About the Organization
We are an international collective of compassionate individuals dedicated to supporting those who are aging, nearing the end of life, and grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as the grief associated with other life situations. Our mission is to ease the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges that come with death, dying, and major life transitions.
One of the ways we do this is by offering structured support around traditional prayers and rituals that help honor the lives of those who have passed. By guiding families and caregivers through these practices, we aim to create a space of peace and meaning during a deeply vulnerable time. Death is often seen as one of the most mysterious and feared parts of the human experience, and we believe that by offering accessible tools, resources, and guidance, we can help people face it with a greater sense of courage, clarity, and connection.
Our work is not limited to grief related to physical death—it also embraces the broader spectrum of grief that arises from other significant losses and transitions. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the loss of independence due to aging or illness, or the profound changes brought on by caregiving, retirement, or relocation, these experiences can deeply affect individuals and families.
We provide resources and support to help people navigate these changes with resilience and compassion. By acknowledging and honoring all forms of grief, we contribute to the emotional well-being of individuals and the overall harmony of our communities. Easing the burdens on both the elderly and those who support them creates a more inclusive and sustainable environment where people of all ages can feel seen, supported, and connected.
Who We Are
Hi, I’m Elly van der Pas, the president of Blue Sky Friends.
I have long had an interest in lifetime transitions, how to approach them, how to make them meaningful, and how to support others through transition. As I’ve recently entered my 70’s, I am naturally focusing more on the need for helping our neighbors and fellow earth-dwellers especially during sickness and in later years. Blue Sky Friends is a natural outcome of this kind of caring, and we have assembled a group of dedicated friends to help. It is our hope this way to make our world a little better.
Hi, I’m Gail Deutsch, vice president and treasurer of Blue Sky Friends.
For many years, I have worked closely with the elderly—as a caregiver, a companion, and a chaplain. This connection has remained strong throughout my life, and it feels only natural that it led to the creation of this nonprofit, alongside others who share the same vision. Blue Sky Friends is dedicated to serving those in transition, especially individuals in their later years, though our mission is not limited by age. Through this work, we hope to bring peace, comfort, and healing to many—across generations and around the world.
Hi, I am Añjali Nicole Vigna, facilitator of Compassionate Support Services.
Each of us in this human experience, will come to face challenging times in our lives along the way, and knowing that there is a safe place to turn to that offers compassionate support at no cost can be of great comfort. Blue Sky Friends' non-profit organization aims at providing mindfully curated services and resources to our international community of friends who reach out to us for timely support.
I feel very honored and privileged to have been invited to be a part of Blue Sky Friends and am deeply grateful to have this unique opportunity to be of service to you and your loved ones when it is needed the most.