of her husband, Joan came to understand the complexity of grief and the importance of connection. Sharing her own story became a way to offer comfort and hope to others walking a similar path.

She now offers a compassionate presence, creating space for shared stories and quiet support, and reminding others they don’t have to grieve alone.

Joan Tufts

Coordinator / Volunteer Supporter

Retired from Canada Post since 2015, Anita has found renewed purpose through volunteering after the heartbreaking loss of both her husband and her son.

Grief support groups brought her comfort and healing when she needed it most. Knowing that someone was there to listen made a meaningful difference during the hardest times.

Now, as a Volunteer Supporter, she offers that same compassion to others, creating a space where those in mourning feel heard, understood, and never alone.a

Anita Dugas

Volunteer Supporter

Holly has spent her life caring for others — as a babysitter, teacher’s aide, mother, and proud grandmother.

In 2021, Holly’s world changed forever with the sudden loss of her eldest daughter. The heartbreak was profound, but with the ongoing support of her husband, her youngest daughter, extended family, and close friends, she began to navigate the long and painful path of grief.

Grief groups gave her a space to speak openly and feel understood. Now, as a Volunteer Supporter, Holly offers that same space to others, helping them share their stories and reminding them that healing begins in community.

Holly Comeau

Volunteer Supporter

Odette’s first experience with grief came as a teenager, when she lost close friends and found comfort in the support of her mother. That early encounter showed her the power of being cared for through sorrow.

Later in life, the loss of her own mother was deeply painful, a daily ache softened by the support of family and friends.

Now, as a Volunteer Supporter, Odette offers that same care to others, ensuring no one has to face grief alone.

Odette Gaudet

Volunteer Supporter

Vivian has a background in the health field and a strong personal interest in mental health. She has supported family through difficult times and values the power of quiet presence.

Her own grief journey includes the end of her marriage, raising four children as a single parent, and the loss of close family members. She also witnessed her mother’s lifelong grief after losing a child.

Now, as a Volunteer Supporter, Vivian offers empathy and steady support, creating space for others to feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Vivian Fahey

Volunteer Supporter

Yvette is a mother of four and grandmother to five young children. After retiring from a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher, she felt called to continue supporting others in a meaningful way.

Having lost several loved ones, she understands the deep pain of grief and the comfort that comes from being supported. The empathy she received during her own journey inspired her to give back.

As a Volunteer Supporter, Yvette offers a kind, non-judgmental presence. Her goal is to help others feel less alone as they navigate their own path through loss.

Yvette Després

Volunteer Supporter