About Me
My name is Tara Blessinger, and I founded Purple Iris End of Life Services from a place of deep personal understanding and heartfelt commitment. Having lost my father—who was killed in action while serving in the Air Force when I was a child—and later my stepfather, a retired Army helicopter pilot who died of cancer, I know firsthand the weight of grief and the complexities that come with losing a loved one. These experiences have shaped my ability to be present with others in their pain and have helped me become comfortable with death as a natural, meaningful part of life.
I bring this understanding to my work as a death doula. A military veteran, mother, and advocate for compassionate service, I believe deeply in showing up—fully and without judgment—especially in moments of vulnerability.
I hold a Master of Education and a Master of Business Administration, and I’ve spent the last two decades in service-based leadership roles. I’ve received doula training through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), and I continue to deepen my understanding of both contemporary and traditional approaches to death and dying.
Purple Iris reflects my core values: compassion, reliability, and integrity. It is an honor to walk beside those facing the end of life and to hold space for this sacred process in whatever form it takes.
At Purple Iris, I believe that everyone deserves compassionate end-of-life support, regardless of their circumstances. I proudly offer pro-bono services for low-income and homeless veterans as a small way of honoring their service and ensuring they receive the dignity and care they deserve. If you or someone you know may qualify, please reach out—I’m here to help.
What is a Death Doula?
A death doula is a non-medical support professional who provides emotional and practical care to individuals and their loved ones as they navigate the end-of-life process. I offer a calm, compassionate presence -helping to ease fear and uncertainty by thoroughly explaining the dying process, facilitating meaningful conversations, honoring personal values and rituals, and creating space for an intentional and supported transition. My services include advanced care planning, vigil sitting, legacy projects, caregiver support, and helping families navigate grief and closure. As a death doula, my role is to walk alongside – not to fix or direct – but to witness, support and hold space with compassion and integrity.
Scope of Practice
As a death doula, my role is to provide non-medical, holistic support to individuals and families before, during, and after death. My work is grounded in deep compassion, attentive presence, and respect for each person’s unique needs, values, and beliefs. I do not replace the care of medical, hospice, or mental health professionals, but instead complement those services by offering emotional support, practical guidance, and spiritual companionship throughout the end-of-life process.
I assist with advance care planning, life review and legacy projects, vigil planning and presence, caregiver support, and grief integration. I honor personal and cultural rituals, help create calming environments, and facilitate conversations around death, dying, and what matters most. I do not perform clinical tasks, diagnose conditions, or make medical decisions. My purpose is to walk alongside—not lead—ensuring that each person’s final chapter is approached with dignity, presence, and love.