About Addie
Hello, I’m Addie Gengenbach, the death doula behind Moonlit Moth Doula Services.
My Journey
I’ve always been curious about death, transitions, and the mysteries of the afterlife. One of my earliest memories is a conversation with my mom about what happens after we die. I was seven years old and full of questions that I’ve been exploring ever since.
I grew up spending time in nursing homes and volunteering with people experiencing homelessness, guided by my compassionate mother who taught me to listen deeply, hold space without judgment, and honor each person’s story. Legacy work has also been a part of my life from a young age. I loved capturing the stories of my elders, interviewing my parents and grandparents, and learning from my great aunt, who spent over 40 years tracing our family’s genealogy. These experiences, along with my own encounters with grief, shaped my path toward walking alongside others during some of life’s most tender and difficult moments.
Work & Philosophy
As a death doula and grief worker, I offer presence, companionship, and planning support for those nearing the end of life and for their loved ones. I believe death is both ordinary and extraordinary. It’s an inevitable part of life and a sacred passage filled with meaning. To me, dying is not only an ending but also a profound transformation, a kind of birth into something new.
I also recognize that the culture of death and dying in America often falls short of what people deserve. Death itself, as a topic, is hidden and taboo for many. Too often, families face this transition without enough compassion or support. My work is part of a larger movement to change that by creating spaces where people can die with dignity, comfort, and loving attention, and where their loved ones are supported in navigating the immense changes that follow.
My Values
Honoring wholeness – I value the sacredness of each person in their full humanity, holding space for the entirety of their experience.
Listening & presence – I offer deep presence and listening, not to fix or change, but simply to be with people and translate their needs and desires into tangible support.
Compassion – I show up with care and non-judgment, respecting people exactly as they are and honoring their unique journey.
Empowerment & education – I believe in sharing resources and information so that people understand their options and can make choices with autonomy and confidence.
Why Moonlit Moth?
In recent years, my spiritual journey has deepened my connection to ceremony, ritual, and nature. Gardening, in particular, has taught me that death is not something to fear but a natural rhythm of life. Like the seasons, death and rebirth move through us, offering beauty, mystery, and transformation.
I named my practice Moonlit Moth because of the symbolism moths and the moon hold for me. Moths, drawn to light with quiet persistence, feel like carriers of messages from beyond. The moon—with her shifting phases—reminds me that even when we reveal only parts of ourselves, we remain whole. Both moths and the moon speak to the cycles of life, death, and renewal, inviting us to embrace these natural comings and goings with reverence.
It is my honor to walk beside others in these threshold times, offering grounded support, deep listening, and respect for the profound mystery of life and death.
Education & Certifications
Let’s Talk
Click the link below to schedule a free 30-minute conversation with me so we can discover if we’re a good fit to work together and what you or your family’s needs are.
Contact me
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to inquire about working with me. Looking forward to connecting with you.