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. Over a long lifetime, I have studied worldwide views and practices of Asian as well as western belief systems, including training in hospice work and living in ashrams and monasteries. I have a master’s degree in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and personal experience of living with chronic illness.
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 trained caregiver, companion, as well as training at the Pacific Institute of Essential Conversations as an interfaith chaplain. Prior to and during covid I worked as a hospice chaplain. Before becoming a chaplain I managed a retreat center for meditation. Before that, I participated in a multi-year meditation retreat My connection with elders 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’m Xintian Ie, Board Secretary and Director of the Asian Program at Blue Sky Friends.
Service and volunteering have always been at the heart of my personal and professional journey. Through my work with children, adults, and seniors—particularly those facing pain or challenging circumstances—I have cultivated greater patience, empathy, and understanding of the needs people face at every stage of life. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassion and service.
My commitment to Blue Sky Friends is grounded in the conviction that by working together, we foster not only our own growth but also the well-being and resilience of the communities we serve. I find profound meaning in supporting others, and I look forward to collaborating with more people, believing that every contribution makes a lasting, positive difference for everyone involved.
Hi, I am Añjali Nicole Vigna, facilitator of Compassionate Support Services.
Over the years, I have come to appreciate how each of us, in this human experience, will face challenging times along the way. Knowing that there is a safe place to turn—one that offers compassionate support at no cost—can be a profound comfort when it is needed most.
Through my own experiences of sudden loss, caring for a dying loved one, and walking alongside others in times of heartbreak, I have cultivated a deep empathy for those navigating profound life changes. These moments have also taught me the delicate balance of presence, patience, and compassion that is needed to truly accompany someone on their journey of grief and healing.
I feel deeply honored to be part of the Blue Sky Friends Team and to have this precious opportunity to provide supportive services for you and your loved ones during life’s most difficult times.